Eysenck's circle: description, instruction for use and interpretation

The personal questionnaire of G. Eysenck is a collection of several author's questionnaires, initially directed, according to the author's application, to verify the identity, although, as it turned out later, the test decision determines its temperamental characteristics.

History of the questionnaire creation

The first test test was proposed by Eysenck back in 1947. He had the name in honor of the clinic, where at that time the author worked, and had the abbreviation MMQ in English. The questionnaire consisted of 40 statements, which the subject had to agree to by "yes", or disagree, responding, respectively, to "no".

All items were borrowed from existing test tasks, and the author selected them in accordance with clinical studies of neurotic diseases. Also, studies were carried out. Consonants to participate in the experiment (2000 people) were divided into two groups - one were neurotic, others - healthy. A scrupulous analysis of the subjects' answers, taking into account their diagnoses, revealed two types of neurotic disorders, hysterical and dysthymic.

Subsequently, Eysenck advanced the theory that the answers to these statements will give rise to a judgment on other personality parameters, such as extraversion and introversion. He began work on a new kind of questionnaire, and MMQ faded into the background, never finding use in psychologists.

The second questionnaire, called MPI, was published in 1956. He represented two scales-introversion-extraversion and neuroticism-within the circle. Points were determined according to the answers: yes, no, I do not know. The use of the questionnaire showed a significant discrepancy between the practical results and the theoretical expectations of G. Eysenck.

The third personal questionnaire of G. Eysenck - EPI - saw the world in 1963. This time the test consisted of 57 questions, 24 of which determined the inclination to introvert or extraversion, the remaining 24 - to emotional stability. 9 statements are made in order to determine the sincerity of the respondent.

There are two versions of this questionnaire - A and B, which differ only in the sequence of the text. Everything else remains unchanged.

Theoretical basis

G. Eysenck carefully studied the materials of the examinations of seven hundred soldiers suffering from neurotic disorders, and concluded that the traits determining the character of a person can be identified with the help of two factors: extraversion (or introversion) and neuroticism.

Eysenck's circle is built on axes. The first defining criterion is bipolar and completely depends on the psychological components of a person. The extreme points of the axes show the orientation of the individual to the world around him, which is a sign of extraversion, or internal experiences, which is characteristic of introverts.

It is believed that sociability, openness, cheerfulness and lightness are the main features of extroverts. Introverts are characterized by closeness, alienation, concentration on their affairs, calmness.

Factor number two, which is the circle of Eysenck - neuroticism, he is neuroticism, shows a person in terms of his emotional stability, anxiety, self-esteem. This scale has two ends, one of which means a mature and morally stable person, while the second, on the contrary, has an extreme degree of neuroticism, moral instability, inability to adapt. The absolute majority of people occupy the middle position.

A rare and interesting phenomenon, when a person passing the test "Circle Eysenck", is at the intersection of two lines, this fact gives reason to identify him to one particular kind of temperament.

Scale description

1. Extroversion-introversion. Working with typical representatives of extraversion temperament, Eysenck notes his sociability, friendliness, desire and need for communication, the presence of a wide range of friends and acquaintances. He lives today, is quick-tempered, as a rule, this person is carefree and frivolous, but with him it is always easy and fun. Activity, determination, possible aggressiveness - all this can be safely attributed to extroverts. Not always reliable, often emotions take precedence over common sense.
2. Introverts are the exact opposite of extroverts. They are balanced, reserved, sometimes shy people, prone to self-analysis. They have few friends who can always rely on him. He ponders his actions in advance, carefully analyzing them. A little pessimistic, but highly moral. They are able to control their feelings.
3. Neuroticism. A scale that determines the emotional stability or instability of an individual. Emotional stability is a sign that indicates the preservation of organized, purposeful actions in both normal and stressful situations. Its attributes are a good propensity to adapt, leadership, lack of significant tension in communication.
4. Neurotism is a bright manifestation in excessive irritability, rapid change of mood, inability to adapt, instability to stressful situations. This can include low self-esteem, self-doubt and surrounding, absent-mindedness, depressed state, anxiety, impressionability and emotionality.

How to determine the results

The results are determined according to the coordinate system. Interpretation of the findings is carried out by analyzing the psychological components of the personality, which find their reflection in this or that square of the coordinate system. The expressed individual psychological characteristics of the person and truthfulness of the received results are taken into account.

Eysenck's temperament can help a person see problems in their emotional state, if they exist. According to the test, high rates for neuroticism and extravertism correspond to the medical diagnosis of hysteria, overestimated results of introversion and neuroticism indicate a state of anxiety and depression.

Typology of personality

Studying materials on the physiological activity of the nervous system, H. Eysenck sees the nature of extraversion or introversion in the congenital features of the functioning of the central nervous system, which control the processes of excitation and tranquility.

Circle of Eysenck with its scales allows to determine the temperament of personality. There are four types of character.

Sanguine

A person is sociable, cheerful, easily gets new acquaintances. Such people are also called the soul of the company. His feelings are unstable, and preferences often change. He is characterized by expressive gestures and facial expressions. He constantly needs bright impressions. In rare cases, he plans his day, spontaneity pursues sanguine throughout his life in virtually all spheres. By the main properties of the central nervous system has a strong and well-balanced character.

Choleric

The choleric (unbalanced, strong type of temperament) is distinguished by its vigor, its actions are characterized by intermittence. They can be sharp and emotional. Due to excessive enthusiasm for any business, they work too hard, as a result of which they quickly become exhausted and tired. In the worst manifestation, the choleric becomes irritable and unable to control himself.

Phlegmatic person

Phlegmatic (strong, inert) has a low level of activity. He is calm, prudent, able to bring the business to the end. As a rule, he economically treats his forces and does not spend them on unnecessary classes or on those that he considers to be so. Negative manifestations: lethargy, apathy, lack of will, poorly expressed emotional indices. The surrounding may seem boring and callous.

Melancholic

The melancholic (weak, unbalanced) is the owner of a slightly inhibited reaction. Usually these are indecisive, closed people, inclined to deep feelings. Can easily and persistently solve life's problems. On the negative side, the melancholic can show itself as fearful, squeamish, concentrating on minor events and upset because of them.

Interpretation of results

So, you passed the test. Temperament circle Eysenck (EPI) shows quite clearly. Count the points that matched the key. Each such answer is estimated at one point.

Learn your temperament by going through the "Eysenck Circle" test. How to calculate the result, you will learn from the following interpretation of the data.

Extraversion:

• More than 19 - a typical extrovert;
• More than 15 - extrovert;
• 12 - median value;
• Below 9 - introvert;
• Below5 is a typical introvert.

Neuroticism:

• Above 19 - extremely high level of neuroticism;
• Above 14 - high level of neuroticism;
• 9 - 13 - mean value;
• Lower 7 - lowered level of neuroticism.

False:

• Above 4 - the insincerity of the respondent, indicating the need for approval;
• Below 4 is the norm.

Circle Eysenck - a classic test for the determination of temperament. His fame was due to the most accurate results. This is the fruit of the long and painstaking work of G. Eysenck, the comparison of many facts and the analysis of all kinds of research, especially in the sphere of the central nervous system.

There is a fourth type of questionnaire, which was developed without the direct participation of G. Eysenck, but in its development participated Sybil Eysenck. In this test, a third factor, psychotism, was added, which reveals the individual's inclination to antisocial actions and the inadequacy of emotional manifestations.

This factor is not bipolar, its overestimated indicators indicate problems in social adaptation and social life. Although many researchers question this category. So take it into account is not necessary.

After spending a little time, you can determine your type of temperament in the Eysenck circle and find out your strengths and weaknesses.