Personality

Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI): Temperament Test

Discover your temperament type using Hans Eysenck's classic test. Determine your extraversion level, emotional stability, and receive a scientifically-based psychological personality profile.

57
questions
12-27
minutes
50M+
completed the test
Scientifically validated
Personalized AI Report
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📚 Methodology

About the Methodology

57
questions
12min
to complete
50M+
respondents
α≥0.87
reliability
Method Authors
Hans Jürgen Eysenck, Sybil B. G. Eysenck
Developed by Hans Eysenck and Sybil Eysenck in 1964 at the Institute of Psychiatry, University of London1964 year

What It Measures

The Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) was developed by Hans Eysenck and Sybil Eysenck in 1964. The test is based on Eysenck's temperament theory, which describes personality using two independent dimensions: extraversion-introversion and neuroticism-stability. The combination of these dimensions determines four classic temperament types described by Hippocrates: sanguine, choleric, phlegmatic, and melancholic.

Test Structure

57
statements
2
points (Likert scale)
Response Scale
1
No
1
Neutral
2
Yes

Normative Data

Sample
>17 000
respondents
Gender
73%
women
Age
27
years (average)
Scale Correlation
r=0.40
moderate correlation

Psychometric Properties

Test-retest reliability: 0.84-0.94
Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha): 0.80-0.90
Factor validity confirmed by numerous studies
Adapted and validated in more than 30 countries
Used in clinical, professional, and research practice
🌡️

4 Temperament Types by Eysenck

Eysenck Personality Inventory — Classic Temperament Theory (1964)

Temperament Types

😊
Sanguine
Active, sociable, optimistic
🔥
Choleric
Energetic, quick-tempered, leader
🧘
Phlegmatic
Calm, balanced, reliable
🎭
Melancholic
Deep, sensitive, thoughtful

Two Personality Axes

E
Extravert
I
Introvert
Extraversion — Introversion
Energy direction: outward (socializing) or inward (reflection)
N
Neurotic
S
Stable
Neuroticism — Stability
Emotional stability: anxiety or calmness

History of Temperament Theory

~400 BC
Hippocrates

Ancient Greek physician described 4 temperament types based on the theory of 'bodily humors'.

1964
Hans and Sybil Eysenck

Created EPI — a scientific way to measure temperament through extraversion and neuroticism.

Today
World standard

EPI translated into 30+ languages. Used in clinical, HR and research settings.

EPI in Numbers

57
Yes/No questions
4
temperament types
3
scales (E, N, L)
0.87
test reliability
📊 Measurements

What the Test Measures

The test measures 3 key dimensions, each revealing important aspects of your personality.

1

Extraversion — Introversion

24 questions

Measures personality orientation toward the external world (extraversion) or internal world (introversion). Extraverts are sociable, active, and optimistic. Introverts are reserved, prefer solitude, and tend toward self-reflection.

2

Neuroticism — Stability

24 questions

Measures emotional stability of personality. High neuroticism manifests as anxiety, emotional instability, and tendency toward worry. Low neuroticism characterizes calm, balanced individuals.

3

Lie Scale (Sincerity)

9 questions

Assesses response validity and tendency toward socially desirable answers. High scores may indicate insincerity or an attempt to present oneself in a better light.

🎯 🎯 For You

Who Is This For

People wanting to better understand their temperament

HR specialists and recruiters

Psychologists and psychotherapists

Psychology students

Coaches and personal development trainers

Anyone interested in scientific personality psychology

💎 💎 Value

Practical Value

1

Understanding your strengths and temperament characteristics

2

Choosing a suitable profession and work style

3

Improving communication with different personality types

4

Managing your emotions and stress

5

Building harmonious relationships considering temperament compatibility

6

Conscious approach to self-development

Scientific Validation and Worldwide Recognition of EPI

Over 60 years of research confirm the reliability of Eysenck's questionnaire

📊Psychometric Properties

EPI has undergone thousands of independent validity and reliability studies:

0.80–0.90
Cronbach's α
High internal consistency of scales
0.84–0.94
Test-retest
Result stability on repeated testing
30+ countries
Cross-cultural
Validated across different cultures and languages

🌍Where EPI is Used

🇬🇧
United Kingdom
Clinical psychology, NHS
🇺🇸
USA
HR selection, research
🇩🇪
Germany
Career counseling, psychotherapy
🇷🇺
Russia
Education, clinical, HR

🏢 NASA, BBC, British Army, world's leading universities

💡Practical Application Areas

🏥
Clinical Psychology
Anxiety disorder diagnosis, therapy selection
💼
HR & Recruiting
Personnel selection, team building
🎓
Education
Career guidance for students
💑
Family Counseling
Partner compatibility analysis

🔬Interesting Fact

Eysenck's 1967 study showed that extraverts perform better at monotonous tasks in the morning, while introverts excel in the evening. This discovery changed shift planning approaches in manufacturing and increased productivity by 15-20%.

📖 Eysenck, H.J. (1967). The Biological Basis of Personality

❓ FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI)?

EPI (Eysenck Personality Inventory) is a psychological test developed by Hans and Sybil Eysenck in 1964 to measure two main personality dimensions: extraversion-introversion and neuroticism-stability. The test allows determining a person's temperament type and includes a lie scale to verify response validity.

How accurate is the EPI test?

EPI is one of the most scientifically validated personality tests. Its test-retest reliability is 0.84-0.94, and internal consistency is 0.80-0.90. The test has been validated in dozens of countries and has been used in scientific research for over 60 years. However, for maximum accuracy, it's important to answer honestly.

What temperament types does the test identify?

The test identifies four classic temperament types: sanguine (high extraversion, low neuroticism) — active, cheerful; choleric (high extraversion, high neuroticism) — energetic, hot-tempered; phlegmatic (low extraversion, low neuroticism) — calm, balanced; melancholic (low extraversion, high neuroticism) — thoughtful, sensitive.

What does the extraversion scale measure?

The extraversion scale measures personality orientation. Extraverts are oriented toward the external world: they're sociable, active, enjoy company, and easily make acquaintances. Introverts are directed inward: they prefer solitude, deep conversations, and carefully consider their actions. Most people are somewhere in the middle of this scale.

What does the neuroticism scale show?

Neuroticism reflects emotional stability of personality. High neuroticism means a tendency toward anxiety, mood swings, and emotional reactions to stress. Low neuroticism characterizes emotionally stable people who remain calm in difficult situations. This isn't 'good' or 'bad' — it's a temperament characteristic.

What is the lie scale for?

The lie scale (sincerity scale) verifies the validity of your responses. It detects the tendency to give socially desirable answers or present yourself in a better light. If the score on this scale is too high, test results may be unreliable. For accurate results, it's important to answer honestly, even if the answer seems unappealing.

57questions
3scales
α > 0.87reliability
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Test results are informational and cannot be used for clinical diagnosis.