October 26, 2007 • Uncategorized •

Another quiz – but this one’s informative!

There’s been no shortage of silly quizzes in these parts lately, so here’s one with a little substance for a change.

Gretchen Rubin recently posted about the “five-factor personality model” and a new book that explains it. It sounds interesting. In summary, the factors are:

1. Extraversion – response to reward
2. Neuroticism – response to threat
3. Conscientiousness – response inhibition (self-control, planning)
4. Agreeableness – regard for others
5. Openness to Experience – breadth of mental associations

She also provided a link to the online version of a questionnaire at the end of the book which evaluates respondents on each of the five dimensions. I’m usually up for taking a personality test; sometimes I learn something, sometimes my impressions are confirmed (validation!), and sometimes the questions and answers don’t quite mesh for me and I get some unexpected results. This one is short and fairly straightforward, but don’t neglect the demographic questions at the beginning or it won’t accept your answers. (It assumes you’re British, by the way…you’ll see.)

For me, this quiz looks pretty solid – here are my results, with explanations of what they mean (Highest score = Relatively high; lowest score = Relatively low):

  • The first dimension is Extroversion. People with a relatively low score in this dimension could be considered aloof and quiet. Relatively high scorers are outgoing and enthusiastic, often termed ‘Wanderers’ by personality experts.
    Your score was: Relatively Low. (No surprise at all here – I’ve owned up to my introverted tendencies before.)
  • The second dimension is Neuroticism. The lower your score the more emotionally stable you will be. High scorers are prone to stress and will be categorized as ”Worriers”.
    Your score was: Medium High (No real surprise here either, just a little disappointment that I haven’t improved in this respect – becoming less so, that is – as much as I’d thought/hoped I had.)
  • The third dimension is Conscientiousness. Relatively high scorers will be organized, but can also be quite rigid and inflexible. They will often be seen as “Controllers”; on the other hand, a relatively low score can indicate that although spontaneous, you can be careless.
    Your score was: Medium High (Hey, I’m a “controller” – my business card says so! I think this score is about right.)
  • The fourth dimension is Agreeableness. Relatively high scorers are trusting and would be classified as ‘Empathizers’, very people focused and sociable. Having a relatively low score indicates that you are not at all focused on other people.
    Your score was: Medium High (So I’m a sociable, agreeable introvert? That sounds about right to me, actually, if a bit counter-intuitive.)
  • The fifth dimension is Openness. High scorers in this dimensions are usually imaginative and eccentric, open to different experiences. They are often termed the “Poets” by personality experts. Relatively low scorers are practical and grounded and can be relied upon. However they can be closed to new experiences.
    Your score was: Medium High (I don’t know about this one…I think I’m pretty practical most of the time. However, I know I’m a bit eccentric, and I’ve certainly become more open and adventurous in the last few years; turning 40 was good for me. I guess I’m open to this score’s accuracy.)

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