MBTI personality types...

In a recent review of the MBTI, commissioned by the Army Research Institute, it was concluded that the instrumentshould not be used for career planning counseling.13 The Institute's analysis of the available research showed noevidence for the utility of the test. Indeed, with respect to career planning they note that "the types may simply bean example of stereotypes." I agree.

The MBTI reminds us of the olvious truth that all people are not alike, but then claims that every person can be fitneatly into one of 16 boxes. I believe that MBTI attempts to force the complexities of human personality into anartificial and limiting classification scheme. The focus on the "typing" of people reduces the attention paid to theunique qualities and potential of each individual.

Many readers may be surprised by my interpretation and objections to such a popular test. It has been my experiencethat this reaction stems from how they view the MBTI. In many cases, the popularity of the instrument is interpretedas an indication of its accuracy and utility, which then leads to wider use and less inclination to question thefoundations of the test. As a consequence, the MBTI has become a popular instrument for reasons unrelated to itsreliability and validity.

The publishers do a very good job of promoting the test and providing support for its users. The MBTI also hasmuch intuitive appeal. The descriptions of each type are generally flattering and sufficiently vague so that most peoplewill accept the statements as true of themselves. If you tell people that they are "innovative thinkers and goodproblem solvers, and good at understanding and motivating people, but may have trouble following through ondetails of a project," they will believe that the statement is an accurate description of themselves regardless of thetruth of the statement. This phenomenon is known as the "Barnum Effect," named in honor of the great entertainer.14

Because of its apparent simplicity, the MBTI may be misused unintentionally by some people. A manager, forexample, may come to believe that only certain personality types are appropriate for specific jobs. After learningabout type, such a manager may conclude that only ISTJs make good accountants whereas the best people for thesales force will be the ESFJs.15 Thus, the type label may bias a manager's decisions on hiring, firing, evaluating, andpromoting. Similarly, employees may use type labels inappropriately. Thus, one might feel that "She's an INFP, soI will never be able to work with her on an assignment," or that "I'm an ESTP and don't do well when it comes todetails."

It has been my intention here to raise questions about the fundamental concepts that underlie the MBTI, and tocaution against undue reliance upon its use without fully investigating the accuracy of its test results. There isconsiderable more research available than I have cited that supports my allegations. My hope is that career counselorsand recruiters who use or plan to use the MBTI will review this research and take a long look at the value of usingpersonality type labels in their work.

"The Big Five Model, also known as the Five-Factor Model, is the most widely accepted personality theory held by psychologists today. The theory states that personality can be boiled down to five core factors, known by the acronym CANOE or OCEAN:"

Take-home Messages

• The Big Five personality traits are extraversion (also often spelled extroversion), agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism.
  
• Each trait represents a continuum. Individuals can fall anywhere on the continuum for each trait.
  
• The Big Five remain relatively stable throughout most of one’s lifetime.
  
• They are influenced significantly by both genes and the environment, with an estimated heritability of 50%.
  
• They are also known to predict certain important life outcomes such as education and health.
  

Why doesn’t the Big Five test hold up around the world? Lead author Rachid Laajaj, an economics researcher at the University of Los Andes in Columbia, said many of the reasons are rooted in literacy and education barriers. Many personality tests used in WEIRD countries are intended to be self-administered, designed for people who can read and write. But because of lower literacy rates in developing countries, tests may need to be given verbally. This introduces the possibility of translation or phrasing differences that could skew results.

Researchers also think that face-to-face questioning allows social desirability bias to creep into the process. This means that respondents may try to interpret social cues for a “right answer” or give answers they think would be viewed more favorably by others. “Yea-saying,” or the tendency to agree with a statement even if it’s untrue, is also more common in developing countries, where there’s less access to education, the researchers say.

“People may have a harder time understanding abstract questions. Acquiescence bias may be accentuated when people do not fully understand, in which case it feels safer to just agree,” Laajaj said. Additionally, the idea of personality tests — or personality itself — may not be a natural concept everywhere. Understandably, people who aren’t familiar with the idea of personality testing might be a bit wary of revealing personal details about themselves. 

“Imagine that you live in a poor area and someone comes to you to ask you a bunch of questions, such as how hardworking you are, whether you get stressed easily or whether you are a polite person. If it is not common for you to fill out surveys, or if it’s not clear what will be done with it, you may, for example, care more about giving a good impression than being completely truthful,” Laajaj said.

Very low on Conscientiousness

impulsive, disorganized

High on Agreeableness

trusting, helpful

Very high on Neuroticism

anxious, pessimistic

Very high on Openness to Experience

imaginative, spontaneous

Very low on Extraversion

reserved, thoughtful

I expected a lot of people to get that here. Although sounds like the test is baloney unfortunately

I got ENTP - A (debater)

Though it might be suggested that this is as good a test as any other....If not better.

Next to INTJ

that you continously called me ENTP or something should only show that it's really not that accurate. I got INTP

Exactly, but they are framed as opposites, one of the reasons its not the most accurate in that way. 

When I'm debating, I'm more of an ESTP, and when I'm focused on scientific research pursuits, I'm more of an ISTJ. I'm a very strong ST.