Personality tests that analyze someone based on their favorite color have become increasingly popular over the years. The color personality theory suggests that color preferences reveal parts of our personalities. But with so many different color personality tests available, how do you know which one is the most accurate?
When taking an online color personality test, it’s important to remember they are not scientifically validated assessments, but rather intended for entertainment purposes. However, some color personality tests are more reliable than others if analyzed carefully. The most accurate tests take into account multiple factors beyond just someone’s favorite color.
In this article, we will explore what makes an accurate color personality test, review the most popular options, and provide tips for getting the most precise reading of your personality through color analysis.
What Makes an Accurate Color Personality Test?
There are a few key factors that separate more reputable color personality tests from poorly designed ones:
– **Multiple color choices** – The most accurate tests don’t just ask your single favorite color. You’ll be asked to pick multiple colors you like and dislike from a wide selection. This provides a more nuanced analysis.
– **In-depth personality profiles** – Better tests provide detailed multi-paragraph personality profiles for each color, not just a few generic words or sentences. The description should sound specific to you.
– **Professionally designed** – Reliable color personality tests are designed by professionals like psychologists, psychoanalysts, or color therapy practitioners who understand both color theory and personality analysis.
– **Free from ads/spam** – Accurate tests are focused purely on providing your results, not loaded with ads or collecting your personal data for marketing purposes.
– **Research-backed methodology** – Reputable designers reference established research on color psychology to support their color-personality associations. Their profiles should cite scientific studies.
– **Positive focus** – While tests may point out weaknesses, quality assessments emphasize the positive potential in every color personality type. You should feel good after taking the test.
If a test you’re considering meets the above criteria, it’s likely to provide reasonably perceptive insight into your personality based on your color choices. Let’s compare some top options.
Popular Color Personality Tests Compared
Here is an overview of 5 well-known color personality tests and how they stack up against the accuracy criteria:
| Color Test | Multiple Color Choices? | In-Depth Profiles? | Designed by Experts? | Ad/Spam Free? | Research-Backed? | Positive Focus? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartman Color Code | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ColorQuiz | No | Brief | Unclear | Yes | Unclear | No |
| True Color Test | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Color Code Personality Test | No | Brief | Unclear | Yes | Unclear | Yes |
| Personal Color View | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
As you can see, tests like the Hartman Color Code, True Color Test, and Personal Color View pass more of the accuracy criteria. Let’s take a closer look at these top three:
Hartman Color Code Test
Developed by Dr. Carol Ritberger and Taylor Hartman in the 1980s, this color personality test remains one of the most in-depth and well-regarded. You are asked to rank order eight colors from most to least preferred.
The designers were experts in psychology and color therapy who built upon research about the psychological effects of color. The profiles for each of the four color types (Red, Blue, White, Yellow) run several pages long and reference scientific studies. The Hartman test meets all the criteria for an accurate and reliable color personality assessment.
True Color Test
Created by Don Lowry in 1978, True Colors was originally designed as a workshop for improving workplace productivity and relationships. It categorizes personalities into four color archetypes: Orange, Green, Blue and Gold.
You rank a set of word cards by most and least descriptive of yourself. The thorough color profiles are focused on practical application at work and home. True Colors is still widely used in corporate training and team building today due to its insightful sensibilities and positive approach.
Personal Color View
This more recent color personality test was designed in 2010 by Japanese professor Masa Miyauchi and computer programmer Miho Aida. Their research included studying how colors affect emotions and behavior.
You view a set of eight colored cards and categorize them from most to least preferable. The comprehensive profiles highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each of four colors: Red, Yellow, Blue and Green. Personal Color View provides one of the most in-depth and perceptive modern color analyses.
Tips for Most Accurate Results
To get the most precise reading of your personality from a color test, keep these additional tips in mind:
– **Take your time** – Don’t rush through choosing colors. Carefully consider how each selection makes you feel.
– **Focus on initial reaction** – Go with your gut instinct color preferences rather than overthinking.
– **Consider all contexts** – Imagine colors in different settings like clothing, decor, nature scenes to cover all associations.
– **Retake periodically** – Your color sensibilities may evolve over time. Re-taking a test years later can offer new insights.
– **Read all profiles** – Even if you don’t expect to be a certain color, still read that description for hidden strengths.
– **Avoid stereotyping** – Don’t pigeonhole yourself based solely on a color. Take what resonates and leave what doesn’t.
– **Balance with introspection** – Combine your test results with self-reflection to best confirm and expand on the conclusions.
While color personality tests offer interesting avenues to explore who you are, they are not definitive. Use them as thought-provoking jumping off points for deeper self-discovery rather than boxing yourself in. With the right perspective, you can find unexpected wisdom.
Conclusion
If approached carefully, color personality tests can reveal fascinating insights about how we think, feel, and interact with the world. Selecting a test designed by color psychology experts that asks multiple color preference questions and provides detailed personality profiles is your best bet for accuracy.
Tests like the Hartman Color Code, True Colors, and Personal Color View are among the most reputable and perceptive available. But remember to focus on the spirit of the analysis and what rings true for you rather than getting caught up in the archetypes. Your personality is far more dynamic than any one color can capture.
