In the digital era, understanding ourselves feel easier than ever, often through online personality tests. Many people feel they already understand their interests, talents, and even future direction through these tests. One of the most popular examples is MBTI, which is frequently used as a quick way to identify personality tendencies.
However, behind its popularity, there are still many misunderstandings in interpreting interests, talents, and personal potential. Many people label themselves based solely on test results without fully understanding the context and limitations of such psychological tools.
This topic was discussed in the latest episode of Obrolan Psikologi (OPSI), a psychology talk show collaboration between the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and TVRI Yogyakarta on Tuesday (19/5). Hosted by Argya Hanisi, the sixth episode featured Ramadhan Dwi Marvianto, S.Psi., M.A., a lecturer from the Faculty of Psychology UGM, who explained the importance of understanding interest and aptitude tests properly.
Marvi explained that tests are essentially measurements or quantifications of certain aspects within individuals. Interest and aptitude tests serve as tools to help individuals understand themselves, particularly in identifying what they enjoy, the abilities they possess, and the potential that can still be developed.
“Just like buying shoes, we need to know our shoe size first before choosing the design and colour. Interest and aptitude tests complement each other in helping us find the right fit,” Marvi explained.
According to him, interest and aptitude tests are commonly used by high school students or individuals entering early adulthood to map themselves and determine educational or career directions. However, their use is not limited to certain age groups.
If someone has not yet discovered their interests, it does not mean the potential does not exist. Interests may not yet be visible, but the abilities a person can achieve can still be identified.
“… helping us avoid forcing ourselves to pursue something difficult, and instead pursue what truly fits us, even things we may not yet realise we enjoy,” he added.
In practice, Marvi emphasised that interest and aptitude assessments usually do not rely on only one type of instrument. Assessments may include cognitive tests, performance tests, interviews, rating scales, and projective tests such as drawing tasks. The combination of these methods is necessary to produce more comprehensive results.
The duration of assessments also varies, ranging from several minutes to several hours, depending on the instrument used. More comprehensive assessments may even take place across multiple sessions.
Aside from the instruments themselves, participants’ conditions during the assessment greatly influence the results. When someone is sick, tired, or unable to focus, the results may not accurately reflect their actual condition.
“A testing instrument is only a tool, like a mirror. If the mirror is dirty or damaged, it needs to be cleaned properly. Tests are the same, we must follow procedures correctly so the results can be interpreted accurately,” he explained.
Honesty during the assessment is equally important. Marvi warned that faking good or faking bad, where participants intentionally try to appear better or worse than they actually are, can ultimately harm themselves. Inaccurate results may lead people to make poor educational or career decisions.
Furthermore, Marvi explained that interpreting test results is not merely technical or procedural. Understanding test results also requires sensitivity toward an individual’s psychological dynamics.
Therefore, test reports should ideally be interpreted together with psychologists or qualified professionals, rather than concluded independently without proper understanding.
Regarding MBTI, Marvi explained that it can be used as a general overview of personality tendencies. However, MBTI alone is insufficient as the sole basis for determining interests, talents, educational majors, or career decisions.
Ultimately, interest and aptitude tests remain important as comprehensive tools to help individuals understand themselves, explore their potential, and make decisions that align more closely with who they are.
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Author: Arrasya Aninggadhira
Editor: Erna Tri Nofiyana