How many of us have made it our job to take every personality quiz floating around Facebook? I know that based on a few 10-prompt questionnaires, I can now name what color, dessert, dog breed and Disney villain I am at the drop of a hat -- yellow, ice cream, husky and Ursula. Sounds a bit quirky, doesn't it?
But thanks to my desire to engage in introspection and meta-cognition (the process of thinking about one's thinking), I have recently taken seven of the more reputable personality tests, ranging from the popular and serious Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to the more fun and playful Hogwarts House sorting quiz. I've learned quite a bit about myself by doing so!
Here's why you should take each one, too.
1. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
This is the test that we all took in our high school psychology classes and is regarded as the standard test by professionals. Once you've completed the questions as honestly as possible, you're given a four-letter personality type that can be later subdivided into one of the four core personality groups. Once you've gotten your type feel free to list it in your twitter bio to clue your followers in to your thought process!
2. Enneagram System
According to their official website, the creators of this test say, "The Enneagram is a personality typing system that consists of nine different types. Everyone is considered to be one single type, although one can have traits belonging to other ones. While it's uncertain whether this type is genetically determined, many believe it is already in place at birth." This is a cool addition or alternative to the MBTI that may give you a bit more information about who you are!
3. Multiple Intelligences
Fellow education majors know a lot about this next test, based on the seven intelligences by Howard Gardner, developed to assist in identifying the teaching and learning of styles of individuals to best enhance retention. Figuring out which intelligences you possess is the key to unlocking your best learning method!
4. Holland Codes
In your senior year of high school and not sure what to pursue in college? Just graduate with your four-year degree and unsure what to pursue after college? Take the Holland Codes test and possible career opportunities will be listed based on your personality traits and interests.
5. Moral Alignments
Although first developed for the fantasy world of "Dungeons & Dragons," this test will clue you in to just how good or chaotic you really are. This test has spiked in popularity as fandoms take it upon themselves to align their beloved characters to one of the nine subsections. Where do you belong?
6. 5 Love Languages
Popular and widely used among couples and couples' therapists are the "5 Love Languages" based on the book written by Gary D. Chapman. Each person accepts and expresses love by different means. By recognizing the way you and your partner express love can open up communication and lead to less conflict within the couple.
7. Hogwarts Houses
For giggles, or for serious "Harry Potter" enthusiasts, this quiz is essential for understanding where you would fit in at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Even better, the houses for Hogwarts' sister-school in the United States, Ilvermorny, have recently been released. Take both sets and compare with friends, and don't forget to buy your houses' merchandise!
Have fun learning about the most important subject... You!
