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Personality
Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI): 57 Questions
Take the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) test: a 57-question personality questionnaire based on Hans Eysenck's scientific methodology to determine your temperament type: choleric, sanguine, phlegmatic, or melancholic.
questions
57
Time
10 min
Method
epi
Rating
4.6
What you'll learn
Your temperament type: choleric, sanguine, phlegmatic, or melancholic
Your extraversion-introversion level
Your emotional stability level
Your position on Eysenck's circle
Response reliability assessment
Key facts
1963
Created
57
Questions
10-15 min
Time
EPI (Eysenck)
Method
3 (E, N, L)
Scales
175+ countries
Used in
History & development
1947
Hans Eysenck publishes 'Dimensions of Personality', laying the foundation for the factor theory of personality
1952
Maudsley Medical Questionnaire (MMQ) is created — the predecessor of EPI
1959
Maudsley Personality Inventory (MPI) is developed with two scales
1963
Hans and Sybil Eysenck create the EPI (Eysenck Personality Inventory) with a Lie scale
1967
Publication of 'The Biological Basis of Personality' with neurobiological foundation
1975
EPQ is created with an additional Psychoticism scale
About the methodology
The Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) is based on H. J. Eysenck's factor-analytic theory of personality. According to this theory, personality is described by two main orthogonal dimensions: extraversion-introversion (E) and neuroticism-stability (N).
The combination of these two dimensions forms the four classical temperament types: sanguine (stable extravert), choleric (unstable extravert), phlegmatic (stable introvert), and melancholic (unstable introvert).
This model is based on Hippocrates' classical typology and has been confirmed by both psychological and neurobiological research. Eysenck demonstrated that extraversion is linked to cortical arousal levels, and neuroticism to limbic system reactivity. The test includes a Lie scale (L) to assess response validity.
Scientific references
H. J. Eysenck, S. B. G. Eysenck (1964)
H. J. Eysenck (1967)
H. J. Eysenck (1990)
H. J. Eysenck (1991)
Personality types
Extraversion–Introversion
Extravert
Outgoing, sociable
VS
Introvert
Reserved, reflective
Neuroticism–Stability
Neurotic
Emotionally reactive
VS
Stable
Calm, stable
Frequently asked questions
What is the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI)?
The EPI is a scientific personality questionnaire of 57 questions developed by Hans Eysenck in 1963. It measures three dimensions: extraversion-introversion (E), neuroticism-stability (N), and includes a lie scale (L) to validate responses.
What temperament types does the EPI measure?
The EPI determines one of four classical temperament types: sanguine (stable extravert), choleric (unstable extravert), phlegmatic (stable introvert), and melancholic (unstable introvert), based on the combination of your E and N scores.
How long does it take to complete the EPI?
The test typically takes 10-15 minutes. You should answer quickly and honestly, without overthinking any single question.
Is the EPI scientifically validated?
Yes, the EPI is one of the most widely used and researched personality instruments in psychology. It has been validated across many cultures and has strong psychometric properties.
What is the Lie scale for?
The Lie scale (L) detects socially desirable responding. If your L score exceeds 5, your results may be less reliable because you might be trying to present yourself in an overly positive way rather than answering honestly.
Instructions
Please answer each question by selecting 'Yes' or 'No'. There are no right or wrong answers. Work quickly and do not spend too much time on any one question. Your first answer is usually the most accurate.
Ready to start?
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