Different Self-Diagnostic Tests - Research Paper Example

Who Am I? Introduction Different self diagnostic tests can be used to better understand one’s capabilities and in turn provide greater insight on one’s own personality. Psychological diagnostic tests can also help a person choose a career or profession that is in line with his or her own abilities and personality. Such tests are commonly used in the field of human resource management and organizational psychology is order to help individuals better understand their own self and in turn guiding them towards appropriate career choices. In this paper, the results of my diagnostic tests will be discussed including my personal reaction on the results of these tests. Also external influences that might have an impact on test results will be elaborated. Finally, correlation between test results and real life experiences will be discussed. Career Instrument Results The interest profiler score of my test proved that I am a social person at heart. The main interest areas indentified was social followed by investigative and enterprising. I scored 29 on ‘social’, 22 on ‘investigative’, and a mere 05 on ‘artistic’ proving that I am more interested in people oriented roles and in investigative roles. Another important interest identified was that of ‘enterprising’ where I scored 15. The work locator test showed that the most important work related values for me are achievement and relationships. I scored 27 on both achievement and relationships. Holland describes a few vocational personality types namely realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional (Careerkey.org, 2012). I believe that I have a social personality types because I am good with handling people related issues. Also I personally handle relationships well. Holland argues that social personality is good with people and enjoys helping others. People who have the social personality type are particularly good at professions like counseling and nursing because they have this innate habit of helping others (Careerkey.org, 2012). The work values identified in the work locator test were achievement and relationships. I prefer to be working a job where the work I do is considered important and is recognized my relevant people. This is much more important to me than work benefits, pay or any other thing. Another work value that I have is putting relationships before anything else. I value relationships in work because I believe this is the most important thing to do. Working effectively means to that one has to value relationship with other employees and customers. This is why I believe relationship is an important work value for me. Personal Reactions My personal reaction to both the tests was not surprising. I knew that I was a social person and therefore I depicted social as a dominant personality type in my test. I also have a curious mind which is why investigative personality type also came up in the interest profiler tests. The interest profiler was fairly accurate because it was extremely extensive and evaluated a large number of responses before giving results. Research suggests that interest profiler tests are quite valid and effective in measuring interests of people (Armstrong, Allison, & Rounds, 2008). The questions asked during the interest profiler were detailed and covered a large number of areas. This is why I believe that the test was able to accurately gauge my interests. The work locator test was also quite accurate and yielded expected results to some degree. I am a social person and therefore relationships matter to be greatly. This is why work locator showed that relationships are something that makes up my work ethics. Achievement is also important to me because I want to be known for the work I have done. Recognition of my work gives me peace of mind and I feel that I have not wasted my time. When people acknowledge my work, it feels like I have achieved something good. This is why my personal reaction to the tests was not surprising because I had already expected the results. My self-perception is exactly fitted to the results of both interest profile test and work locator test. I think I am an extrovert person who like hanging out with people. I have a large social circle and I believe it is essential to help people in general. I also feel good with people around and prefer company over isolation. All this is accurately reflected in the career instruments which show their validity. External Influences External influences can surely have an effect on the test results. Age and gender can significantly affect results of the tests. People of younger age might be more intrigued to complete investigative jobs and might like to dwell into uncertain areas. This might not be true for people of old age because they might want to be in a more secure job. Old people might answer to questions differently than younger people. Also gender can influence the results because men and women are expected to remain in their respective gender roles (Su, Rounds, & Armstrong, 2009). For example, women might feel right to prefer nursing and other related professions while men would be more willing to accept roles like engineering. This is how intrinsic factors can influence results of the career instrument results. External factors like being tired can also influence test results significantly. Test takers might be inclined to click options quickly and not reading the questions fully. The tests are no doubt extensive and one might feel tired and can rush to complete the tests. Also technology plays a role because we are used to clicking quickly which might also influence test results. Research clearly suggests that use of technology in psychological testing can influence tests results (Barak & English, 2002). External factors, therefore, have an effect on results. Conclusion Both the assessment results are closely related to each other because both of them point in the same direction. Relationships and achievement have been identified as work related values. Also social interests are identified in the interest profiler test. Both the tests are pointing in the same direction. Enterprising has also been identified as an interest and this is related to achievement. I like when people recognize and appreciate any of my work. Also I have no interest in artistic work which is clearly depicted in the test. I believe my vocational personality type is related to my work values. I think my personality type will accurately place me in professional that will allow me to practice my work ethics. Both are perfectly in line with each other and there is no discrepancy between them. Being social automatically means that I will be comfortable in a work environment where relationships are considered important. My personal life has pattern that depict my interests and my personality type. I have always enjoyed thrilling books and investigative novels. Also my favorite hobby for a long time has been to hang out with my cousins or friends. I like to enjoy activities that involve other people which are representative of my personality type (social). My past occupations are also closely related to my personality types and work values. I was in the retail industry where relationships matter a lot and people to people contact is to the maximum. I enjoyed my work to the fullest there and this is why I can clearly see my tests results are fairly accurate. References Armstrong, P. Allison, W. & Rounds, J. (2008). Development and initial validation of brief public domain RIASEC marker scales. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 73(2), 287-299 Barak, A. & English, N. (2002). Prospects and Limitations of Psychological Testing on the Internet. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 19(2-3) Hollands Six Personality Types. (2012). Careerkey.org. Retrieved on 11th July, 2013 from http://www.careerkey.org/your-personality/holland-personality-types.html Su, R. Rounds, J. & Armstrong, P. (2009). Men and things, women and people: A meta-analysis of sex differences in interests. Psychological Bulletin, 135(6), 859-884 Read More