The theory behind the construction of this instrument is based on John Holland’s theory of the six personality types and their impact on a person’s career choice. The Preferential Situation Personality Test presents 30 questions, each with two situations, for the test taker to select which situation that they best relate to, similarly to Hollands career test based on his theory. Hollands theory regarding the six personality types are namely Realistic type, which is characterised by the liking to fix and maintain machinery and tools, construction and working outdoors, people with a realistic personality type are interested in technical career environments. The second personality type is …show more content…
Internal validity There is a causal relationship between the independent and dependent variable (Kelley, T,L.; 1927). Internal validity is shown in the personality test by using standardised instructions and counter balancing by two options being provided while the respondent has to choose one option in every question.
Face validity
According to Nevo, B (1985), face validity can be described as whether the test appears (at face value) to measure what it claims to. The purpose should be clear to the respondents. The test can be rated by the respondents to obtain face validity. The questions in the personality test are constructed using the most basic English so that people of all cultures will easily be able to understand the questions asked. The questions are also very direct to avoid confusion. At face value, the test appears to measure personality type due to the questions asked based on different personality types. The name of the test ‘Preferential Situation Personality test’ also presents the main focus of the …show more content…
These situations are linked to careers and aim to find the best possible fit for the test taker. Each situation is linked to a personality type from John Holland’s RIASEC model. The types are as follows: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional. Each of the six personality types is used in a situation ten times, which gives the test taker an opportunity to choose which situation they would prefer and in turn result in a point being allocated to the personality type depicted within the situation chosen. At the end of the test, the test taker will have accumulated 30 points which are awarded to the different personality types. A three letter code is then compiled consisting of the three highest ranking personality types for the test