5 ms·
There is no proof that personality traits have any identifiable distribution, let alone normal distribution. Heck we don’t even know what personalty is, or if
by runarberg 4y ago
There is no proof that personality traits have any identifiable distribution, let alone normal distribution.
Heck we don’t even know what personalty is, or if it is even a useful scientific term. Evidence suggests that peoples behavior varies wildly between situations, way more then any preconceived notion of behavior dictated by personality.
If tests show a normal distribution of a personality trait, it is most likely because it has been standardized to do exactly that. Not because people’s behavioral patterns align neatly in our favorite distribution.
- slothtrop 4y agoGood thing it's not a measure of behavior, but of preference.
- runarberg 4y agoIf preference does not correlate with behavior, you are effectively measuring nothing. However it does correlate with behavior, otherwise personality traits would be completely dead as a science. But the effect is very weak next to the effect of the situation. Diverse personality traits will cheat if the environment is conducive to cheating behavior. I would put personality in the same camp as religious believes or political leanings. An effect that mildly alters behavior, but not enough to actually matter in most circumstances.
- slothtrop 4y ago> If preference does not correlate with behavior, you are effectively measuring nothing. Preference is not nothing. It reflects what people like and want. Preference for these traits, e.g. introversion, is a fairly reliable predictor of behavior, but it doesn't matter if it is or not, if someone lies to themselves entirely (however likely that is). The purpose is regurgitating to the test-taker what they like and want. I don't see how a company could make good use of it.