Quote:
Originally posted by Yorick:
1.Because a human is variable. Answers given in a personality test can be dependent on the preceding events in that persons life. ie. how much sleep they've had, job stress, just won a sporting match, lost an argument with a spouse, bored etc etc.
2.It can limit an individuals growth. They read, oh I'm a such and such, so I behave like this, and don't allow for circumstancial change. Self perception is an important part of determining your environment, so I believe anything that limits that is negative.
3.Personal experience. I was at a workplace that insisted all workers take one of these tests to enable communication. Someone could read what your personality was and then react accordingly. Sounded like an excercise in establishing prejudice and preconception, plus labeling for future reference to me. I refused to do the test BTW. the only one.
4. I've talked to people who define themselves and others by these tests.
"Oh I'm a such and such, and he's a so and so. This will always happen."
And so it does.
For the same reason I avoid astrological charts, and even some so called 'prophecies' the way they are used in some churches. The hope gained through ignorance of the future is to me such a blessing. I don't want to know what's around the corner so I can hope for the outcome I'm mentally projecting.
Anyhow, it ends up being a matter of principle and guarding my subconscious mind. A lot can sink in even in jest, so I avoid it, much like I avoid say MacDonalds because they continue to use such quantities of methane producing beef, and that they expand expand expand in unarrested franchise growth at the expense of other foods.
It is a line I decided not to cross even in jest.
(And please don't say "oh lighten up" or "don't be boring" surely by now you know I love a lark and a joke, and even crack myself up! )
|
Yorick-
Fair enough. Not going to say lighten up or any such thing. FWIW I did post this only for fun and to get discussion going.
To tell the truth, this is the first time I think I've seen your points laid out so neatly and completely. And for the record, I'm in complete agreement with 1, 2, 4 and the whole 'astrological chart' thing (albeit for somewhat different reasons that you put forth here).
As for 3, well I used to be one of those who 'analyzed' and explained the Minn Multiphasic Personality test as an intern back in college at a counseling center. Yes they are extremely subject to interpetation and how you feel when you input the original data. I'm not qualified to dissect it any more than that, but suffice it to say that in my training sessions we were told that the tests were not 100% and were only one 'tool' in working with and individual. Never put much stock in them, because I '*knew* how we were interpreting the results...very shaky. So, I guess I'm saying, bully for you if you felt that way and stood your ground.
No offense? None intended.
Cloudy
------------------
Storm-Queen
StormCloud of the Black Knight
[This message has been edited by Cloudbringer (edited 03-31-2001).]