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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This is a 4 page paper that provides an overview of personality tests. The claim is made that examination of external factors is more illuminating than traditional tests. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Page Count:
4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: KW60_KFprsnlt.doc
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
in order to explain the incidence of that behavior, and possibly predict it. All psychological perspectives and theories ultimately end on this point. Naturally, this has led to some sweeping
generalizations and viewpoints, from Freuds indication that all behavior stems from psychodynamic conflict to Watsons staunch Behaviorism. In reality, of course, people generally recognize that human behavior is a complex
entity which is difficult to pin down to the prescriptions of any one theoretical explanation. Nevertheless, attempts to quantify behavior and personality "type" are still abundant. So-called personality tests, many
of which make the claim to intellectual and academic rigour and scientific efficacy, are among the worst offenders. While these tests purportedly use simple multiple choice questions to reveal insights
into the test-takers personality and thus behavior, the reality is that such tests are blunt instruments at best; in fact, one would be better served looking at environmental aspects of
an individuals life, for an explanation as to the origins of personality and behavior. This paragraph helps the student give their main argument. Personality tests are almost ubiquitous today,
and are commonly regarded as a form of pop psychology. In fact, many potential employers now make use of personality tests in order to assess the potential compatibility of employees
that they are considering hiring. However, there is little, if any, standardization or agreement among such tests. A recent count indicates that there are some 2500 or more such tests
on the market, all of which have some claim to a strong theoretical foundation or instrumentality, but this is obviously false: if any of these tests could produce definitive claims
about ones personality and behavior, there would be little need for the others to exist at all (Gladwell, 2004). Nevertheless, the use of such tests persists, and in arenas in
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