Everyone has heard about types of temperament, such as sanguine, choleric, melancholic and phlegmatic. Many even passed tests to determine their temperament. Eysenck's technique allows you to identify the innate properties of a person that affect his entire future life. Everyone is interested in what drives him in his actions, feelings and emotions. Eisenck, using the materials of his many predecessors in his work, created a test capable of determining which type of temperament a person belongs to.
If we answer the testing questions honestly and directly, then this technique shows surprisingly true results, which only increased its popularity in the world community. What kind of person created this test? What made him explore such a complex thing as human intelligence? To understand this issue, you need to look into the past, learn about the hard but interesting life of Professor Eysenck.
Biography
Hans JĂĽrgen Eisenck was born in 1916 in Berlin. The family in which the great scientist was born was quite unusual - his father starred in comedy films, and his mother was a famous silent film actress. Naturally, the parents wanted to introduce their son to their profitable profession, they even helped little Eysenck play his first role in the film. But young Hans did not want to become an actor, he was attracted by the vast expanses of scientific thought.
After graduating from high school, Eisenck entered the University of Berlin to study philosophy there. However, he did not support the Nazi ideology, which then occupied an increasingly important place in German hearts.
Therefore, Hans often quarreled with other students, which created a bad atmosphere for mastering the sciences. At the same time, the situation of the Aizenkov family was becoming more and more precarious, because his father was a Jew who was preparing a terrible fate in Nazi Germany.
All these factors forced the Eisenkov family to move to France. True, they did not stay there long, only a year, during which Hans studied literature and history. Then the family of the future genius of psychology moved to England, where she remained to live. Here Eysenck entered the University of London at the Department of Psychology, since the requirements at the Department of Physics were too high. In 1940, Hans Eisenck became a doctor of psychology.
Work
During World War II, Dr. Eisenck worked in a hospital for the rehabilitation of soldiers who received mental disabilities in the war. There, he not only helped patients, but also conducted experiments on them, asking a lot of questions regarding their inner experiences. After the war, Hans founded the Department of Psychology at the London Institute of Psychiatry. It was she who became his permanent job until his death.
Not everyone liked the unusual doctor of psychology, some of his works caused open dislike among people. Of course, the test for intelligence, the technique for diagnosing self-esteem of mental states according to Eysenck or his famous test for temperament have gained worldwide popularity. Everyone wants to know more about themselves or make sure that their intelligence is higher than that of others.
But not all of Hans Eysenck’s research appealed to the public. Some of his writings were openly racist. For example, a work in which a scientist wrote that the level of intelligence is determined by genes, and black people are on average 15 points lower than a white person. Many sciences like eugenics or astrology, popular in the Third Reich, attracted a psychologist. The idea of ​​creating a superman was also close to Eysenck, which is clearly felt in his books.
Hans was repeatedly criticized and attacked by radical left organizations. Despite this, he calmly continued his work, completely ignoring the ill-wishers. Many of his works, such as Eysenck’s technique on temperament, earned unprecedented popularity and brought worldwide fame to his creator. The great psychologist died in 1997, having published a huge number of works used in psychology to this day. The ambiguous reputation of Hans Eysenck is not able to overshadow his significant achievements in the field of psychology.
Eysenck’s method of determining temperament
The test for determining temperament is based on the assumption that the human nervous system has certain innate qualities that significantly affect personality formation. Pavlov's research played a large role in the creation of this test. Hans Eisenck suggested that some of the strongest character traits that he singled out in two types have the greatest impact on the personality - extraversion and introversion, stability and neuroticism. It is combinations of these signs that form the person’s temperament.
The research technique of Eysenck’s temperament revealed that the combination of introversion and stability creates a calm, peaceful, kind and caring, but passive person. But if introversion is combined with neuroticism, then the result will be a closed, pessimistic, suspicious individual suffering from constant mood swings. The combination of extrovert and stability makes a person sociable, cheerful, friendly, endows him with excellent leadership qualities. But if extraversion is combined with neuroticism, then an aggressive, unstable, vulnerable and impulsive personality comes out.
What is a temperament test?
Eysenck’s methodology for determining temperament includes a number of questions aimed at identifying the basic qualities of a human person. For example, some of the questions are designed to identify extraversion or introversion of a person. Another part of them is needed to determine emotional stability, and some are intended only to test the honesty of the subject in order to establish the reliability of the results. There are two test options to be able to re-test without fear that the subject has remembered his previous answers.
The interpretation of the test is simple enough so that everyone can conduct it on their own. The technique for diagnosing Eysenck’s temperament assumes that there is a certain coordinate plane, on the horizontal of which there is an “extrovert-introvert” scale, it marks the sum of points for answers to questions designed to determine extraversion. Some questions give a point for the answer “yes”, some for the answer “no”. The scale starts from 1 point and ends at 24, respectively, the center is 12. The same scale vertically determines the neurotic personality.
By counting the points and marking them on the coordinate plane, you will get a point that will characterize your personality. This point is at the intersection of two coordinates. Remember that it is impossible to meet any type of temperament in its pure form, each contains features of all four types. However, one of them will be dominant. It is to identify the dominant type of temperament and created this technique. Eysenck’s temperament type is not an acquired quality, so it’s impossible to completely change the dominant temperament, you can only dilute it slightly, adapting to life circumstances.
Eysenck's technique - self-assessment of mental states
The test for self-esteem of mental states was created in order to find out how often the subject falls into certain mental states. In this test, there are 4 groups of questions, 10 in each.
If the condition noted in the question is often observed, then 2 points are put, if sometimes - 1 point. If the probability of such a condition is excluded, then the question is rated at 0 points.
This testing allows you to better understand yourself, without resorting to the help of outsiders. With it, you can find out what you need to change in your personality for a more harmonious life. This is a very popular Eysenck technique. The mental states described in it cannot be completely avoided, but it is quite possible to put them in order, to become a balanced, happy person.
Interpretation of Results
The first group of questions is intended to test a person for anxiety. The number of points from 0 to 7 is a sign of low anxiety, a person with such results is calm and enjoys life. From 8 to 14 points - an average level of anxiety, most people fit into this category. 15 points or more indicate an extremely high level of anxiety, this is a signal that means that it is time to take measures to restore mental health.
The second group of questions determines the level of frustration of the subject. If a person scored from 0 to 7 points in this group of questions, then his self-esteem is high, failure and difficulties do not scare him. 8-14 points - a normal level, frustration happens, but not very often. From 15 points - constant frustration caused by low self-esteem and catastrophic self-doubt. People with such a level of frustration avoid difficulties, even a minor failure can inflict a crushing blow on their emotional balance.
Questions of the third group determine the subject’s aggressiveness. If Eysenck’s self-assessment technique shows from 0 to 7 points in this group of questions, this is a sign of a calm and balanced person. From 8 to 14 points is an acceptable level of aggression, most people belong to this group. Aggression takes place, but occurs only for some reason and is partially controlled by a person. If the subject scores more than 15 points in questions of the third group, then he definitely experiences problems with anger and aggression, which can create serious difficulties in communicating with people.
The last group of questions evaluates human rigidity. If the scores are 0–7, then the subject easily transfers the changes, without any problems changes his worldview under the influence of weighty arguments, and quickly adapts to the new situation. 8-14 points - a normal level of rigidity, it is not easy for a person to adapt and change, but under the influence of circumstances it is quite possible. From 15 to 20 points - a very strong rigidity, the inability to change one’s beliefs even under the influence of indisputable facts, changes at work or in the family bring serious stress to such a ossified subject.
Intelligence test
Probably the most popular method of Eysenck is the test for the level of intelligence, or IQ. It is used everywhere: from hiring to free online tests.
The average intelligence coefficient is between 100 and 120 points. A test subject with more than 130 points is distinguished by outstanding mental abilities. If testing shows more than 150 points, this is a clear sign of genius.
The questions in this Eysenck test are for people from 18 years old with a completed secondary education. They need to solve problems that do not require any specific knowledge, but only test the ability to logical thinking. Therefore, the IQ test is suitable for everyone, regardless of education and profession. This is probably the most common method of Eysenck. Intelligence is one of the main qualities necessary for survival in the modern world, its development and measurement are incredibly important for humanity.
How does the IQ test go?
The test takes 30 minutes. During this period of time you need to answer 40 questions. If the question is too complicated, you can skip it and proceed to the next to save a little time. As practice has shown, some questions are very simple, while others enter into a stupor, absorbing the time of the subject, reducing the overall result. Therefore, you need to correctly manage time and not focus on any issues, you can return to them later.
This testing is not the same as, for example, Eysenck’s temperament technique, because here all questions are given only 30 minutes, which does not allow the person undergoing testing to relax, constantly keeps him in suspense.
It is difficult to say how reliable this method of measuring intelligence is; many believe that it only shows the ability to think logically. Be that as it may, alternatives to this test have not yet been invented, leaving Eisenck a monopoly on the measurement of human minds.
Should I believe the tests?
Hans Eisenck has created many great tests that are commonly used in our society. However, you should not completely rely on them, because the human consciousness is a dense forest. Scientists only slightly examined its surface, but the depths of the mind are still a mystery.
Despite this, Eysenck's tests are able to identify the most serious disorders in emotional or intellectual development. For example, a person who scores less than 80 points in the IQ test definitely has problems with mental development.
Eysenck’s results can also report serious violations of the psyche in time. Thus, minor defects or problems hidden deep in the subconscious are unlikely to be revealed to you by Eysenck's tests, but if you answer the questions honestly, the information obtained as a result will certainly make you think. Each Eysenck technique is the result of hard work and numerous studies. The work of ancient thinkers inspired Hans to create some tests. Also of great importance in the works of this remarkable scientist are the studies of I.P. Pavlov, who also made an invaluable contribution to science.
Where can I get Eysenck tests?
A huge number of sites have been created on the Internet where you can read all about the tests, and even pass them online. On the World Wide Web each Eysenck’s technique is presented, a description, questions and methods for calculating points - all this is offered by numerous sites devoted to psychology. All kinds of social centers and psychologists are also ready to conduct live testing. However, it is likely to cost money.
Another thing is online testing. Here they will provide you with a convenient interface for going through the entire procedure and explain in detail what's what.
Anyone who does not want to take the test online can simply find questions and methods for calculating points in order to independently calculate the results. All you need is a piece of paper and a pen or pencil.
Of course, to pass or not Eysenck’s tests is everyone’s personal business, except when the employer requires it. But if you have a bit of free time, then instead of spending it on entertainment and bad habits, you can better know your character, evaluate the strengths or weaknesses of your own personality. This will help to develop the most effective life strategy, use your strengths and cover vulnerabilities.
Each technique of Eysenck is the fruit of his many years of work. This unusual scientist believed that the human mind is measurable. His whole life was permeated by this unwavering faith in the limitless possibilities of psychology, and this bore fruit. As many as 84 books were written by Hans Eisenck, his works inspire ardent researchers of the present, and psychologist’s tests are used all over the world and have proven themselves perfectly. Do not miss the opportunity to touch your inner world, pass the tests of Eysenck, and maybe this will forever change your life.