There is a growing resistance to tests called weapons of math destruction. Mathematician Kathy O'Neill has written a book with the same title. Another popular personality test called the Big Five focuses on traits and provides a continuum rather than labeling individuals. However, all these tests have flaws as they don't define a person for who they truly are.
Are personality tests valuable tools based on science, or just horoscopes in a lab coat? Comedian Michael Regilio joins us for Skeptical Sunday to find out!
On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:
- Personality tests, like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, are widely used by individuals and organizations as a way to understand who we are and how we interact with one another. But how accurate are they?
- The Myers-Briggs test was developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers — neither of whom were scientists or psychologists.
- Companies use personality tests in hiring practices, potentially leading to discrimination and exclusion of qualified candidates.
- The Big 5 (5-Factor Model) is a more accurate alternative, but even it assumes personality traits remain relatively static over time.
- Psychologists and researchers should continue studying personality and behavior to develop more accurate and fair assessment tools that can better predict job performance and workplace success, but we should take the results of current personality tests with a grain of salt.
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
- Connect with Michael Regilio at his website, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and make sure to check out the Michael Regilio Plagues Well With Others podcast here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts!
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