I have taken the VALS survey.  It was interesting.  Apparently, I am an Innovator.

What is interesting is that this particular survey represents my SELF-IMAGE - i.e. what I value, look at, and BUY - this survey is meant as a consumer tool.

And it is probably accurate.  Whether in "reality", I am an innovator, well, clearly I'm not much of one - but my interests sure do follow, in terms of keeping up with the latest RSS tricks, looking at great adventures to take, etc, etc. 

So what is sophisticated about this particular survey, or at least the leap and assumption the survey makes, is that my self-image reflects my buying and spending habits. 

I often wonder if some of the simpler assessment tools - particularly the enneagram to reflect types - are aware of this disconnect between self-image and the "reality" of the person.

Luckily, as a consumer test, they don't have to worry so much about the reality!