Final answer:
The false statement regarding rationally-constructed personality tests is that they are not influenced by cultural or social factors. Tests like the MMPI are based on psychological theories but cannot entirely avoid cultural influences or biases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is FALSE about rationally-constructed personality tests is: They are not influenced by cultural or social factors. Rationally-constructed personality tests are indeed based on sound psychological theories and aim to be reliable and valid measures of personality traits. However, no psychological test can be entirely free from cultural or social influences. Moreover, it's also challenging for any test to be completely free from biases and stereotypes since they are developed within the context of specific cultural norms and values.
Personality Assessments
When it comes to personality tests, there are various methods such as self-report inventories and projective tests. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is an example of a self-report inventory that uses a series of true/false questions to provide a clinical profile of an individual. In contrast, projective tests like the Rorschach Inkblot Test and Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) use ambiguous stimuli to assess an individual's unconscious thoughts and desires. These tests are less prone to intentional distortion compared to self-report inventories, which can be influenced by a person's desire to present themselves in a certain way.
Cultural factors play an essential role in shaping personality, and for this reason, traditional projective tests may show test bias when applied across different cultures. Consequently, culturally specific tests like the Contemporized-Themes Concerning Blacks test (C-TCB) have been developed to better reflect the experiences of diverse populations.