Personality tests are used in a variety of psychological settings. Personality tests are based on the theory of personality which includes multiple views such as psychoanalytic theories, behavioral and social learning theories, trait and type conceptions, and phenomenological theories (Gregory, 2011). The two major approaches to personality testing are projective and objective. Projective tests are unstructured and allow for the personality to surface in responses; this might be helpful when a psychoanalytic approach is considered. Objective tests are structured and assess the personality with specific test items; this is useful when behavioral and other approaches are considered. In my specialty area I would use an objective personality test when the goal is to determine specific personality traits and a projective test when an overall view of the personality was desired. Both types of personality tests are useful depending on the goals of testing. This brings to mind ethical and sociocultural issues related to the use of personality tests. When dealing with people from cultures other than my own, it is important to consider the interpretation of tests (APA, 2011). Both objective and projective tests must be culturally relevant. Objective tests may have items that are more or less relevant and projective tests allow for the personality to surface regardless of culture. However, interpretation of findings must also be culturally relevant to remain ethical.
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