Tests for Compatibility

Tests for compatibility are popular for people seeking successful relationships in marriage, dating, friendship and professional relationships. Employers want to know if job applicants are a "good fit" for the job. Potential marriage partners want to know if their character and personalities are able to blend. Although there is no set rule for what makes two people compatible, there are some tests that help identify traits and areas of potential conflict. The Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator and Zamora Personality Tests are two of the most useful.

History

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator was developed by a mother-daughter team of Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers. They took the research of Carl Jung and developed it into a practical test to determine how people process information and make decisions. They added their own theories of judgment and perception to the Jungian model. Beginning in the 1940s, they began perfecting the test over a 20-year period. Now it is a well-respected instrument to measure compatibility for work and relationships.

The Zamora Test is a modern online test that evaluates some areas that Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator does not address. There are many other compatibility tests online that have a variable level of scientific foundation.

Types MBTI

Under the Myers-Briggs test people are evaluated in terms of four preferences.

Extroversion or introversion; sensing or intuition; thinking or feeling; and judging or perceiving are the components of the personality test. An extrovert spends his focus and energy outward while an introvert has a focus of energy inward. Sensors are sensual, realistic and pragmatical while intuitive people are dreamers, visionaries and idealists. Thinkers are intellectual and analytical while feelers are sentimental and compassionate. Perceivers are impulsive and spontaneous while judgers are decisive and organized.

Types Zamora

More than a personality test, the Zamora Test is an inventory of characteristic that people want in a partner. This could be for business or romantic relationships. The qualities are divided into two areas, and each has 10 characteristics.

The first type of trait is Individual Attributes characterized by moods, feelings and behavior in isolation from other people.

The Zamora test will tell you your attitudes toward achievement, your emotional nature and energy level. Your intellectual level, attitudes toward material things and the environment and overall maturity is also revealed. If you want to know your philosophical attitudes, risk tolerance and physical attributes, the exam shows you. Even your approach to problem-solving is measured.

In the second part of the test, you can find out about your level of aggressiveness, need for control, dependability and ego-centrism. The test will reveal your level of emotional expression, sense of fairness, leadership potential, physical attractiveness, regard for rules and teamwork.

Benefits

Whether you use the MBTI or Zamora, you gain valuable information about yourself and others. This can help you choose friends, marriage partners, business associations and other voluntary associations. You can become aware of why certain people are instantly attractive to you and others bore you to tears.

You can accept yourself for your own strengths and weaknesses as well as learn to depend on others who have qualities that you lack. If used in counseling young married couples, the partners are able to forget about changing the other and appreciate the unique blend of traits they possess.

Teachers and coaches can place students and athletes in positions where the person will be more naturally able to succeed.

Warning

Beware of using your understanding of personality to manipulate or take advantage of others. An awareness of how people act and respond can give you a distinct advantage in social interactions, and this information should not be used to stereotype, prejudge or manipulate others to get them to do what you want.

References

• The Myers & Briggs Foundation
• Zamora Personality Test
• The Story of Isabel Briggs Myers