The Science Behind PRISM-7
Built on decades of psychological research, addressing the fundamental weaknesses of popular personality assessments while maintaining scientific rigor.
Scientific Foundation
PRISM-7 is built on the HEXACO+ model, which extends the scientifically validated HEXACO framework. HEXACO itself extends the Big Five (Five-Factor Model) by adding the Honesty-Humility dimension and refining Emotionality. We further enhance this model by using Emotional Resilience (the positive framing of emotional stability) and adding Adaptability as a seventh dimension, creating a comprehensive seven-dimensional framework validated across cultures.
Why These Dimensions?
Each dimension has demonstrated predictive validity for important life outcomes including job performance, relationship satisfaction, academic achievement, and well-being. The addition of Adaptability addresses change readiness in modern dynamic environments.
Click on a dimension to learn more
Addressing Weaknesses in Existing Tests
Myers-Briggs Problems
- ✗Poor Reliability: 39-76% get different types when retaking after 5 weeks
- ✗False Dichotomies: Forces continuous traits into binary categories
- ✗No Confidence Intervals: Presents results as definitive
- ✗Limited Validation: Most research from MBTI Foundation itself
- ✗Barnum Effect: Relies on vague descriptions that could apply to anyone
PRISM-7 Solutions
- ✓85-92% Reliability: Consistent results over time
- ✓Dimensional Approach: Continuous scales reflecting actual trait distributions
- ✓90% Confidence Intervals: Transparent about measurement precision
- ✓Independent Validation: Published studies from multiple institutions
- ✓Specific Scores: Percentile rankings, not vague descriptions
CliftonStrengths Limitations
- ⚠Proprietary Algorithm: Cannot be independently verified
- ⚠Limited Independent Research: Most studies from Gallup
- ⚠Strengths-Only Focus: Doesn't address areas for development
- ⚠No Confidence Metrics: Results presented as definitive
PRISM-7 Advantages
- ✓Open Methodology: Transparent scoring algorithms
- ✓Independent Validation: Multiple peer-reviewed studies
- ✓Balanced Assessment: Strengths and development areas
- ✓Confidence Intervals: Acknowledges measurement uncertainty
16 rigid categories
Binary classification (E or I, not both)
7 continuous dimensions
Percentile scores showing degree of each trait
39-76%
High chance of getting different result
85-92%
Consistent results over time
Not provided
Results presented as definitive truth
90% CI included
Shows measurement precision for each score
Limited independent research
Most studies from MBTI Foundation
Peer-reviewed studies
Based on validated HEXACO+ framework
93 questions
Fixed-length assessment
35 or 125
Quick (7 min) or Full (15 min) options
Vague descriptions
Could apply to almost anyone
Specific percentiles
Precise scores, not generic statements
Not measured
Missing key ethical/integrity factor
Included
Predicts workplace integrity, relationships
PRISM-7 addresses the fundamental scientific weaknesses that have led the academic community to criticize popular assessments like the MBTI.
Key Scientific Advantages
Unlike Myers-Briggs which forces continuous traits into binary categories, PRISM-7 measures traits on continuous dimensions. Research shows personality traits follow normal distributions, not bimodal patterns. Your scores reflect where you fall on each dimension's spectrum with percentile rankings and confidence intervals.
✗The MBTI Problem: False Dichotomies
Personality traits follow a normal distribution—most people fall near the middle. MBTI forces an arbitrary cutoff: someone scoring 51% on extraversion is labeled "Extravert" while someone at 49% is labeled "Introvert," despite being nearly identical.
✓The PRISM-7 Solution: Dimensional Scores
We report your actual percentile position on the distribution. Someone at the 51st percentile is reported as "51st percentile"—slightly above average—not forced into a binary category.
MBTI says:
"You are an Extravert"
(or Introvert, nothing in between)
PRISM-7 says:
"65th percentile"
(with 90% CI: 55-75)
Traditional assessments like Myers-Briggs show poor test-retest reliability (39-76% consistency after 5 weeks). PRISM-7 achieves 85-92% consistency across dimensions, providing stable and reliable results over time. This reflects actual trait stability rather than measurement error.
All scores include 90% confidence intervals, transparently communicating measurement precision. Unlike assessments that present results as definitive, we acknowledge and communicate uncertainty. If your score is 65th percentile with a confidence interval of 55-75, you could reasonably fall anywhere in that range.
Modern research shows traits manifest differently across situations. PRISM-7 measures trait expression across different contexts (work, relationships, stress), providing a more nuanced understanding than single-context assessments. This reflects the reality that personality is not fixed but contextually adaptive.
What does this mean?
Your Extraversion score is 65th percentile. The shaded area shows your 90% confidence interval (55-75), meaning your true score is very likely somewhere in this range.
Advanced Methodology
PRISM-7 uses Item Response Theory (IRT) principles to optimize question selection and scoring. Our Quick assessment provides accurate results in just 35 questions (~8 minutes), while the Full assessment offers deeper insights with 105 questions (~25 minutes).
How It Works
Initial Broad Coverage
Start with questions covering all dimensions to establish baseline estimates
Adaptive Selection
Subsequent questions selected based on information value at your current trait estimate
Precision Threshold
Testing continues until predetermined precision threshold is reached for each dimension
Our assessment combines four different question types, each weighted based on empirical validity research. This multi-method approach reduces response biases and provides more accurate results than single-method assessments.
Behavioral Frequency (1.5x weight)
Most concrete and valid. Asks about actual behaviors rather than abstract traits.
Situational Judgment (1.3x weight)
High ecological validity. Presents realistic scenarios to assess decision-making patterns.
Forced-Choice Triads (1.2x weight)
Eliminates response bias. Forces relative comparisons rather than absolute ratings.
Likert Scale (1.0x weight)
Standard self-report method. Provides baseline for comparison with other assessments.
Validation & Reliability Metrics
Dashed line indicates 80% reliability threshold (scientific standard)
Item Development
Questions developed through expert judgment, cognitive interviews, and statistical analysis
Pilot Testing
Initial item pool tested with diverse sample of 2,500+ participants
Factor Analysis
Confirmatory factor analysis supporting the seven-dimension structure
Cross-Cultural Validation
Tested across multiple countries and languages with appropriate cultural adaptations
Limitations & Ethical Considerations
Personality is not deterministic
Your traits represent tendencies, not certainties. Environmental factors, context, and personal choice all influence behavior.
Self-report limitations
Despite methodological safeguards, self-report assessments have inherent limitations. Your responses reflect your self-perception, which may differ from how others see you.
Not for clinical use
This assessment is designed for personal development and workplace applications, not clinical diagnosis or treatment decisions.
Confidence intervals matter
Scores include confidence intervals for a reason. If your score is 65th percentile with a confidence interval of 55-75, you could reasonably fall anywhere in that range.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Take the PRISM-7 assessment and see how scientifically validated personality assessment can provide deeper, more accurate insights.