AI in focus

AI in focus: How ChatGPT and others are influencing our sector.

Since the introduction of Chat GPT in November 2022, we have probably all become familiar with the advantages and limitations of AI. Reason enough to take a look at how AI specifically affects the implementation and further development of personality assessments.

What are the latest developments in AI and Hogan Assessments?

There are several exciting developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and personality assessments. Here are some of the key trends and advances:

1. Automated personality tests

AI-based personality tests can analyze large amounts of data. These tests use algorithms based on psychological theories such as the Big Five model to assess personality traits. Examples include applications such as IBM Watson Personality Insights, which perform text analysis to create personality profiles. However, this is still a long way from valid results and the accurate prediction of professional performance. Hogan himself carried out a Hogan personality test with the help of Chat GPT: the results came back as not valid and interpretable.

2. Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Advances in Natural Language Processing (NLP) enable AI systems to analyze a person’s speech and texts. The ‘sentiment’, i.e. patterns in the choice of words, sentence structure and writing style, can be recognized. NLP models could therefore provide indirect indications of personality traits. However, the results should be viewed with caution: a reliable, valid assessment of personality is not possible.

3. Machine learning and deep learning

Machine learning and deep learning are used to extract and analyze personality traits from various data sources. These techniques make it possible to recognize complex patterns that human analysts may miss. Companies like HireVue use video interviews analyzed with machine learning to assess personality traits and other characteristics of candidates.

4. Wearable technology and behavioral analytics

Wearable technologies and Internet of Things (IoT) devices continuously collect data about a person’s behavior and physiological responses. This data can be used by AI systems to assess and monitor personality traits. Examples include fitness trackers and smartwatches that record sleep patterns and other health data.

5. Gamification

Gamification techniques are increasingly being used to make personality assessments more interactive and engaging. AI-powered games and simulations can analyze behavior and decisions in playful contexts to draw conclusions about personality. These methods are often less stressful and more accurate than traditional questionnaires.

6. Ethics and data protection

With the increasing use of AI in personality assessments, awareness of ethical issues and data protection is also growing. You know that we take this very seriously at Hogan and metaBeratung. Efforts are underway to ensure that AI-powered assessments are transparent, fair and free from bias. Regulators and research institutions are working on guidelines and standards to ensure the responsible use of AI.

What can be concluded about AI in personality assessment?

Artificial intelligence is very good at recognizing and remembering what is written, both words and data. For an AI language model to predict personality based on language, you first need to collect a lot of high-quality data. AI language models already understand language and translate words into numbers that can be analyzed. AI already understands psychological concepts such as personality. These AI language models have read texts written by introverts and extroverts and could theoretically recognize whether a person is introverted or extroverted based on a fragment of text.

The use of big data models to predict personality traits is not a new idea. It has positive aspects: It can analyze millions of people in a minute and match people with compatible jobs or make suggestions for on-the-job training and development.

But it also has negative aspects: It can be used to invade privacy or manipulate people. As with many other technologies, we focus on the risks of the technology itself, completely forgetting that the real risk lies in the intentions of the users.

We will be taking a closer look at AI in our upcoming refresher training in German – click here to register

Recommended downloads on the topic:

The Science of Personality Podcast: AI in Consulting Psychology on Apple Podcasts

Coaching & AI – how artificial intelligence will shape the future of coaching: International Coaching Federation Germany (coachfederation.de)