Elaboration of Assessment Data
Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior Scales (FIRO-B)
The Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior (FIRO-B) scales
describe an individual's characteristic behavior toward others in the areas of Inclusion
(wanting to be a part of the group), Control (determining how social activities work out),
and Affection (feeling close and connected to others). Test results reveal that Mr.
Peterson’s involvement with other is usually a source of satisfaction. He seems to enjoy
small group work settings, and he tends to have a larger group of friends, whom he may
contact on a regular basis. His display of behaviors associated with inclusion and
affection seem to be highly characteristic of Mr. Peterson, and they are likely to be
observed across situations and people.
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Indicator-2 (MMPI-2)
The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Indicator-2 (MMPI-2) is designed to
assess a number of the major patterns of personality and emotional disorders. Mr.
Peterson’s approach to the test was cooperative and consistent, which resulted in a valid
indication of his present personality functioning. Mr. Peterson did not report any
psychological conflicts or stresses that are producing great problems for him at this time.
He seems to be able to manage his life well and generally show resiliency in dealing with
problems when they occur. He seems to be socially skilled and does not appear to be
having any problems interacting with other people. Mr. Peterson is gregarious and seems
to need social recognition. He tends to be spontaneous, socially expressive, and he may
engage in attention-seeking behavior at times. It was noted that he may be overly
sensitive in interpersonal relationships. Mr. Peterson reports that his home life was
positive, pleasant, and problem-free. He indicates that he feels strong emotional support
from those close to him. He views his home life as pleasant and supportive.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (M-BTI)
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (M-BTI) describes an individual’s personality
by reporting his preferences on four scales. There are two opposite preferences on each
scale. The first scale describes two differing ways of focusing attention and energy:
toward the outer world of people and things (Extroversion) or toward the inner world of
ideas and impressions (Introversion). Scale two describes differing ways of perceiving
the world and acquiring information: by using one’s senses to focus on what is happening
in the here-and-now (Sensing) or by attending to the meanings, relationships, and
possibilities that go beyond the information given by the senses, focusing on the “big
picture” and identifying essential patterns (iNtuition). The third scale describes differing
ways individuals use the information they have acquired to make decisions or judgments
about something: by objective, logical analysis (Thinking) or by considering personal
values and how a decision will affect others (Feeling – this does not mean “being
emotional” or “acting only on one’s feelings”). The final scale describes the individual’s
preferred way of living in the outer world: wanting a planned orderly, settled life
(Judging – this does not mean “being judgmental”), or liking a flexible style that allows
one to gather information and keep options open (Perceiving). An individual’s
preferences on each of these four scales combine to form a four-letter “type” that is
associated with certain personality traits.
Mr. Peterson’s type, according to the M-BTI is ENFJ. He agreed that the
description of this type generally reflected his self-perception and matches previous
results. The following is a portrait of the ENFJ type.
Individuals of the ENFJ type radiate warmth and fellowship. Their reliance on
feeling gives them a very personal approach to life, since feeling judges everything by a
set of personal values. Being extroverts, they focus their feeling on the people around
them, placing a very high value on harmonious human contacts. They are friendly,
tactful, sympathetic, and can almost always express the right feeling.
They are particularly warmed by approval and sensitive to indifference. Much of their
pleasure and satisfaction comes not only from others’ warmth of feeling but from their
own; they enjoy admiring people and thus tend to concentrate on a person’s most
admirable qualities. They try to live up to their ideals and are loyal to respected persons,
institutions, and causes. They are mainly interested in seeing the possibilities beyond
what is present or obvious or known. Their intuition heightens their understanding, long-
range vision, insight, and curiosity.
Finding the value in the opinions of others is a particular skill for ENFJ types. Even if
the opinions are conflicting, they have faith that harmony can somehow be achieved and
often manage to bring it about. Their intense concentration on other people’s viewpoints
sometimes makes them lose sight of the value of their own. They are best at jobs that
deal with people and any situation where the needed cooperation can be won by good
will. They think best when talking with people and enjoy conversing. It takes special
effort for them to be brief and businesslike.
Being judging types, they like to have matters settled and decided, but they do not need
or want to make all the decisions themselves. They have many “shoulds” and “should
nots” and may express these freely. They are conscientious, persevering, orderly even in
small matters, and inclined to expect others to be the same.
If they do not develop their perception, they will, with the best of intentions, act on
assumptions that turn out to be wrong. They are especially likely to be blind to the facts
when there is a situation that is disagreeable or a criticism that hurts. It is harder for them
than for other types to see things they wish were not true. However, the risk in failing to
face disagreeable facts, is that problems are swept under the rug instead of finding good
solutions.
Likely to have a gift of expression, but may use it in speaking to audiences rather than in
writing. Interest in possibilities for people attracts them often to counseling in the fields
of career choice or personal development.
Shipley Institute of Living Scale
The Shipley Institute of Living Scale is a measurement of intellectual impairment.
The scale consists of a vocabulary test and an abstract-thinking test; and impairment is
measured by the extent to which the individual’s abstract thinking falls short of his
vocabulary. Results indicate Mr. Peterson’s estimated IQ falls within the high average
range (114).
Sixteen Personality Factor/Critical Analysis Questionnaire (16PF/CAQ)
The 16 Personality Factor/Critical Analysis Questionnaire (16PF/CAQ) is designed to
measure normal and pathological trait levels and to provide a full, multidimensional
profile of the individual. This questionnaire also provides vocational observations and
occupational profile comparisons.
Mr. Peterson appears to be an aggressive, dominant individual. His style of expression is
often lively, and he may act impulsively on occasion. Mr. Peterson is venturesome,
socially bold, and willing to take risks. Test results suggest that he may be shrewd,
calculating, and able to manipulate others. His motives can be disguised. Mr. Peterson
tends to approach problems and situations with an emphasis upon emotional
considerations. This may, at times, interfere with his ability to make decisions as
objectively as some situations could require.
Occupationally, Mr. Peterson showed a high personality match with the category
of Lutheran Clergy. He seems to be creative and is likely to benefit from formal
academic training. He is very likely to succeed at work that rewards interpersonal, sales,
and persuasive skills and permits him some independence and flexibility.
Strong Interest Inventory (SII)
To assess Mr. Peterson’s interest areas and vocational preferences, the Strong
Interest Inventory (SII) was administered. This measure compares an individual’s
interests with the interests of other individuals happily employed in a wide variety of
occupations. It is a gauge of interests, not aptitude or intelligence. In addition, the SII
provides information regarding the candidate’s comfort level regarding four personal
characteristics that may affect vocational choice.
The SII lists six General Occupational Themes that point to an individual’s
interests in six general occupational environments. Mr. Peterson showed highest interest
in the Social, Artistic, and Enterprising themes. This suggests that his interests are in
people, teamwork, helping, community service, self-expression, art appreciation,
communication, culture, business, politics, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Enjoyable
work activities include teaching, caring for people, counseling, composing music,
performing, writing, creating visual art, selling, managing, persuading, and marketing.
Potential skills include verbal ability, listening, showing consideration, people skills,
creativity, musical ability, artistic expression, and ability to motivate and direct others.
The SII also lists Basic Interest Scales, which indicate an individual’s interest in
25 specific activities or areas. Mr. Peterson’s five highest areas of basic interest are, in
rank order: Religion and Spirituality, Politics and Public Speaking, Human Resources
and Training, Counseling and Helping, Teaching and Education..
The Occupational Scales of the SII measure how similar an individual’s interest
are to those of individuals actually working in and satisfied with specific occupations.
The SII lists 211 specific occupations. Mr. Peterson's top ten Occupational Scales are, in
rank order: Foreign Language Teacher, Social Worker, Flight Attendant, Speech
Pathologist, Corporate Trainer, Public Relations Director, Nursing Home Administrator,
Rehabilitation Counselor, School Counselor, and Art Teacher. His Occupational Score
for Minister was 62, which indicates that he shares most of the likes and dislikes of men
in the ministry (scores of 50 and above suggest a high occupational match with a given
occupation). Mr. Peterson would probably enjoy much of the day-to-day work in that
occupation.
In terms of Mr. Peterson's personal style, the SII suggests that he is likely to
prefer working with people and participating in teams. He seems to prefer to learn
through lecture and books. Mr. Peterson probably prefers to lead by taking charge and
may dislike taking (certain) risks.
Tennessee Self-Concept Scale: 2 (TSCS: 2)
The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS: 2) was developed to provide a
description of an individual’s self-concept: his thoughts and feelings about himself,
abilities, and day-to-day activities. Based on Mr. Peterson’s responses on the TSCS: 2, it
would appear that he was somewhat hesitant to admit to small faults or flaws. It is
possible that in trying to create a good impression, Mr. Peterson may have been less than
candid when responding to test items. His apparent reluctance to be self-critical should
be kept in mind when interpreting the test results.
His strongest area of self-definition appears to be in the realm of social
relationships. His weakest area of self-definition most likely concerns his own conduct.
He is likely to have a relatively negative view of his ability to faithfully follow a
particular code of behavior relative to his other qualities, particularly with respect to how
this characteristic contributes to his general sense of contentment.
Mr. Peterson described himself in more positive terms than about 64% of the general
population, which places his profile in the average range.