The theory behind Screenfact
Screenfact is an optical measurement method that determines eight personality traits through the interpretation of visual graphics and symbols. The measurement is projective, meaning that the expected results cannot – or can only with difficulty – be reflected upon, interpreted, or anticipated during the process. This ensures that the measurement is objective and does not rely on the so-called self-concept.
Screenfact is based on the Personality Systems Interaction Theory (PSI-Theory) developed by Prof. Dr. Julius Kuhl, which can be simplified and represented through the Action Control Model (HSM). According to the PSI Theory, personality emerges from the interaction of various systems, which we have made measurable with Screenfact. Screenfact assesses eight personality traits that can be interpreted as specific behaviors depending on individual tendencies and the strength of their expression. The result is a personality profile that we at Screenfact call the “personal style.”
Description of the individual personality traits
Imaginative
This trait enables the processing of information from a holistic perspective. It encompasses knowledge acquired from experience, personal motives and needs as well as the needs of those around us. A rich array of ideas allows for the concurrent consideration of diverse processes, information, goals, and tasks. In everyday life, this quality is often experienced as a “gut feeling.” In Kuhl’s ACM, this characteristic is referred to as “the managing director.”
Contemplative
Prior to executing an action, it is essential to develop detailed work and action plans. Each individual step is carefully analyzed and systematically prepared for implementation. In the ACM, “contemplative” is called “the logician”, and ensures that intentions are not overlooked and that the timing and sequence of activities are analyzed.
Intuitive
This trait facilitates swift, direct action. It allows individuals to perform movements and actions skillfully and safely, without the need for conscious control and monitoring of each step. This allows people to react spontaneously and intuitively, especially in automated and routine actions and situations in which they feel comfortable and confident. In the ACM, the intuitive trait is called the “spontaeous doer”.
Thorough
This trait enables detailed-orientated perception, analysis and assignment. It ensures control over movements and the outcomes of actions. It is particularly important when it comes to identifying and analyzing individual sources of risk and danger in isolation from the overall context. This characteristic, referred to as “the controller” in the ACM, is responsible for the recognition of errors, problems and failures.
Open-minded & reserved
Open-mindedness promotes the implementation of an intention and ensures that people take action. In the ACM, this is referred to as “positive affect.” The counterpart, restraint (“inhibited positive affect”), ensures that spontaneous actions are inhibited and that people spend more time in thinking about analysis and planning.
Critical minded & flexible
Critical mindedness enhances detailed recognition and facilitates the identification of errors and inconsistencies. In ACM, this is referred to as “negative affect”. Flexibility, on the other hand, describes the inhibition of critical mindedness (“inhibited negative affect’), promoting a holistic view, aligning tasks with personal needs and goals, and supports the use of experiential knowledge.
