However, I saw a post by Prudent Musings (which by the way is an excellent blog) and thought I'd have another go.
The Myers Briggs system classifies people in terms of the following pairs:
- Extroverted-Introverted
- INtuitive-Sensing
- Thinking-Feeling
- Judging-Perceiving
So for example I am an INTP, though this has changed over the years which is interesting.
The thing about being placed in a bucket is that when you read the descriptions of what people in the bucket are like, you realise that you're not weird, that there are others like you, and discover things about yourself that were perhaps not immediately apparent. So in my case, some of the descriptions from here are very enlightening:
INTPs are pensive, analytical folks. They may venture so deeply into thought as to seem detached, and often actually are oblivious to the world around them.
INTPs are relatively easy-going and amenable to almost anything until their principles are violated, about which they may become outspoken and inflexible. They prefer to return, however, to a reserved albeit benign ambiance, not wishing to make spectacles of themselves.
Mathematics is a system where many INTPs love to play, similarly languages, computer systems. Understanding, exploring, mastering, and manipulating systems can overtake the INTP's conscious thought. This fascination for logical wholes and their inner workings is often expressed in a detachment from the environment, a concentration where time is forgotten and extraneous stimuli are held at bay. Accomplishing a task or goal with this knowledge is secondary.
A major concern for INTPs is the haunting sense of impending failure. They spend considerable time second-guessing themselves. The open-endedness (from Perceiving) conjoined with the need for competence (NT) is expressed in a sense that one's conclusion may well be met by an equally plausible alternative solution, and that, after all, one may very well have overlooked some critical bit of data. An INTP arguing a point may very well be trying to convince himself as much as his opposition. In this way INTPs are markedly different from INTJs, who are much more confident in their competence and willing to act on their convictions.
Thanks for bearing with me, I'm getting to my point. This last type characteristic says much about my perspective on the truth. I have difficulty stating with conviction that I have THE TRUTH, whereas others of you don't seem to have any difficulty in this matter. I've always thought my faith was faulty in some respect since it lacked that 100% conviction. Perhaps, though, I'm just being what God made me to be.
If you fancy doing a test yourself, this one is free, though I'd advise that you read some type descriptions as well since tests are fallible. If you're a regular reader, feel free to let us know what type you are.
16 comments:
Wow! I took that test and it was 100% on for me...
I'm an ISTJ:
ISTJs are often called inspectors. They have a keen sense of right and wrong, especially in their area of interest and/or responsibility. They are noted for devotion to duty. Punctuality is a watchword of the ISTJ. The secretary, clerk, or business(wo)man by whom others set their clocks is likely to be an ISTJ.
[I am ALWAYS punctual!!! Actually, I'm early so I wait outside and count the minutes on my watch until I have to be there, then I go in. Or I just go in when I get there which is always early. I once 'fired' an old boyfriend because he was always late by 10 minutes!!! And I used to be a secretary (and a darn good one)]
As do other Introverted Thinkers, ISTJs often give the initial impression of being aloof and perhaps somewhat cold. Effusive expression of emotional warmth is not something that ISTJs do without considerable energy loss.
[Again, right on. I'm viewed as being cold and unfriendly by some people. I always said encouragement was not my forte. I'm not sentimental AT ALL - no warm and fuzzies here. I can't believe how accurate this is!]
ISTJs are most at home with "just the facts, Ma'am." They seem to perform at highest efficiency when employing a step-by-step approach. Once a new procedure has proven itself (i.e., has been shown "to work,") the ISTJ can be depended upon to carry it through, even at the expense of their own health.
[So true! Just the facts. I'm not so concerned with consoling someone as I am with just getting to the root of the problem and fixing it. Wallowing in emotion doesn't solve anything IMO]
ISTJs are easily frustrated by the inconsistencies of others, especially when the second parties don't keep their commitments. But they usually keep their feelings to themselves unless they are asked. And when asked, they don't mince words. Truth wins out over tact. The grim determination of the ISTJ vindicates itself in officiation of sports events, judiciary functions, or an other situation which requires making tough calls and sticking to them.
[Again, so true of me. Truth wins out over tact and I don't have much tact. But I am more likely to voice my opinion instead of waiting around to be asked. And I don't mince words.
This was a fun test. I'm laughing right now because it is so true of me.
And Robert, I have a better understanding of you now. I'm glad you put this test up.
Carol, I would have guessed you were ISTJ. :)
I actually have a lot of ISTJ too, e.g. my need to be punctual, my devotion to duty and my family, my few "real" friends, etc. The tests usually grade me as ISTJ but the INTP type as a whole fits me better.
Thanks for sharing your profile.
Its also very interesting for couples to do this test as it helps with understanding each other and resolving tensions caused by type differences. For example, my wife learned very early in our journey together that I can't handle sudden change, so has tempered her natural inclination towards spontaneous decision making. What a sweetie she is!
I'm an "INFJ"
I read through the descriptions quickly and it looked pretty spot on.
... Interesting :0)
INFP. No surprise there!
ISTJ, No surprise to me.
Thanks Robert
Interesting test. I found myself to be INFJ... hmm...
Got "diagnosed" as an INFJ which I think it rather accurate about me:
Introverted iNtuition
Introverted intuitives, INFJs enjoy a greater clarity of perception of inner, unconscious processes than all but their INTJ cousins. Just as SP types commune with the object and "live in the here and now" of the physical world, INFJs readily grasp the hidden psychological stimuli behind the more observable dynamics of behavior and affect. Their amazing ability to deduce the inner workings of the mind, will and emotions of others gives INFJs their reputation as prophets and seers. Unlike the confining, routinizing nature of introverted sensing, introverted intuition frees this type to act insightfully and spontaneously as unique solutions arise on an event by event basis.
Extraverted Feeling
Extraverted feeling, the auxiliary deciding function, expresses a range of emotion and opinions of, for and about people. INFJs, like many other FJ types, find themselves caught between the desire to express their wealth of feelings and moral conclusions about the actions and attitudes of others, and the awareness of the consequences of unbridled candor. Some vent the attending emotions in private, to trusted allies. Such confidants are chosen with care, for INFJs are well aware of the treachery that can reside in the hearts of mortals. This particular combination of introverted intuition and extraverted feeling provides INFJs with the raw material from which perceptive counselors are shaped.
Introverted Thinking
The INFJ's thinking is introverted, turned toward the subject. Perhaps it is when the INFJ's thinking function is operative that he is most aloof. A comrade might surmise that such detachment signals a disillusionment, that she has also been found lacking by the sardonic eye of this one who plumbs the depths of the human spirit. Experience suggests that such distancing is merely an indication that the seer is hard at work and focusing energy into this less efficient tertiary function.
Extraverted Sensing
INFJs are twice blessed with clarity of vision, both internal and external. Just as they possess inner vision which is drawn to the forms of the unconscious, they also have external sensing perception which readily takes hold of worldly objects. Sensing, however, is the weakest of the INFJ's arsenal and the most vulnerable. INFJs, like their fellow intuitives, may be so absorbed in intuitive perceiving that they become oblivious to physical reality. The INFJ under stress may fall prey to various forms of immediate gratification. Awareness of extraverted sensing is probably the source of the "SP wannabe" side of INFJs. Many yearn to live spontaneously; it's not uncommon for INFJ actors to take on an SP (often ESTP) role.
Hi Robert, I am an ENFP, and the results seemed to be pretty right on. I wasn't that surprised by the results.
ENFPs are both "idea"-people and "people"-people, who see everyone and everything as part of an often bizarre cosmic whole. They want to both help (at least, their own definition of "help") and be liked and admired by other people, on both an individual and a humanitarian level. They are interested in new ideas on principle, but ultimately discard most of them for one reason or another.
ENFPs have a great deal of zany charm, which can ingratiate them to the more stodgy types in spite of their unconventionality. They are outgoing, fun, and genuinely like people. As SOs/mates they are warm, affectionate (l ots of PDA), and disconcertingly spontaneous. However, attention span in relationships can be short; ENFPs are easily intrigued and distracted by new friends and acquaintances, forgetting about the older ones for long stretches at a time. Less mature ENFPs may need to feel they are the center of attention all the time, to reassure them that everyone thinks they're a wonderful and fascinating person.
ENFPs often have strong, if unconvential, convictions on various issues related to their Cosmic View. They usually try to use their social skills and contacts to persuade people gently of the rightness of these views; his sometimes results in their negle cting their nearest and dearest while flitting around trying to save the world.
Work Environment: ENFPs are pleasant, easygoing, and usually fun to work with. They come up with great ideas, and are a major asset in brainstorming sessions. Followthrough tends to be a problem, however; they tend to get bored quickly, especially if a newer, more interesting project comes along. They also tend to be procrastinators, both about meeting hard deadlines and about performing any small, uninteresting tasks that they've been assigned. ENFPs are at their most useful when working in a group w ith a J or two to take up the slack.
ENFPs hate bureaucracy, both in principle and in practice; they will always make a point of launching one of their crusades against some aspect of it.
Sounds like me. :) Blessings to you, and thanks for sharing.
And Robert, I'm not surprised by Bobby's either. It does fit him. We are definitely two halves of a whole. Complete opposites that compliment each other beautifully. :)
This time I took the test, I am an ISFP... however, my percentages are so close that I could have just as easily been an ESTP with a couple different answers (that could go either way).
This represents one issue I have with this sort of test: It is difficult to express the in-between once you stick a letter on it!
I take the test. The test says I am an Introverted. But the reality is that I am an "I 52%" at the time I took the test... and that score could change tomorrow.
Interestingly, I believe that most people would be surprised at the suggestion that I might be introverted!
So, like you, I am very leery of these tests. (btw, I hold a graduate degree in counseling)
In counseling, I think these tests are helpful if they give insight into a person's behavior and communication patterns. (Provided the client knows that the evaluation may be incorrect and could change tomorrow.)
They are destructive if used to create excuses for bad behavior or create an "understanding" of someone that may be inaccurate.
Another problem is that it is impossible to tell whether the test results are accurate or not.
In the final analysis, I test as a IMME.
(I'm me)
INFJ; but in all fairness: I had a really hard time with many of the options.
INFP - same as the formal test I took that was MUCH longer. Very accurate - no surprises.
I am an INTJ - fits me like a glove!
INTJ here.
What's hilarious is as I was reading your post, and the last paragraph, I was thinking about the confidence thing.. and then read
"In this way INTPs are markedly different from INTJs, who are much more confident in their competence and willing to act on their convictions."
See, that label there fits me pretty well. I've got the confidence in myself and don't hesitate too long to act on what I believe.
I have this other idea that there seem to be far more introverts in the blogosphere than in the 'real world'. I think it's got something a lot to do with personality and what type is most likely to be a blogger.
I wonder if anyone's done any research on that... I'd be curious as to the label and generalizations.. ha ha ha.
Daisy
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