Sources and Framework References
The primary sources, theoretical frameworks, and psychometric methodology behind the assessment.
Primary source
The Hype Cycle Playbook
Dr. Bastian Brand · Volume 1
The foundational source for all 25 roles, their category groupings, monetization paths, failure modes, and first-step recommendations. The scoring dimensions, question mappings, and role definitions in the assessment are derived directly from the playbook.
Technology cycle models
Gartner Hype Cycle
Linden & Fenn (2003); Gartner Inc.
The foundational model for technology adoption curves: Innovation Trigger → Peak of Inflated Expectations → Trough of Disillusionment → Slope of Enlightenment → Plateau of Productivity. The role framework maps role viability to phases of this cycle.
Crossing the Chasm
Geoffrey Moore (1991)
The Technology Adoption Lifecycle model and the specific challenge of crossing from early adopters to mainstream markets. Influences the timing logic behind several entrepreneurial roles.
Psychometric methodology
The assessment uses a 7-point Likert scale with a scoring engine based on established psychometric principles. The meta-level response pattern analysis (how you answered, not just what you scored) draws on:
Response Style Analysis (RSA)
Falk & Cai; Paulhus (1991)
Extreme Response Style (ERS), Midpoint Response Style (MRS), Acquiescence Response Style (ARS). ERS — the tendency to use endpoints (1 and 7) — explains approximately 25% incremental variance across personality facets.
MMPI Validity Scales
Hathaway & McKinley (1943); Pearson Assessments
Clinical gold standard for analyzing how someone answered (not just what they scored). L, F, K, VRIN, and TRIN scales detect defensiveness, inconsistency, and acquiescence. The roletype personalization block draws on this concept.
CliftonStrengths / StrengthsFinder
Gallup (Don Clifton); Technical Report 2019
Commercial precedent for using item-level response patterns — not just top scores — to generate personalized insight statements. 6,000+ unique insight variants based on how items within each theme were answered.
Ipsative vs. Normative Scoring
Cattell (1944); Clemans (1966)
The role percentages are ipsative scores — relative to the individual's own profile, not a population norm. This means a 84% Educator score means that role scored highest relative to the person's own other scores, not relative to other test-takers.
Related frameworks
Ikigai
Japanese concept; popularized by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles
Four-circle model: what you love × what you're good at × what the world needs × what you can be paid for. The role dimensions map to these four circles implicitly.
Big Five / NEO-PI-R
Costa & McCrae (1992)
The dominant personality model in academic psychology. The roletype dimensions (PT, IE, DI) correlate with Neuroticism (inverted), Openness, and Conscientiousness respectively.
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