Have you ever heard of the Myers-Briggs Personality Test, otherwise known as the MBTI? Chances are that you are at least somewhat familiar with it. The Myers-Briggs test is a self-report that identifies your personality type based on your strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. The MBTI was first created by Isabel Myers and Katherine Briggs, based on Carl Jung’s theory on personality types (1). Today it is one of the most highly used psychological instruments in the world (1).
How does the test work?
Through a series of questions, the test is designed to categorize you into 1 of the 16 personality types. Each personality type consists of 4 categories, each of which have 2 ends of the spectrum. Depending on your answers to the test, one of the ends of the spectrum will be more dominant than the other. No personality type is “better” or “worse” than the other. The test is simply designed to help you get to know yourself better (1).
Confused? Let’s break it down!
The test focuses on 4 categories: focusing outward or inward; attending to sensory information or adding interpretation; deciding by logic or situation; and making judgements or remaining open to information (2). In simpler terms, you can be: Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I); Sensing (S) or Intuition (N); Thinking (T) or Feeling (F); and Judging (J) or Perceiving (P). These 4 letters then combine to make up your personality trait. For example, I’m an INFJ. This means I identify more with introversion, intuition, feeling, and judging.
Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I)
This domain focuses on how people respond and interact with their surroundings (1). Extraverts are “outward turning” and tend to be more outspoken, outgoing, action-oriented, social, and feel reenergized after spending time with a large crowd of people (1). Introverts are “inward turning” and tend to be thought oriented, enjoy deep and meaningful interactions, and often recharge through alone time (1). We all exhibit both traits, and you may even be ambivert, but there’s generally at least a slight preference over another.
Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)
This domain focuses on how people gather their information (1). People who prefer sensing usually pay more attention to reality or what they can sense (1). They focus on facts and details, and enjoy hands-on experiences (1). On the other hand, those who prefer intuition pay more attention to patterns and impressions, focusing on possibilities, imagining the future, and abstract thinking (1).
Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)
This domain focuses Thinkers place an emphasis on facts and data (1). They are consistent, logical, and impersonal when making decisions (1). Feelers are more likely to consider people and emotions when it comes to decision making (1).
Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)
This last category involves how people deal with the outside world (1). Those who lean towards judging prefer structure and firm decisions (1). Those who perceive more tend to be open, flexible, and adaptable (1).
Again, everyone can be a little bit of each end of the spectrum, but there’s something that gives you a slight edge over the other.
Is the MBTI even legitimate?
Scientists tend to prefer other personality tests such as the Big Five Inventory or the HEXACO domains (2). The main problem with the MBTI is that it categorizes everyone into 2 distinct groups, but not everyone will fit perfectly within these categories (2). Another thing is that the MBTI is not always consistent (2). It’s not surprising for someone to take the test multiple times and end up with varying results. Although the MBTI may not be the most preferred personality test, it is still a great test to take in terms of knowing yourself better or for self-reflection.
Here are the 16 personality types. If you already know yours and would like to find out more about it, check this list out!
(1)
The real MBTI must be officially administered with a professional, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take an online one for fun! You can take the MBTI here.
Works Cited
(1) Cherry, Kendra. "An Overview of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator." Verywell Mind,
Dotdash, 17 Sept. 2020, www.verywellmind.com/
the-myers-briggs-type-indicator-2795583. Accessed 10 Jan. 2021.
(2) Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/
myers-briggs. Accessed 10 Jan. 2021.
What is your Myers-Briggs personality?
As I mentioned before, I'm an INFJ, and I definitely do feel like I identify with being an INFJ quite well.