Big 5 Inventory

Trait theorists tend to rely on objective-style personality assessments and inventories to make determinations about personality. For tomorrow, I'd like you to try out a very brief version of one of these, a Big-Five Inventory. It should only take a few minutes, and we'll discuss your results tomorrow in class.

You can record your results on this form, and there are a couple of additional reflection questions for your consideration as well. Have fun!

Big Five Inventory

On Wednesday our class discussion will focus primarily on the trait theory of personality. In preparation for that discussion, students will be completing an online personality inventory that relies on one of the more popular trait models out there: the Big Five.

To complete the activity, take the Big Five Personality inventory and record your results using this form. You may also wish to print out your results for your own contemplation, but that is up to you. Bring your completed form with you to class on Wednesday, February 13th.

Have fun!

Note: If you do not wish to complete this inventory for yourself, you may opt to use it to rate someone else (a friend or relative). The site allows you to do that. Simply use the results from that (anonymous) other person when completing the form.

An MMPI for your Puppy? Personality Tests for Pets

Bizarre as it seems, personality testing has now crossed the species line. Increasingly, animal shelters are attempting to match potential pet owners with their ideal companions on the basis of canine or feline personality tests. This article, which appeared in TIME Magazine in 2007, sites numerous benefits of the procedure, including fewer dogs and cats being euthanized (a 40% reduction)! For the full article from TIME Magazine, click here.

Psych students, your assignment is to post a comment here after reading this article. And not simply, "Yup, I read it." Some questions to fuel your thinking: If you were in the market for a new canine companion or feline friend, would you want to get information from a pet personality test to help you make your decision? Given how successful these tests seem to be in pets (and, some claim, internet dating sites like eHarmony and Chemistry.com) would you consider using the results from a (human) personality test to help select friends or a date? Are there any drawbacks to our continuing obsession with personality testing (in animals or in humans)?