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Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Personality Test (MBTI)
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About Scale Name
Scale Name
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Personality Test (MBTI)
Author Details
Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs were inspired by Carl Jung’s ideas on personality types and saw the need for a practical tool that could help individuals understand themselves and others better. They began developing the MBTI in the 1940s, drawing on Jung’s theories and their own research. The goal was to create a framework that could explain individual differences in how people perceive the world, make decisions, and interact with others.
The MBTI is based on four dichotomous dimensions or scales, resulting in 16 possible personality types. Each dimension represents a preference, and individuals are asked to indicate their preference on each scale. The four dimensions and their opposing preferences are:
Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I): This dimension measures where individuals direct their energy. Extraverts tend to be outgoing, sociable, and energized by interactions with others. Introverts, on the other hand, are more reserved, reflective, and energized by spending time alone.
Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): This dimension focuses on how individuals gather information. Sensing types rely on their senses and focus on concrete, factual details. They are often practical and attentive to the present. Intuitive types, in contrast, rely on patterns, possibilities, and interpretations. They tend to be imaginative and future-oriented.
Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): This dimension reflects how individuals make decisions and evaluate information. Thinkers prioritize logic, objective analysis, and consistency. They make decisions based on impersonal principles. Feelers, on the other hand, prioritize values, emotions, and empathy. They consider the impact of decisions on people and strive for harmony.
Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): This dimension describes how individuals orient themselves to the external world. Judging types prefer structure, organization, and closure. They are decisive and enjoy planning. Perceiving types, on the other hand, prefer flexibility, adaptability, and keeping options open. They are often more spontaneous and open-ended in their approach.
The combination of preferences across these four dimensions leads to the identification of 16 personality types, each represented by a unique four-letter code. For example, an individual who prefers extraversion, intuition, feeling, and judging would be categorized as an ENFJ.
The MBTI is often used to enhance self-awareness, understand personal strengths and weaknesses, and improve communication and teamwork. It provides individuals with a framework to explore their preferred ways of perceiving the world, making decisions, and interacting with others. The MBTI can be applied in various contexts, including personal development, career counseling, team-building, and relationship counseling.
It’s important to note that the MBTI is a self-reporting assessment and should be approached as a tool for self-reflection rather than a definitive measure of personality. While many individuals find value in the insights provided by the MBTI, its scientific validity and reliability have been a subject of debate within the field of psychology. It is advisable to use the MBTI in conjunction with other assessments and consider it as a starting point for understanding personality preferences rather than a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s entire personality.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
Find a qualified practitioner: To ensure accurate administration and interpretation of the MBTI, it is recommended to work with a certified MBTI practitioner or a qualified professional who has been trained in administering and interpreting the assessment. These practitioners are knowledgeable about the MBTI and can guide you through the process.
Pre-assessment information: Before taking the MBTI, you may be provided with background information about the assessment, its purpose, and how the results can be used. This helps set the context and expectations for the assessment.
Complete the assessment: The MBTI assessment consists of a series of questions that ask you to indicate your preferences on the four dichotomous scales. You will be presented with statements or scenarios, and you need to choose the response that resonates with you the most. The assessment can be administered in different formats, including paper-pencil tests or online assessments.
Reliability and Validity
Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of the results obtained from an assessment. While the MBTI has shown reasonable test-retest reliability over short periods of time (i.e., individuals tend to receive the same or similar results when retaking the test within a short interval), some studies have raised concerns about its reliability over longer periods. There have been reports of individuals receiving different MBTI types when retested after several weeks or months.
Another aspect of reliability is the internal consistency of the MBTI scales. Some researchers have questioned the reliability of the individual scales, suggesting that the dichotomous nature of the dimensions (e.g., extraversion vs. introversion) may oversimplify the complexity of personality and lead to limited reliability.
Validity: Validity refers to the accuracy and meaningfulness of the inferences and interpretations made based on the assessment results. The validity of the MBTI has been a topic of ongoing debate.
Critics argue that the theoretical foundations of the MBTI, which are based on Carl Jung’s theories, have limitations in terms of empirical evidence. Some researchers have questioned the theoretical framework of personality types and the assumption that individuals can be categorized into discrete categories. The MBTI’s dichotomous scales may oversimplify the complexity and diversity of human personality.
Moreover, studies examining the construct validity of the MBTI have produced mixed results. Some research has found limited correlations between MBTI types and established personality measures, raising questions about the unique contribution and validity of the MBTI in capturing personality traits.
It’s important to note that the MBTI was developed primarily as a tool for self-reflection and personal exploration rather than a scientifically validated assessment. The Myers & Briggs Foundation, which manages the MBTI, acknowledges that the assessment is not suitable for clinical or diagnostic purposes and should not be used to make major life decisions.
Despite the criticisms, many individuals find value in the MBTI for self-awareness, personal development, and understanding individual differences. The MBTI can serve as a starting point for self-reflection and understanding one’s preferences, but it should be complemented with other measures and used in conjunction with a nuanced understanding of personality.
When working with the MBTI, it is important to engage with a qualified practitioner who can provide appropriate guidance and help individuals interpret the results in a thoughtful and responsible manner.
Available Versions
70-Items
Form M and Form Q
Reference
The MBTI is owned and managed by The Myers & Briggs Foundation, a non-profit organization.
Myers, I. B., McCaulley, M. H., Quenk, N. L., & Hammer, A. L. (2009). MBTI Manual: A Guide to the Development and Use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (3rd ed.). CPP, Inc.
Pittenger, D. J. (2005). Cautionary comments regarding the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 57(3), 210-221.
Pittenger, D. J. (1993). The utility of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Review of Educational Research, 63(4), 467-488.
McCrae, R. R., & Costa, P. T. (1989). Reinterpreting the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator from the perspective of the Five-Factor Model of personality. Journal of Personality, 57(1), 17-40.
Furnham, A. (1996). The big five versus the big four: The relationship between the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and NEO-PI five-factor model of personality. Personality and Individual Differences, 21(2), 303-307.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
Certainly! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI):
Q: What is the purpose of the MBTI?
A: The MBTI is designed to help individuals understand their personality preferences and gain insights into how they perceive the world, make decisions, and interact with others. It can be used for personal development, career counseling, team-building, and improving communication.
Q: How long does it take to complete the MBTI?
A: The time it takes to complete the MBTI can vary, but on average, it usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes to answer the questionnaire.
Q: Can the MBTI determine a person’s entire personality?
A: No, the MBTI assesses specific preferences and provides a framework for understanding individual differences. It focuses on certain aspects of personality related to perception, decision-making, and interaction styles. It does not capture the full complexity of a person’s personality traits, behaviors, or motivations.
Q: Is the MBTI scientifically validated?
A: The scientific validity of the MBTI has been a topic of debate. While it has been widely used, its theoretical foundations and the dichotomous nature of the scales have been questioned by researchers. The MBTI is considered more of a tool for self-reflection and personal exploration rather than a scientifically rigorous assessment.
Q: Can my MBTI type change over time?
A: While individuals’ MBTI types can remain relatively stable, some people may experience shifts in their preferences over time as they develop and adapt. However, the core principles of the MBTI emphasize that type preferences are innate and enduring aspects of personality.
Q: Can the MBTI be used for psychological diagnosis or therapy?
A: No, the MBTI should not be used for psychological diagnosis or therapy purposes. It is not designed to assess or diagnose mental health conditions. If you have concerns about your mental health, it is advisable to consult a qualified mental health professional.
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