Final answer:
Objective methods of personality assessment, such as the MMPI, are designed to be independent of individual judgment or bias. These methods aim to standardize the assessment process to minimize subjectivity and are often structured as self-report inventories using scales like the Likert scale. Nevertheless, they can still be susceptible to cultural biases and self-presentation influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
A true statement about objective methods of personality assessment is that they are independent of individual judgment or bias (Option b). Unlike subjective measures that rely on personal opinions and interpretations, objective assessments use structured tools, like self-report inventories, that aim for neutrality. For example, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) employs a series of true/false questions to gauge a range of psychological conditions in a standardized manner. While objective tests strive to minimize subjectivity, it is important to acknowledge that no test is entirely free from potential biases, such as cultural influences. Cultural factors indeed play a significant role in shaping personality, and the assessment methods may reflect the cultural context in which they were developed.
An example of an objective personality assessment is the Likert scale, often used in self-report inventories where participants rate their level of agreement with statements to provide insights into their personalities.
However, there is an inherent challenge in relying on self-report measures: participants might respond in socially desirable ways, intentionally or unintentionally skewing their responses. This is particularly relevant in settings like job applications, where individuals have an incentive to present themselves in the best possible light. Therefore, while being less prone to deliberate distortion than subjective methods, objective assessments can still be subject to certain biases, including cultural biases and the tendency to present oneself in a socially favorable manner.