Psychological test facts for kids

Psychological testing helps us understand how people think and act. Modern psychological tests began about 150 years ago. A scientist named Francis Galton (1822–1911) created some of the very first tests. Later, an American psychologist named James Cattell (1860–1944) learned from Galton. In 1890, Cattell wrote an important paper called Mental Tests and Measurements. This paper helped shape how we use tests today.

What Are Psychological Tests?

A psychological test is a way to measure a small part of someone's behavior. These tests are "objective" because they are fair and not based on personal feelings. They are also "standardized," meaning everyone takes the test in the same way. This helps make sure the results are reliable.

Types of Tests You Might See

There are different kinds of psychological tests, each designed to measure something specific. Here are some common types:

Intelligence Tests

• Intelligence tests look at how well a person solves problems. They can measure things like your ability to reason, learn new things, and understand complex ideas. These tests help understand how people think and learn.

Aptitude Tests

• Aptitude tests check how good someone might be at a certain task or job. For example, an aptitude test might see if you have the skills needed to be a good pilot or a talented artist. They help predict future success in specific areas.

Personality Tests

• Personality tests help describe what kind of person someone is. They can show if you are outgoing or shy, organized or spontaneous. These tests help understand your traits, feelings, and how you interact with others.

Who Gives These Tests?

Only trained and qualified psychologists can give psychological tests. They have special education and licenses that show they know how to use these tools correctly. They also know how to understand the results and explain what they mean. This ensures the tests are used properly and the information gained is helpful and accurate.

Images for kids

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  A Song Dynasty painting of candidates participating in the imperial examination, a rudimentary form of psychological testing.

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  Physiognomy was used to assess personality traits based on an individual's outer appearance.

See also

In Spanish: Test psicológico para niños