The term 'personality' has become a way for people to describe themselves to others; what motivates and persuades them, how they respond in terrifying or uncomfortable situations, what type of disposition they possess, whether or not they begin the day with a smile or a frown. Personality tests provide us insight into who we are, and the internet is an excellent resource for quick and easy tests. This how-to guide will direct you toward free personality assessments online, so get ready for some Freudian analysis!

• Have you ever wondered why you do the things you do; what external and internal forces are at work upon you, constantly influencing your actions and decisions each day? Ever since scientists began studying personality, there have been tests to examine, answer and measure these types of questions; and the best part is that there are a variety of places online where you can take these tests and learn the results without paying a dime! Read on to learn more.

• There are many reasons why people take online personality tests. Sometimes it is simply to have fun, but it can also be a beneficial tool that measures progress and change within a person's life. What you need to do is decide why you are interested in taking a personality test. What is your goal? Once you have answered that question, you can learn more about the individual tests. Here are some of the motivating factors:

1. Personality Assessment
2. Career
3. Love
4. Leadership
5. Quick Assessment
6. Fun

Now that you know the different reasons people take personality tests, you should hopefully have an idea of what is motivating you. Once you have decided that, you can narrow down the best test or tests for you to take.

Myers-Briggs and Jung personality assessment (Creative Commons photo by Crystl)

• The most popular tests are usually the ones that give an overall personality assessment; tests that measure a person's temperament, their social skills, the types of emotions that drive them, whether or not they are impulsive or hold back. These tests often give insight into a person's ability to interact with others, what type of person they are in their home life versus their career, if they have the personality traits of someone that uses their mind or their heart. Popular tests of this variety include:

• 1. Enneagram Tests
  2. Kiersey Temperment Sorter
  3. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
  4. Jung Typology Test

• Many people take personality tests to help give them direction in choosing a career. These tests can help determine what specific jobs or line of work you may be suited for. These should not be taken as the absolute authority, but they do provide insight by measuring certain personality traits that may benefit or hinder you in a particular line of work.

• Personality tests directed towards love and romance are very popular, indicating compatibility between prospective lovers. This is a great way to determine the sort of mate you might want to look for, but again, these tests should never be taken as the final word.

• Leadership tests are great if you are trying to assess your ability to take on a new role in a leasdership position. The test can give you an idea of how equipped you are to handle such a role.

• These tests are quick. They may only take five minutes to complete, and they usually measure in niche terms.

• These types of tests are intended to be a source of amusement.

• Now it's time to find the tests. The best way to do this is to go to google.com or another search engine of your choice and search for the free personality test you are looking for. You may chose to search for one of the specific tests listed above, or just do an umbrella search for a specific type. While searching, keep in mind that there are many sites that disguise themselves as free, or that only give you a partial assessment and then ask for money in order to give you the entire analysis. Tips for avoiding this include:

• 1. Finding a test that tells you up front about the results and what they will measure beforehand, indicating that your results will be presented once your answers have been submitted
  2. A test that specifically says it is free on the same page the questions are presented on

• Also keep in mind that even free personality tests will often ask you to sign up before taking the test or before the results are given to you, and they may require that you fill out some personal information about yourself. Usually this is only your gender and age.

• No matter what your reason for taking an online personality test, always remember that it is not meant to be taken as the final assessment. There are professionals that have degrees in studying personality and administering tests whose expertise and skill far outweigh those online. However, online personality tests can be a quick and easy way to get an overview on your behavior and gain insight into the inner workings of your mind. They can be fun to take too, so have a good time!

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