The Truity TypeFinder personality test is a free, quick and fun test designed to help you discover who you really are. In this article, we will explore the TypeFinder personality test and discuss the different options available.
The Theory Behind the Model
Comprised of 130 questions and taking only 10 to 15 minutes to complete, the TypeFinder focuses on the 16 personality types introduced by Myers and Briggs in 1957. These 16 personality types describes our behavior across four preferences, which are:
- Our orientation of energy is either an Extroverted (E) preference, meaning we are energized by our outer world, or an Introverted (I) preference, meaning we are energized by our inner world.
- We either make perceptions using a Sensing (S) preference, which means we focus on facts and details. Or, we make perceptions by iNtuition (N), which means we focus on meaning and possibilities.
- We either make judgements by Thinking (T), which means we focus on analysis and reasoning. Or, by using a Feeling (F) preference, which means we focus on our emotions and values.
- Our orientation to the outer world is either Judging (J), which means we prefer structure and planning, or Perceiving (P), which means we prefer spontaneity and flexibility.
From these preferences, Myers and Briggs proposed that we can be placed into one of 16 distinct personality types, each of which have their own unique characteristics, strengths, weaknesses and areas for self-development. For example, someone with Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking and Perceiving preferences would be an ‘ESTP’. Whereas someone with Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling and Judging preferences would be an ‘INFJ’.
How is the TypeFinder Different to the MBTI?
Molly Owens, the CEO of Truity, has one simple mission: to provide low cost, yet accurate, personality tests. In an attempt to do this, Truity’s TypeFinder is based on the original empirical research on the MBTI but it seeks to be better.
Firstly, like all of Truity’s assessments, the TypeFinder is either free or the upgraded report costs $19. Whereas the MBTI costs $49 for each test and the tests results.
Secondly, the TypeFinder goes one step further and explores 23 more detailed facets of personality which are there to help us understand ourselves as a unique individual, not just a personality type. For example, our preference for Extraversion versus Introversion can be further broken down six facets of:
- placid versus energetic;
- reserved versus expressive;
- private versus prominent;
- calm versus joyful;
- aloof versus friendly; and
- solitary versus engaged.
Another example is that our preferences for Perceiving versus Judging can be further explored under the five facets of:
- relaxed versus orderly;
- spontaneous versus scheduled;
- casual versus conscientious;
- impulsive versus disciplined; and
- easygoing versus ambitious.
The Review: What Did I Think?
This wouldn’t be a comprehensive review if I didn’t do the test myself. The test says it takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, but it only took me around 8 minutes. For the first 1oo or so questions you are asked to rate how much you agree with a statement about yourself from inaccurate to accurate. Example questions include “I try not to draw myself” or “I prefer to follow a schedule”. I found these questions quick and easy to take. However, I did find some of them a bit wishy washy and I answered ‘neutral’ to five of them, as I wasn’t quite sure exactly what they were getting at.
On page five out of six, the scales change and you are asked to rate where you sit along a scale of two phrases. For example “I seek attention from others” to “I avoid attention from others”. Or, “I like to cooperate” to “I like to compete”. I must admit, this change in scale confused me! I skipped back a page to ensure that the other scales hadn’t asked this and I just wasn’t paying attention – they didn’t… panic over!
Free or paid version?
As mentioned previously, Truity offers a short summary of the test results for free. In this short summary, you learn the essentials about your personality. You get learn about which top three personality type codes you were best matched to.
You also get to learn what percentage you score for each personality preference, but you can’t see the facet descriptions. For example, you can see introversion versus extroversion, but you can’t see what you score on the facets of placid versus energetic or reserved versus expressive.
In my opinion, it is worth upgrading. The full report too me over an hour to get through, which is FANTASTIC value for the $19 dollars I paid to upgrade!
It gave me a really in-depth breakdown of my personality, in accordance to the 16 personalities, I really liked how I could see exactly what I scored on each facet.
The paid report also covered my personality at work, something that I think will greatly aid me in my career development and progression! In the ‘personality at work’ section you get to explore your ideal work environment, your leadership style, your teamwork style AND the top careers that you are likely to be successful in.
As well as all of this, you also get a detailed description of:
- Your core values
- Your key motivators
- How you behave in relationships
- Your communication style
- Personal strengths
- Your opportunities for excellence
- Your potential pitfalls.
In my opinion, this does exactly what Truity hoped it would do. It has given me an understanding of myself as a unique individual, opposed to just a personality type.
What Do Other Customers Think?
I thought this personality assessment was really worth the money, but don’t just take my word for it! Some of the recent reviews on this test include
“I’d recommend that everyone takes this test. It’s extremely insightful and really helps you make sense of why you operate in certain ways. A lot of things suddenly start to make sense”.
Another review was
“I learned a lot about myself with this quick and easy test. The paid version gave me very in-depth explanations and has helped me explore my career path moving forward.”
Conclusion and What Next?
Overall, I felt that this assessment is really thorough and comprehensive, going above and beyond the MBTI. It meets the mission of Truity: to create effective but low-cost personality tests. It takes the tried and tested period of Myers and Briggs and makes it better, but more cost effective!
If you’re reading this and thinking it sounds good – then why not take the test yourself?
