Reseach and Development Issues
Worklife and Psychological Aspects
Because of the sensitive nature of psychological testing methods, detailed information about the methodology is not publicly disclosed. However, certain questions regarding the service and methodology warrant further examination and clarification.
As an initial point of research, it’s worth noting that Mindfindr is a scientifically developed method. Prior to the launch of the Mindfindr online service, which utilizes modern technology, the method underwent years of development in various organizations using traditional pen-and-paper formats. This development process included comparative studies with other methods, and over time, thousands of participants were evaluated. Additionally, a subset of participants underwent interviews to enable the validation of the results.
The Mindfindr assessment combines two methodological frameworks: the Big Five personality traits and Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. The outcomes represent a synthesis of these approaches (Mindfindr queryset).
The Mindfindr assessment combines two methodological frameworks that we leaned on over the development of the service: the Big Five personality traits and Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. The outcomes represent a synthesis of these approaches (Mindfindr queryset), though not in detail, but in the approach adopted.
By integrating the empirical insights from both the Big Five and Gardner’s multiple intelligences assessments, an evaluator can provide a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s psychological makeup. This combined approach offers insights into both personality traits and cognitive abilities, allowing for a richer understanding of an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and - what is more - their potential areas for growth.
In interpretations and guidelines, the terminology refrains from using negative terms like “weak,” “bad,” or “not suitable.” Instead, it adopts a positive psychology approach, focusing on areas for development and opportunities for growth. This tone of approach is especially evidenced in the scales and categories of the test results. However, it’s important to recognize that despite this positive framing, some may still perceive the scale as discriminatory.
Contemporary information systems have ushered in new capabilities for managing extensive datasets. The Mindfindr service has conducted a significant volume of evaluations (N > 17.000, dated 01/2024), processing vast amounts of data using advanced statistical methods and sophisticated data analytics techniques. This extensive data analysis has enabled the integration of new features into the Mindfindr service.
In research efforts, generating a substantial number of ISCO-compatible occupations has proven challenging, as each profession is created based on specific parameters. The service’s diversity is underscored by the fact that each participant receives suitability assessments for around 350 professions. Likewise, all service participants can be categorized according a specially chosen and defined profession.
More detailed information is available in Mindfindr research article.
Technological Aspect
Aside from the assessment of psychological test questions and their analysis, Mindfindr offers a variety of supplementary services and procedures. The extensively automated and easily scalable online platform provides a range of services aimed at supporting organizational and administrative operations. These services encompass the coordination of tests, management of participants and their results, as well as integration with diverse HR processes and systems.
Historically, suitability assessments have typically been conducted by field experts, including psychologists, who play a significant role in the evaluation process. These assessments rely heavily on the evaluator’s personal expertise and the methodologies they employ. As a result, evaluation processes have often been personalized tasks requiring the expertise of an HR professional. Challenges associated with this approach include the considerable human workload involved in assessments.
In the online evaluation system, experts in the field have designed an evaluation framework, utilizing tools such as statistical methods and data analytics. The abundance of data, often referred to as big data, has facilitated the verification of specific information and the enhancement of the service. Digitizing the process of test results not only reduces errors but also accelerates data collection, streamlines processes, and establishes a standardized evaluation framework.
Through numerous experiments, research endeavors, and development efforts, the technology has evolved and refined itself over the years, reaching its current state.