Fisher temperament inventory (Test)

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Hanan Parvez
MA Psychology
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temperaments test

If you’re eager to test your natural temperament style, the Fisher Temperament Inventory (FTI) is the right test to take. When you’re done with this temperaments test, you’ll get a clear picture of your natural traits and tendencies.

Those who have a good degree of self-awareness may find that the results confirm what they already believe about themselves. Those with low self-awareness may find this quiz both interesting and revealing.

Anthropologist Helen Fisher’s temperament test is different than many other personality tests in that it explores the human personality using four basic brain systems- dopamine, serotonin, testosterone, and estrogen.

These neurochemicals are linked to distinct human behaviours and thinking patterns. Based on these distinct behaviours and thinking patterns, personality has been divided into four broad temperament styles- Explorers, Builders, Directors, and Negotiators.

We’re all a mix of these temperament styles

All of us are a combination of these four temperament styles, but this test tells you which style is dominant in you- your primary temperament style.

Your most dominant personality traits will likely fall under your primary temperament type. It’s how you naturally think and behave most of the time.

After your primary style, your personality is further explained by your secondary style, under which your other important, but slightly less dominant traits fall.

When you’re done taking the test, pay attention to your top 2 scores. Your top score is your primary style and the 1st runner-up is your secondary style.

temperament test chart

Taking the temperaments test

Fisher Temperament Inventory (FTI) consists of 56 items and you have to answer each item on a 4-point scale ranging from ‘Strongly disagree’ to ‘Strongly agree’.

Choose the option that best describes how you think and behave most of the time. It’s important that you answer honestly.

No personal information will be collected and your score will not be stored in our database. The test takes around 5 minutes to complete.

Fisher Temperament Inventory

1. I find unpredictable situations exhilarating.

2. I do things on the spur of the moment.

3. I get bored when I have to do the same familiar things.

4. I have a very wide range of interests.

5. I am more optimistic than most people.

6. I am more creative than most people.

7. I am always looking for new experiences.

8. I am always doing new things.

9. I am more enthusiastic than most people.

10. I am willing to take risks to do what I want to do.

11. I get restless if I have to stay home for any length of time.

12. My friends would say I am very curious.

13. I have more energy than most people.

14. On my time off, I like to be free to do whatever looks fun.

15. I think consistent routines keep life orderly and relaxing.

16. I consider (and reconsider) every option thoroughly before making a plan.

17. People should behave according to established standards of proper conduct.

18. I enjoy planning way ahead.

19. In general, I think it is important to follow rules.

20. Taking care of my possessions is a high priority for me.

21. My friends and family would say I have traditional values.

22. I tend to be meticulous in my duties.

23. I tend to be cautious, but not fearful.

24. People should behave in ways that are morally correct.

25. It is important to respect authority.

26. I would rather have loyal friends than interesting friends.

27. Long established customs need to be respected and preserved.

28. I like to work in a straightforward path toward completing the task.

29. I understand complex machines easily.

30. I enjoy competitive conversations.

31. I am intrigued by rules and patterns that govern systems.

32. I am more analytical and logical than most people.

33. I pursue intellectual topics thoroughly and regularly.

34. I am able to solve problems without letting emotion get in the way.

35. I like to figure out how things work.

36. I am tough-minded.

37. Debating is a good way to match my wits with others.

38. I have no trouble making a choice, even when several alternatives seem equally good at first.

39. When I buy a new machine (like a camera, computer or car), I want to know all of its technical features.

40. I like to avoid the nuances and say exactly what I mean.

41. I think it is important to be direct.

42. When making a decision, I like to stick to the facts rather than be swayed by people’s feelings.

43. I like to get to know my friends’ deepest needs and feelings.

44. I highly value deep emotional intimacy in my relationships.

45. Regardless of what is logical, I generally listen to my heart when making important decisions.

46. I frequently catch myself daydreaming.

47. I can change my mind easily.

48. After watching an emotional film I often still feel moved by it several hours later.

49. I vividly imagine both wonderful and horrible things happening to me.

50. I am very sensitive to people’s feelings and needs.

51. I often find myself getting lost in my thoughts during the day.

52. I feel emotions more deeply than most people.

53. I have a vivid imagination.

54. When I wake up from a vivid dream, it takes me a few seconds to return to reality.

55. When reading, I enjoy it when the writer takes a sidetrack to say something beautiful or meaningful.

56. I am very empathetic.

Reference:

Fisher, H. E., Island, H. D., Rich, J., Marchalik, D., & Brown, L. L. (2015). Four broad temperament dimensions: description, convergent validation correlations, and comparison with the Big Five. Frontiers in psychology, 6, 1098.