Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Personality tests are assessments that measure various aspects of an individual's personality, such as traits, behaviors, and characteristics. They aim to provide insight into a person's psychological makeup and predict their future behavior.
Related terms
Criterion Validity: Criterion validity refers to how well a personality test predicts specific outcomes or criteria related to future behavior. For example, does the test accurately predict job performance or academic success?
Construct Validity: Construct validity examines whether a personality test measures what it claims to measure. It explores if the assessment accurately captures the underlying constructs or theoretical concepts related to personality.
Predictive Validity: Predictive validity focuses on how well a personality test can predict future behavior or outcomes by assessing individuals' current traits and characteristics. It determines if the test is effective in forecasting someone's actions down the line.