Final answer:
Objective personality tests that take a structured approach to assess personality through a paper-and-pencil format are known as self-report inventories, which include the MMPI and MBTI. These tests utilize scales based on multiple-choice or numerical responses, contrasting with projective tests like the Rorschach and TAT.
Step-by-step explanation:
Objective Personality Tests
Tests that are often referred to as objective personality tests, usually administered in a paper-and-pencil format, and take a direct, structured approach to assess personality are known as self-report inventories. These tests, including notable instruments such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), employ a battery of questions to gauge various personality dimensions and traits.
Self-report inventories often use multiple-choice items or numerical scales that rely on individuals' responses to standardized questions. The format is typically a Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. These tests are utilized in various settings, from job screenings and law enforcement to clinical evaluations and personal development.
Compared to projective tests, such as the Rorschach Inkblot Test or the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), self-report inventories are more direct and less subject to interpretive bias, since they do not rely on ambiguous stimuli. Indeed, the validity and reliability of projective tests for certain applications, particularly in legal settings, have been subject to debate.
Moreover, self-report inventories can be influenced by social desirability bias, in which individuals may present themselves in a favorable light that may not accurately reflect their true personality traits. Nonetheless, when using these assessments, it is crucial to ensure they are properly validated for the specific context in which they're applied.