G. Eysenck’s personal questionnaire is a collection of several author’s questionnaires that were initially aimed, according to the author, to verify the identity, although, as it turned out later, the test solution determines its temperamental characteristics.
Questionnaire History
The first test test was proposed by Eisenck back in 1947. It had a name in honor of the clinic where the author worked at that time, and had the abbreviation MMQ in English. The questionnaire included 40 statements that the subject must agree with by saying yes, or disagree with an answer of no.
All items were borrowed from existing test items, and the author himself selected them in accordance with clinical studies of neurotic diseases. Studies have also been conducted. Those who agreed to take part in the experiment (2,000 people) were divided into two groups - some were neurotics, others were healthy. A thorough analysis of the responses of the subjects, taking into account their diagnoses, revealed two types of neurotic disorders - hysterical and dysthymic.
Eisenck subsequently put forward the theory that the answers to these statements will give an occasion to judge also other personality parameters, such as extraversion and introversion. He began work on a new kind of questionnaire, and MMQ faded into the background, never finding application in psychologists.
The second questionnaire, called MPI, was published in 1956. It represented two scales - introversion-extraversion and neuroticism - inside a circle. Points were determined according to the answers: yes, no, I don’t know. The use of the questionnaire showed a significant discrepancy between the practical results and the theoretical expectations of G. Eysenck.
The third personal questionnaire by G. Eisenck - EPI - saw the world in 1963. This time, the test consisted of 57 questions, 24 of which determined the propensity for introversion or extraversion, the remaining 24 - on emotional stability. 9 statements are made in order to determine the sincerity of the respondent.
There are two versions of this questionnaire - A and B, which differ only in the sequence of the text. Everything else remains unchanged.
Theoretical basis
G. Eisenck carefully studied the materials of examinations of seven hundred soldiers suffering from neurotic disorders, and concluded that traits that determine the nature of a person can be distinguished using two factors: extraversion (or introversion) and neuroticism.
The Eysenck circle is built on the axles. The first determining criterion is bipolar and completely depends on the psychological components of a person. The extreme points of the axes show the individual's orientation towards the world around him, which is a sign of extraversion, or to internal experiences, which is typical for introverts.
It is believed that sociability, openness, cheerfulness and lightness are the main features of extroverts. Introverts are characterized by closeness, alienation, concentration on their affairs, calmness.
Factor number two, making up Eysenck’s circle, is neuroticism, which is also neuroticism, shows a person in terms of emotional stability, anxiety, and self-esteem. This scale has two ends, one of which means a mature and morally stable person, while the second, on the contrary, an extreme degree of neuroticism, moral instability, inability to adapt. The vast majority of people occupy a middle position.
A rare and interesting phenomenon, when a person who passes the test `` Eysenck Circle '', appears at the intersection of two lines, this fact gives reason to determine it to one specific type of temperament.
Description of scales
- Extraversion-introversion. Working with typical representatives of extraversion temperament, Eisenck notes his sociability, friendliness, desire and need for communication, the presence of a wide range of friends and acquaintances. He lives today, quick-tempered, as a rule, this person is carefree and frivolous, but with him is always easy and fun. Activity, decisiveness, possible aggressiveness - all this can be safely attributed to extroverts. Not always reliable, often emotions take precedence over common sense.
- Introverts are the exact opposite of extroverts. These are balanced, restrained, sometimes shy people, prone to introspection. They have few friends who can always rely on him. He thinks over his actions in advance, carefully analyzing them. A little pessimistic, but highly moral. They are able to control their feelings.
- Neurotism. A scale defining emotional stability or instability of an individual. Emotional resilience is a sign that indicates the preservation of organized, focused actions in both normal and stressful situations. Its signs are a good tendency to adapt, leadership, lack of significant tension in communication.
- Neuroticism is vividly manifested in excessive irritability, rapid change of mood, inability to adapt, instability to stressful situations. This also includes low self-esteem, self-doubt and others, distraction, depression, anxiety, impressionability and emotionality.
How to determine the results
The results are determined according to the coordinate system. The interpretation of the findings is carried out by analyzing the psychological components of the personality, which are reflected in a particular square of the coordinate system. The expressed individual psychological characteristics of the personality and the veracity of the results are taken into account.
Eysenck’s circle on temperament can help a person see problems in their emotional state, if any. According to the test, high rates of neuroticism and extrovertism correspond to the medical diagnosis of hysteria, inflated results of introversion and neuroticism indicate a state of anxiety and depression.
Typology of personality
Studying materials on the physiological activity of the nervous system, G. Eisenck sees the nature of extraversion or introversion in the innate features of the functioning of the central nervous system, which control the processes of excitement and calm.
Eysenck’s circle with its scales allows you to determine the personality temperament. There are four types of character.
Sanguine
The person is sociable, cheerful, easily makes new acquaintances. Such people are also called the soul of the company. His feelings are unstable, and preferences are often replaced. Expressive gestures and facial expressions are characteristic of him. He constantly needs vivid impressions. In rare cases, plans his day, spontaneity haunts sanguine throughout life in almost all areas. According to the main properties of the central nervous system has a strong and balanced character.
Choleric
Choleric (unbalanced, strong type of temperament) is energetic, its actions are intermittent. They can be harsh and emotional. Due to excessive passion for any business, they act too hard, as a result of which they quickly become exhausted and tired. At worst, choleric becomes irritable and unable to control itself.
Phlegmatic person
Phlegmatic (strong, inert) has a low level of activity. He is calm, prudent, able to complete the work he has begun to the end. As a rule, he treats his forces economically and does not spend them on unnecessary activities or on those that he considers to be such. Negative manifestations: lethargy, apathy, lack of will, weakly expressed emotional indicators. To others it may seem boring and callous.
Melancholic
Melancholic (weak, unbalanced) - the owner of a slightly inhibited reaction. Usually these are indecisive, closed people, prone to deep feelings. They can easily and steadfastly solve life problems. On the negative side, a melancholic can show himself as fearful, squeamish, concentrating on minor events and frustrated because of them.
Interpretation of Results
So, you have passed the test. The Eysenckian circle temperament (EPI) shows quite clearly. Count the points that match the key. Each such answer is estimated at one point.
Find out your temperament by completing the Eysenck Circle test. How to calculate the result, you will learn from the interpretation of the data below.
Extraversion:
- more than 19 - a typical extrovert;
- more than 15 - extrovert;
- 12 - median value;
- below 9 - an introvert;
- below 5 is a typical introvert.
Neuroticism:
- above 19 - an extremely high level of neuroticism;
- above 14 - a high level of neuroticism;
- 9 - 13 - median value;
- below 7 - a decreased level of neuroticism.
False:
- above 4 - the insincerity of the respondent, indicating the need for approval;
- below 4 is the norm.
Eysenck’s circle is a classic test for determining temperament. He gained his fame thanks to the most accurate results. This is the fruit of the long and painstaking work of G. Eysenck, comparing many facts and analyzing all kinds of studies, especially in the field of the central nervous system.
There is a fourth type of questionnaire, which was developed without the direct participation of G. Eysenck, however, Sibylle Eysenck took part in its development. A third factor was added to this test - psychotism, which reveals the individual's propensity for antisocial actions and inadequacy of emotional manifestations.
This factor is not bipolar, its overestimated indicators indicate problems in social adaptation and public life. Although this category is called into question by many researchers. So take it into account is not necessary.
With a little time, you can determine your type of temperament in the circle of Eysenck and find out your strengths and weaknesses.