Intelligence and Personality

Personality is also related to intelligence. Some personalities, for example, are more prone to certain mental illnesses, which may actually lower functioning.  Furthermore, it seems that certain personalities may lend themselves towards intelligence. There are a number of ways to test personality.

One test that is very widely used is called the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2). This test assesses personality, emotional functioning, and neuropsychological impairment using a survey style The MMPI will measure hypochondriasis, depression, hysteria, psychopathic tendencies, deviate behavior, degree of masculinity and femininity, paranoia, psychasthenia, schizophrenia, hypomania and social introversion.


Another test is called the Rorschach Projective Technique.  This is otherwise known as the inkblot test that may be able to show neuropsychological impairment.  An inkblot is shown to the patient, and they are to identify what they think the inkblot might look like.  Analysis is drawn from the way a person views and creates pictures from the ink.  The Rorschach also measures complex psychological dynamics (otherwise known as the Subconscious).

One more test that measures personality traits and deficits is called the Thematic Apprehension Test.  This test is a projective test using pictures and description to measure emotional and psychological states.