Who Are You? The Lure and Limitations of Personality Tests

Even if they're not the most scientifically accurate, we're obsessed with learning about ourselves and where we fit in groups.

By Jennifer Walter
Jul 24, 2020 1:00 PM
Introvert or Extrovert Personality - Shutterstock
(Credit: Yeexin Richelle/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Are you more of a Gryffindor than a Slytherin, or a Phoebe than a Monica? Yes, we're talking Harry Potter and Friends here, and you might know the answer if you're a fan of themed personality quizzes. From the pages of teen magazines to the annals of Buzzfeed, they're a staple in popular culture. But why do we love them so much?

There's a certain excitement that comes with taking personality tests, says Hillary Anger Elfenbein, a professor of organizational behavior at Washington University in St. Louis. As she puts it, they’re “like holding the mirror up to yourself and trying to see yourself the way the world sees you.”

Often in scientific research, academics use the Big Five model to measure personality using five overarching traits: conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness and extroversion. "These are basically big-picture categories, and there are a lot of smaller, more focused personality traits that fall within these five," Elfenbein explains.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.