World events can often drive and direct scientific investigation. This is certainly true when it comes to personality assessment. Historical events from the first half of the twentieth century played an important role in the development of various personality assessment instruments. In particular, World War I and II prompted the need for quick screening of personality traits with regard to combat duty. The complexity of these assessment tools evolved significantly with the advent of multidimensional self-report inventories. The development of personality assessments was also influenced by professional organizations that emerged to meet the demand for increasingly sophisticated instruments.

This week, you explore the impact that historical events and personality theory have had on the development of personality assessment tools.

Give an analysis of how historical events and personality theory have shaped current personality assessment tools.