Description

The Open Four Temperaments Scales are a psychometric tool developed to assess the four classical personality temperaments: Choleric, Melancholic, Phlegmatic, and Sanguine. These scales are based on the ancient theory of the four humors and temperaments, which has been developed and adapted into modern psychology.

Purpose

The main purpose of the Open Four Temperaments Scales is to provide an easy-to-use and reliable tool for evaluating individuals’ basic temperamental tendencies. These scales are used to support self-understanding, personal development, and counseling.

Analysis

The Open Four Temperaments Scales consist of a series of statements that assess the four basic temperaments. Participants are asked to respond to these statements using a Likert scale, usually ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.”
Choleric: Characterized by dynamism, energy, and leadership abilities.
Melancholic: Characterized by a tendency toward analysis, perfectionism, and sensitivity.
Phlegmatic: Characterized by calmness, stability, and reliability.
Sanguine: Characterized by sociability, optimism, and enthusiasm.

Scoring

Scoring of the Open Four Temperaments Scales is done by summing the responses to the statements related to each of the four temperaments. The total scores for each temperament are calculated by adding together the scores of the relevant statements. These scores can be compared with population norms to determine an individual’s predominant temperament.
Higher scores in a given temperament indicate a stronger presence of that temperament’s characteristics in the individual, whereas lower scores indicate a lesser presence of those characteristics.

References

Keirsey, D. (1998). Please Understand Me II: Temperament, Character, Intelligence. Prometheus Nemesis Book Company.
Kroeger, O., Thuesen, J. M., & Rutledge, H. (2002). Type Talk at Work: How the 16 Personality Types Determine Your Success on the Job. Dell.
Nettle, D. (2007). Personality: What Makes You the Way You Are. Oxford University Press.
McCrae, R. R., & Costa, P. T. (2003). Personality in Adulthood: A Five-Factor Theory Perspective. Guilford Press.