Thanks for the tips. I was thinking about taking the test and it is true that I recently had some personal issues that prompted me into thinking about the test. I think I will cool off a little bit before taking it in the future.
I have some new theories about MBTI, mainly that it can change and that there are three different kinds of type. Check out my vids if you are interested. :)
I wonder if the reliability also correlates with intelligence. I often see a lot of people that are not too bright misinterpret questions, OR they forget the instructions and answer the questions with what they WANT to be like, or what they perceive that society prefers someone to be like.
Wow, you are way off. The purpose of the test is *not* to identify types -- it is to allow an individual to align their traits to Carl Jung's personality "types". This is the beginning of a process, a simple & flexible framework, not an all powerful oracle. I have found it to be very useful as part of a process. Also, since you change, your results will change, very simple.
@amaxamon no, your type does not change. you are born a particular personality, you live your entire life as that personality, and you will die that personality. What can change (at least according to the unreliable MBTI) is your belief of what you are. The test only makes you believe you change.
Ive taken the test numerous times and got results from INFP to ENTP; causing confusion and annoyance. I really appreciate your words in this video, as it has made me realise I have been experiencing a lot of stress, and this is likely to be why my results change, and why I have cared way too much about it. I am surrounded by people who take it as reliable and think im a freak for not having a type, but im now deciding to put it aside, and maybe return to it later. Thanks for your insight :)
I have given the test to quite a few people and in two occasions the results would not show up. Instead the website states that the sever is down. but as soon as i enter another set of answers for a different person it works fine. do you have a clue about what is going on?
I agree with you about external conditions can affect the realiability of the test. Psichology is not as exact as Physics or Chemistry, but if it tryes to use scientific method, the conclusion of an experiment (the test) must be obtained in THE SAME CONDITIONS in order to be considered as correct. So, it is not a problem for the test itself; the mood of a person is very sensible to external conditions...
Anyway I do not believe the result could extremely change. A T type would never be evaluate as an F; an I type would never give a E result, and probably the same for S-N; only the last letter (P-J) could be doubtful. Evaluating as an INTJ for an INTP and vice versa is not a very unreliable result, I think, despite the deep but not easily visible differences. I made the test before knowing the characteristcs of the type and the result, INTP, fit me like a glove...
I think this needs to be clarified: Let's say the tests (that provide results of users' personality types) are unreliable. This simply means that type X may think he is type Y, although type X will always be type X.
The key is to do extra research to understand the types rather than rely on test results that may be incorrect.
In other words, this video did not dispute the theories of the types, which I was afraid it would do. :D
I think you're confused. What would it mean to "prove" the MBTI? The categories are just labels. The labels are applied to people who answer the questionnaires in a particular way. The labels are effectively axiomatic and hence not subject to proof.
I object to your definition of reliability in relation to thie MB test, If you take said test and took it two or more years later and recieved a different result would that mean the test is unreliable or would that indicate a personality change? I agree with your assessment as a useful a proven tool but just as you can't fix a car with just a crescent-wrench you can not diagnose the human mindset with just one test.
On a side note: I paused this video in the middle of a blink. It looked funny.
It has absolutely nothing to do with horoscopes or astrology. And yes, myers briggs has been scientifically shown to have strong validity. Read the scientific journals on the matter. You need to get your facts straight before you open your comment box.
I am a skeptic. I do not know what you are talking about here, and am sorry you feel this way, but my experience is that the myers briggs theory is very valid and helpful.
Ow man. this whole video is so very very much an ESTJ point of view. I consider myself as a INFP, which makes us total opposites & might be some sort of a possible explanation why i totally disagree with your point of view :D LOL
I disagree that it is unreliable. I have take the Meyers Briggs several times over a few years, and every time I've gotten INTP. Of course, that's just me, and I'm only 17, but I still believe it is more reliable than most think it is.
I was an ISTJ as a little boy and even my early to mid-teens. Now I'm 18 and I think I'm an INFJ. I became more flexible, social, and emotionally developed. I might actually be a combination.
Your argument for it being unreliable is pretty dull. When people get a different result the second time it means they either misunderstood questions or they were too oblivious to themselves to start with. The better way of determining your type is just to read all of the descriptions and pick out the one that fits you best. In that regard, I agree businesses shouldn't be handing out tests to employees, because in the end it's not the end all to be all personality indicator.
That is very true! I've noticed the same thing with myself actually. Upon finding out I was an INFP, I was surprised to notice in time, that I wasn't as irrational or as effortlessly emotional as the type is identified as being.
I agree with you completely. In fact, I detest companies who use MBTI/Socionics to find their "ideal candidate" for any given job position.
However, I believe MBTI can be EXTREMELY useful for personal use. Only though, if two conditions apply to the individual. 1: The individual is "psychologically aware". And 2: The individual has studied MBTI for at least 3-4 months (typically). If either of those conditions are not met, then I believe you are completely correct in your assessment.
I think one of the largest misconceptions people have when taking MBTI tests is that MBTI measures more than it really does. They think the results are "You are a Ben/Jane/George". When in reality, it identifys only CERTAIN psychological functions. Sure, some types do 'tend' to act a certain way. But even people who give the exact same answers on a test will be entirely different people.
Even Jung, the "true" creator of MBTI said that every person is an exception to the "rule" of any given type.
So, combine that misconception with the fact that people often aren't psychologically aware...and you get the potential for extreme human error. Which in turn, in my opinion, makes MBTI (and other such tests) potentially unreliable. Like you said, age could/does make a difference. But at least in my case, there are exceptions =).
It's not like the MBTI is admissible in court or is used by the government to determine who gets to live. Most folks knows it is difficult to test human personalities because it is our personalities that CAUSE errors in the scientific method. Plus, every MBTI test I have seen has a very clear explanation about the hazards of misinterpreting the results. As an INFP I just go with my gut and not the objective facts usually. But sometimes I try to be objective which negates the INFP label. Ugh.
The test consists of 4 criteria (Introversion/Extroversion, Thinking/Feeling, Sensing/Intuition, and Judging/Percieving). In the test a person is marked as one or the other in each of the 4 criteria.
Many people take this to mean that in each of the 4 areas a person is black or white. The reality is its gray. Also some claim an MBTI type is like a geneticly hard wired unchanging thing. That is also ridiculous as there is much reason from daily life to believe personality is dynamic.
In my case it is indeed reliable as well. INTP. I'm recursive, and like the inside of a box, who would have known. Next step, the inside of a Möbius ring!
Not only is the MBTI potentially flawed from a reliability viewpoint, it also seems to have some problems that are fundamental to the "type" system itself. I can't go in to these here but feel free to look up the current scientific literature on the MBTI, and you will find that it is subject to a lot of criticism. I'm INTP btw :)
That being said, there are usually heavy correlations and overlaps, enough so that I feel that using it is personally useful. I don't find it limiting in any sense and I would advise the intuitors' approach - a liberal 'big picture', idea kinda way.
I find that my result describes me very well, and I have happened upon a large amount of others who would agree. For people who are genuinely interested in self-discovery I would imagine it tends to be more reliable than otherwise. Also with regard to age group; I was definitely the type I am now since I was born. Perhaps calling it "personality type" is a fallacy, it's more patterns of brain cognition, processing of stimuli etc. People could have similar types but different personalities.
It's acknowledged by all MBTI experts that the TEST is fallible and that all individuals who take the test should also read up on every other type and decide for themselves which of the personality types fits them best.
So I WOULD definitely agree that the test should not be relied upon by institutions to better understand the people involved with them. That said, it's not entirely unreliable, but, yes, is essentially useless.
And just to verify, the test (at least the ones you can take free of charge) is essentially useless, but the theory is not. People's behavior in any given situation can be predicted quite accurately based on their personality type, thereby making the theory a success - at least as successful as psychological theories can be considered.
Perhaps "personality" is a bit strong of a word. A better word would probably be "communication" type. MBTI does not attempt to assert itself over/against experience, and it is not the "be all end all" of this subject. It's helpful, not authoritative. Pax!
It was always dead accurate for me and other people I know that took it. Also, I received the same results each time. No personality test is flawless but I've had good experiences with the MBTI.
The fact that you refer to it as a test indicates that your knowledge is limited. It is NOT a test. In the end the person has to validate it. I have given it many, many times and very few times has the person said that it was off base. And the key is that it indicates PREFERENCES. It doesn't mean that you don't utilize the other side of type. The older you get, the better you are at using the other side but you still have preferences.
I've taken the Myers-briggs test many times, sometimes I knew it sometimes I didn't, and I've gotten the same result, INFJ, each time I took it.
If it was reliable for you, where do you get the idea that it's not reliable?
Interesting vid though. I think what you're saying is not to base everything you do and say on one personality test. You can't pigeon hole billions of people into one of 16 types, so ultimately personality tests can be helpful, but you shouldn't "rely" on them.
The only absolute I know is mathematics, to say a person who you don't trust tells you not to cross a busy street on a red light, everything has something to offer, for me it identified my personality enough to be interesting.
By the way, I like the Bella Lugosi pull away look.
Hey Omegaroyal, thanks for the video response. Great video, and I totally agree...the MBTI is very, very unreliable. I stress this constantly to my friends. I strongly believe people should not let the MBTI become self-fulfilling!
The scientific word describing the "reliability" of which you speak is "repeatability." The ability of a scientific experiment to be repeated under similar circumstances and get a similar result, within a specified limit.
i do not disagree, but consider this: an experiment is an activity that needs a control. when one takes the test it has no control so therefore it is not an experiment. so perhaps the distinction is that a test is called reliable while an experiment is called repeatable. also could be cultural.
Ive taken the test 2 times now, and both times ive come up with ENTP, not so different from yours in some ways. What ive found after analyzing the results im given seeing the % on a scale ive reached following conclusion; The test is as good as it can be, it can't be perfect.
IT could do better on questions of E & I. Theychange based on other combos. I.E. an INFJ will seem more (E) because of it's extraverted feeling function. (INFJ's focus feelings outward and intuition inward) So I hypothesize that INFPs will seem more (I)(there feelings are inward and intuition is extraverted). I don't know if you have analyzed those aspects yet as far as the primary, secondary, tertiary, and inferior functions of each type.
In order for it to work properly you need to scan the different types yourself after reaching a result (which can vary in accuracy) and decide which is your match. As many of the tests is based on very distinct situations in order to make the measurements, it allows for different personal experiences to certain situations cloud your judgment and you fail to see things in the full perspective (as can be hard sometimes when you take the test).
Ergo; the "lie-detection"-part of the test cannot be achieved as the similar questions may produce the differential answers - and thats why its put on a spectrum. No test is perfect, analyzing the faults of the test makes your realize why.
it's not the test that's not reliable it's the people taking the test. People can change their answers over time...the test doesn't change the questions. I've tested the same about 5 of 6 times.
there is no universally agreed upon definition of personality, but if we all agree that personality is semi constant once formed (i.e. does not change except in the aftermath of considerable trauma) then a personality test should return results that are as reliable.
myers briggs is also known to not contain any lie detection questions - it assumes the subjects want to and do tell the truth. therefore, when the subject does not tell the truth, the test falls over, and truth does not change. Non truth changes on a whim.
certain personality types are also known to be more reliable (or invariant) than others. INTP (me) types tend to be more reliable subjects than extroverted feeling types for instance.
Amen brother. In fact I would as far to say that INTPs are probably the most reliable people in society period and that all other personality types are selfishly guzzling down all the oxygen that should be reserved for our immense minds to ponder with.
I didn't quite understand your argument there: You stated that there was a problem with the test, saying that it is "notoriously unreliable", then stated at the end, in your opinion, that test is valid and reliable.
I believe if you listen carefully I say that Myers Briggs has been reliable for me, meaning I am speaking about my case only. There are people for whom Myers Briggs is reliable and consistent.
to point out that research into the reliability of myers briggs is age sensitive is not being agist or harsh. it is a statement of quoted fact. as per why 70 (instead of 80 or whatever)? can not say. but appearantly the reliability drops off dramatically after that age.
The myres briggs test is not a personality test. If you really think about it,it is more of a behaviour types test. Most people can switch from one to another often. For example, I am an infp but can be like an infj or isfp at times. remember its a behaviour pattern test.
These sites also publish results statistics that show a high concentration of INFPs (my type). This type is supposedly quite rare in a random population sample; which could correspond with your hypothesis on both 1) a certain profiole of those who take the test (INFPs are known for constant self-searching) and 2) a certain state-of-mind of people when they take the test (stress etc)
interesting comments. thanks for sharing them with me/us.
the human brain does not stop maturing until the age of 25, and somewhere along that path, personality is formed. that is why there are no personality tests that can scientifically test a child's personality with any real reliability.
Thanks for the tips. I was thinking about taking the test and it is true that I recently had some personal issues that prompted me into thinking about the test. I think I will cool off a little bit before taking it in the future.
pigboykool 2 months ago
I have some new theories about MBTI, mainly that it can change and that there are three different kinds of type. Check out my vids if you are interested. :)
lilypadpond 5 months ago
I wonder if the reliability also correlates with intelligence. I often see a lot of people that are not too bright misinterpret questions, OR they forget the instructions and answer the questions with what they WANT to be like, or what they perceive that society prefers someone to be like.
Gogargoat 7 months ago
Wow, you are way off. The purpose of the test is *not* to identify types -- it is to allow an individual to align their traits to Carl Jung's personality "types". This is the beginning of a process, a simple & flexible framework, not an all powerful oracle. I have found it to be very useful as part of a process. Also, since you change, your results will change, very simple.
amaxamon 1 year ago
@amaxamon no, your type does not change. you are born a particular personality, you live your entire life as that personality, and you will die that personality. What can change (at least according to the unreliable MBTI) is your belief of what you are. The test only makes you believe you change.
omegaroyal 1 year ago
@omegaroyal your type does not change? carl jung would take issue with you on that though he's been dead for decades.
mahballzrhari 5 months ago
I'm type O positive, oh wait that's my blood type.
Anthonyk312 1 year ago
Ive taken the test numerous times and got results from INFP to ENTP; causing confusion and annoyance. I really appreciate your words in this video, as it has made me realise I have been experiencing a lot of stress, and this is likely to be why my results change, and why I have cared way too much about it. I am surrounded by people who take it as reliable and think im a freak for not having a type, but im now deciding to put it aside, and maybe return to it later. Thanks for your insight :)
Sonnetalex 1 year ago
i think anyone who chooses not to except the mayer briggs test is afraid to be put into a box....i beleave no one is unique and we all have a box
militaryminded85 1 year ago
I have given the test to quite a few people and in two occasions the results would not show up. Instead the website states that the sever is down. but as soon as i enter another set of answers for a different person it works fine. do you have a clue about what is going on?
disastercomesin2008 1 year ago
@disastercomesin2008 Just try another day. It tends to need some 'refresh' time.
tangoturb 1 year ago
I think these are all good points; exceptions and variables that everyone whom takes the test should be aware.
asburytheo 1 year ago
I am a yack and I will review this video.
Terry Townsend
theYAXreview 1 year ago
This crap of Youtube does not allow to correct comments... sorry for the language errors: (psychology, tries, be evaluated).
MensSuperMateriam 1 year ago
I agree with you about external conditions can affect the realiability of the test. Psichology is not as exact as Physics or Chemistry, but if it tryes to use scientific method, the conclusion of an experiment (the test) must be obtained in THE SAME CONDITIONS in order to be considered as correct. So, it is not a problem for the test itself; the mood of a person is very sensible to external conditions...
MensSuperMateriam 1 year ago
Anyway I do not believe the result could extremely change. A T type would never be evaluate as an F; an I type would never give a E result, and probably the same for S-N; only the last letter (P-J) could be doubtful. Evaluating as an INTJ for an INTP and vice versa is not a very unreliable result, I think, despite the deep but not easily visible differences. I made the test before knowing the characteristcs of the type and the result, INTP, fit me like a glove...
MensSuperMateriam 1 year ago
work on your public speaking.
lordrazi111693 1 year ago
I think this needs to be clarified: Let's say the tests (that provide results of users' personality types) are unreliable. This simply means that type X may think he is type Y, although type X will always be type X.
The key is to do extra research to understand the types rather than rely on test results that may be incorrect.
In other words, this video did not dispute the theories of the types, which I was afraid it would do. :D
Torches 2 years ago
I think you're confused. What would it mean to "prove" the MBTI? The categories are just labels. The labels are applied to people who answer the questionnaires in a particular way. The labels are effectively axiomatic and hence not subject to proof.
1000101er 2 years ago
Because it asks you questions about your behavior and preferences and then tells you something about your BEHAVIOR and PREFERENCES.
Astrology asks your birth date and then tells you about your behavior and future, between which there is no logical connection.
1000101er 2 years ago
I object to your definition of reliability in relation to thie MB test, If you take said test and took it two or more years later and recieved a different result would that mean the test is unreliable or would that indicate a personality change? I agree with your assessment as a useful a proven tool but just as you can't fix a car with just a crescent-wrench you can not diagnose the human mindset with just one test.
On a side note: I paused this video in the middle of a blink. It looked funny.
TransmetSpider 2 years ago
It has absolutely nothing to do with horoscopes or astrology. And yes, myers briggs has been scientifically shown to have strong validity. Read the scientific journals on the matter. You need to get your facts straight before you open your comment box.
omegaroyal 2 years ago
I am a skeptic. I do not know what you are talking about here, and am sorry you feel this way, but my experience is that the myers briggs theory is very valid and helpful.
omegaroyal 2 years ago
@omegaroyal It is completely invalid.
katemeller 1 year ago
Ow man. this whole video is so very very much an ESTJ point of view. I consider myself as a INFP, which makes us total opposites & might be some sort of a possible explanation why i totally disagree with your point of view :D LOL
cheiron77 2 years ago
I disagree that it is unreliable. I have take the Meyers Briggs several times over a few years, and every time I've gotten INTP. Of course, that's just me, and I'm only 17, but I still believe it is more reliable than most think it is.
ryandood 2 years ago
I was an ISTJ as a little boy and even my early to mid-teens. Now I'm 18 and I think I'm an INFJ. I became more flexible, social, and emotionally developed. I might actually be a combination.
segould 2 years ago
haha! come to australia then!!!
omegaroyal 2 years ago
Your argument for it being unreliable is pretty dull. When people get a different result the second time it means they either misunderstood questions or they were too oblivious to themselves to start with. The better way of determining your type is just to read all of the descriptions and pick out the one that fits you best. In that regard, I agree businesses shouldn't be handing out tests to employees, because in the end it's not the end all to be all personality indicator.
odoylerules47 2 years ago
you bet i am!
omegaroyal 2 years ago
Yeah, I could tell because Ts tend to be more concerned with such things as reliability and validity ;)
And in my experience, Ts tend to be more suspicious of the MBTI in general.
UnscriptId 2 years ago
That is very true! I've noticed the same thing with myself actually. Upon finding out I was an INFP, I was surprised to notice in time, that I wasn't as irrational or as effortlessly emotional as the type is identified as being.
000majorwinters000 3 years ago
I agree with you completely. In fact, I detest companies who use MBTI/Socionics to find their "ideal candidate" for any given job position.
However, I believe MBTI can be EXTREMELY useful for personal use. Only though, if two conditions apply to the individual. 1: The individual is "psychologically aware". And 2: The individual has studied MBTI for at least 3-4 months (typically). If either of those conditions are not met, then I believe you are completely correct in your assessment.
...
Dashblades 3 years ago
...Continued from my last post
I think one of the largest misconceptions people have when taking MBTI tests is that MBTI measures more than it really does. They think the results are "You are a Ben/Jane/George". When in reality, it identifys only CERTAIN psychological functions. Sure, some types do 'tend' to act a certain way. But even people who give the exact same answers on a test will be entirely different people.
Continued...
Dashblades 3 years ago 2
...Continued
Even Jung, the "true" creator of MBTI said that every person is an exception to the "rule" of any given type.
So, combine that misconception with the fact that people often aren't psychologically aware...and you get the potential for extreme human error. Which in turn, in my opinion, makes MBTI (and other such tests) potentially unreliable. Like you said, age could/does make a difference. But at least in my case, there are exceptions =).
Great video. 5/5 stars
Dashblades 3 years ago
It's not like the MBTI is admissible in court or is used by the government to determine who gets to live. Most folks knows it is difficult to test human personalities because it is our personalities that CAUSE errors in the scientific method. Plus, every MBTI test I have seen has a very clear explanation about the hazards of misinterpreting the results. As an INFP I just go with my gut and not the objective facts usually. But sometimes I try to be objective which negates the INFP label. Ugh.
jambandgeetarman 3 years ago
The test consists of 4 criteria (Introversion/Extroversion, Thinking/Feeling, Sensing/Intuition, and Judging/Percieving). In the test a person is marked as one or the other in each of the 4 criteria.
Many people take this to mean that in each of the 4 areas a person is black or white. The reality is its gray. Also some claim an MBTI type is like a geneticly hard wired unchanging thing. That is also ridiculous as there is much reason from daily life to believe personality is dynamic.
HaveLucidDreamz 3 years ago
In my case it is indeed reliable as well. INTP. I'm recursive, and like the inside of a box, who would have known. Next step, the inside of a Möbius ring!
eedahl 3 years ago
Not only is the MBTI potentially flawed from a reliability viewpoint, it also seems to have some problems that are fundamental to the "type" system itself. I can't go in to these here but feel free to look up the current scientific literature on the MBTI, and you will find that it is subject to a lot of criticism. I'm INTP btw :)
PsychosisGnome 3 years ago
So what is a person then...? Um, a label.
Charlierosea 3 years ago 4
this guy is 100% intp
Pygmonicus 3 years ago
That being said, there are usually heavy correlations and overlaps, enough so that I feel that using it is personally useful. I don't find it limiting in any sense and I would advise the intuitors' approach - a liberal 'big picture', idea kinda way.
Harkz0r 3 years ago
I find that my result describes me very well, and I have happened upon a large amount of others who would agree. For people who are genuinely interested in self-discovery I would imagine it tends to be more reliable than otherwise. Also with regard to age group; I was definitely the type I am now since I was born. Perhaps calling it "personality type" is a fallacy, it's more patterns of brain cognition, processing of stimuli etc. People could have similar types but different personalities.
Harkz0r 3 years ago
Relax guy, its a simple Y/N test. Thats the "big picture" for all the iNtutitives out there. For example, are you extrovert dominant or not? Etc.
RCSuperPowers 3 years ago
It's acknowledged by all MBTI experts that the TEST is fallible and that all individuals who take the test should also read up on every other type and decide for themselves which of the personality types fits them best.
So I WOULD definitely agree that the test should not be relied upon by institutions to better understand the people involved with them. That said, it's not entirely unreliable, but, yes, is essentially useless.
amensure 3 years ago
And just to verify, the test (at least the ones you can take free of charge) is essentially useless, but the theory is not. People's behavior in any given situation can be predicted quite accurately based on their personality type, thereby making the theory a success - at least as successful as psychological theories can be considered.
amensure 3 years ago
Perhaps "personality" is a bit strong of a word. A better word would probably be "communication" type. MBTI does not attempt to assert itself over/against experience, and it is not the "be all end all" of this subject. It's helpful, not authoritative. Pax!
"Ender"
LockeandDemosthenes 3 years ago
Meyers-Briggs is complete bunk, and the way its often employed by corporations is fascist in nature.
Its a deceptively dangerous pseudoscience.
BrerRabbitBDA 3 years ago
It was always dead accurate for me and other people I know that took it. Also, I received the same results each time. No personality test is flawless but I've had good experiences with the MBTI.
ZoneGrise 3 years ago 3
Ive yet to meet someone who was serious about ascertaining their personality whose result didnt exactly describe them.
There is more to the test as well, it describes what type you were in infancy, as a child--> adult, as an adult, and when you are elderly
mdma4life 3 years ago
The fact that you refer to it as a test indicates that your knowledge is limited. It is NOT a test. In the end the person has to validate it. I have given it many, many times and very few times has the person said that it was off base. And the key is that it indicates PREFERENCES. It doesn't mean that you don't utilize the other side of type. The older you get, the better you are at using the other side but you still have preferences.
msymsed 3 years ago
Unreliability factor are always addressed in every comprehensive MBTI book.
your "opinion" is nothing new.
spiritsA 3 years ago
I've taken the Myers-briggs test many times, sometimes I knew it sometimes I didn't, and I've gotten the same result, INFJ, each time I took it.
If it was reliable for you, where do you get the idea that it's not reliable?
Interesting vid though. I think what you're saying is not to base everything you do and say on one personality test. You can't pigeon hole billions of people into one of 16 types, so ultimately personality tests can be helpful, but you shouldn't "rely" on them.
hockeyloverdb 4 years ago
The only absolute I know is mathematics, to say a person who you don't trust tells you not to cross a busy street on a red light, everything has something to offer, for me it identified my personality enough to be interesting.
By the way, I like the Bella Lugosi pull away look.
ceazar2 4 years ago
Hey Omegaroyal, thanks for the video response. Great video, and I totally agree...the MBTI is very, very unreliable. I stress this constantly to my friends. I strongly believe people should not let the MBTI become self-fulfilling!
barcode9588 4 years ago 2
ENFP here
frankelegant 4 years ago
The scientific word describing the "reliability" of which you speak is "repeatability." The ability of a scientific experiment to be repeated under similar circumstances and get a similar result, within a specified limit.
buckerooski 4 years ago
i do not disagree, but consider this: an experiment is an activity that needs a control. when one takes the test it has no control so therefore it is not an experiment. so perhaps the distinction is that a test is called reliable while an experiment is called repeatable. also could be cultural.
omegaroyal 4 years ago
in my psychology lectures, they definitely called it reliability.
omegaroyal 4 years ago
Fair enough.
buckerooski 4 years ago
Ive taken the test 2 times now, and both times ive come up with ENTP, not so different from yours in some ways. What ive found after analyzing the results im given seeing the % on a scale ive reached following conclusion; The test is as good as it can be, it can't be perfect.
hrv4u 4 years ago 2
IT could do better on questions of E & I. Theychange based on other combos. I.E. an INFJ will seem more (E) because of it's extraverted feeling function. (INFJ's focus feelings outward and intuition inward) So I hypothesize that INFPs will seem more (I)(there feelings are inward and intuition is extraverted). I don't know if you have analyzed those aspects yet as far as the primary, secondary, tertiary, and inferior functions of each type.
WhiteSpaz 4 years ago
In order for it to work properly you need to scan the different types yourself after reaching a result (which can vary in accuracy) and decide which is your match. As many of the tests is based on very distinct situations in order to make the measurements, it allows for different personal experiences to certain situations cloud your judgment and you fail to see things in the full perspective (as can be hard sometimes when you take the test).
hrv4u 4 years ago
Ergo; the "lie-detection"-part of the test cannot be achieved as the similar questions may produce the differential answers - and thats why its put on a spectrum. No test is perfect, analyzing the faults of the test makes your realize why.
hrv4u 4 years ago
it's not the test that's not reliable it's the people taking the test. People can change their answers over time...the test doesn't change the questions. I've tested the same about 5 of 6 times.
intj123 4 years ago
that is incorrect. the test is unreliable.
there is no universally agreed upon definition of personality, but if we all agree that personality is semi constant once formed (i.e. does not change except in the aftermath of considerable trauma) then a personality test should return results that are as reliable.
omegaroyal 4 years ago
myers briggs is also known to not contain any lie detection questions - it assumes the subjects want to and do tell the truth. therefore, when the subject does not tell the truth, the test falls over, and truth does not change. Non truth changes on a whim.
omegaroyal 4 years ago
certain personality types are also known to be more reliable (or invariant) than others. INTP (me) types tend to be more reliable subjects than extroverted feeling types for instance.
omegaroyal 4 years ago
Amen brother. In fact I would as far to say that INTPs are probably the most reliable people in society period and that all other personality types are selfishly guzzling down all the oxygen that should be reserved for our immense minds to ponder with.
SteveVithal 4 years ago
ROFL... LMAO!!
tuberic76 3 years ago
I didn't quite understand your argument there: You stated that there was a problem with the test, saying that it is "notoriously unreliable", then stated at the end, in your opinion, that test is valid and reliable.
fc007 4 years ago
I believe if you listen carefully I say that Myers Briggs has been reliable for me, meaning I am speaking about my case only. There are people for whom Myers Briggs is reliable and consistent.
omegaroyal 4 years ago
0.K.
fc007 4 years ago
im always ENFP
and from what i've read about my type fits well into me, and other types really dont
HappyChunk 4 years ago
to point out that research into the reliability of myers briggs is age sensitive is not being agist or harsh. it is a statement of quoted fact. as per why 70 (instead of 80 or whatever)? can not say. but appearantly the reliability drops off dramatically after that age.
omegaroyal 4 years ago
The myres briggs test is not a personality test. If you really think about it,it is more of a behaviour types test. Most people can switch from one to another often. For example, I am an infp but can be like an infj or isfp at times. remember its a behaviour pattern test.
NSO82 4 years ago
As a point of fact, Myers Briggs is a personality test.
omegaroyal 4 years ago
Just out of curiosity...how does stress level affect the results of this test?
FADEproductions 4 years ago
it all depends on the subject. but essentially if the subject is stressed you can expect the results to vary more in a shorter period of time.
some may shift results over a month, while others weeks or days.
omegaroyal 4 years ago
continued:
These sites also publish results statistics that show a high concentration of INFPs (my type). This type is supposedly quite rare in a random population sample; which could correspond with your hypothesis on both 1) a certain profiole of those who take the test (INFPs are known for constant self-searching) and 2) a certain state-of-mind of people when they take the test (stress etc)
citizen132 4 years ago
interesting comments. thanks for sharing them with me/us.
the human brain does not stop maturing until the age of 25, and somewhere along that path, personality is formed. that is why there are no personality tests that can scientifically test a child's personality with any real reliability.
omegaroyal 4 years ago
Nice video.
Wikipedia has a population breakdown of types and INFP's are 4.3%; 7th least common of the 16 types.
I've taken different variations of the test and I keep getting INTJ.
However, I'm still a bit skeptical of this tests validity. The results seem very vague to me.
metaltermite 4 years ago
You raise some very good issues that I've asked myself.
I didn't know the test was age-sensitive; that is really interesting, because some amateur sites have instructions about how to test children.
citizen132 4 years ago