In this SLP, we're going to examine the convergent validity of two different personality inventories. By convergent validity, I mean the extent to which they reveal the same information, albeit in different forms.
The first is the so-called Meyer-Briggs Trait Inventory. The actual instrument is proprietary, which means it's not available for free anywhere, not even on the Web. You have to buy it -- and you can't even buy it unless you've gone through a pricey training and certification program. (Aside: Personality testing is a profitable industry that protects its mysteries, and that raises doubts in my mind. Does anybody else smell snake oil? I'm just sayin'... )
In any event, there's a "baby MBTI," called the Reinhold Cognitive Style Inventory, at Reinhold (2011). Please take it, and write down your four-letter personality type. Follow the online links to find out what the type supposedly reveals about your personality.
A second, entirely different instrument assesses your scores on the so-called Big Five traits, to wit:
Extraversion: excitability, sociability, and emotional expressiveness. Think: the Jersey Shore posse.
Agreeableness: trust, altruism, kindness, affection. Think: Barney the Dinosaur.
Neuroticism: anxiety, depression, vulnerability, neediness. Think: Woody Allen.
Openness: appreciation for art, adventure, unusual ideas, and variety. Think: Curious George.
Conscientiousness: self-discipline, dutiful, achievement orientation. Think: Any four-star general or admiral.
According to Big Five theory, which is today's dominant theory, these five traits are adequate to describe any personality. The traits are stable within subjects, and are not highly correlated with each other; for example, it's possible for a person to be high in both extraversion and neuroticism, which would certainly be a trial for his or her friends.
NYT (2011) has a self-scoring Big Five inventory. Please take it, and record your scores on the five traits.
Even though there are different ways of measuring and describing it, every person has one and only one personality. This fact implies that all measures of personality should paint the same picture, although perhaps in different colors, or using different brush strokes. To what extent is this true?
For this SLP, carefully examine the results of your MBTI-type inventory and your Big Five inventory. Describe the similarities and differences between them. Discuss their convergent validity; that is, the extent to which they say the same things about you. And here's a related issue; how accurately and honestly do you think most people are when responding to inventories of this nature? To what extent do our answers reflect what we are, rather than what we'd like to be?
Write up your thoughts in an 800 to 1200 word essay. Support your discussion with at least four sources, suitably cited and referenced.