Free-Response Method of Computer Assisted Personality Assessment: A Research Update

摘要

The free-response methodology, first reported by ESN in early 1984, has been tested and extended, and the results appear to support the high initial expectations. Recent developments in the techniques are reported, and the author discusses means that could be employed to further develop this important measurement method. Coupled with the power of computer assisted scoring, their approach could become a model for personality research in the future. Researchers need not be bound by the particular dimensions that the authors have chosen to incorporate into their model, and which represents their own implicit theory of personality. While the dimensions chosen are obviously important, others might have been used, depending upon the particular theoretical or substantive orientation of the investigator. The free-format approach is general and easily expandable, and can accommodate enhancements. Further research will be undertaken on this approach which, while presenting some difficult problems, nonetheless offers personality psychology with unique opportunities. Some possible routes to progress in this area have been described here. In my opinion, adoption of these recommendations could foster a major advance in this technique.