Are INTPs the Most Likely Type to Test Everyone They Know on the Myers-Briggs Personality Assessment?
Guilty, as an INTP, but I think this would apply to any type who takes a real interest in it—especially at the beginning of the fascination. Now as for which types that would be, I’m guessing mostly the N’s (Intuitives) with Ne (Extraverted Intuition) or more developed Fe (Introverted Feeling). Most sensors (Sensors) I’ve met who’ve even heard of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) are only interested in their own type.
Introduction to Myers-Briggs and INTPs
First, a brief introduction to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) for those unfamiliar. The MBTI, developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers, is a psychometric assessment that characterizes individuals based on their preferences for understanding the world: extraversion (E) or introversion (I), sensing (S) or intuition (N), thinking (T) or feeling (F), and judging (J) or perceiving (P).
INTP Characteristics
INTPs, or Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving, are often described as analytical thinkers with a love for problem-solving and theoretical discussions. They are also known for their curiosity and desire to understand the underlying principles of things. Due to their intellectual and analytical nature, INTPs might be more inclined to dive into personality assessments like the MBTI, seeking to explore their cognitive functions and preferences in detail.
Exploring the Fascination with MBTI
The posturing of a former INTP, in which I acknowledge being guilty of testing everyone I know on a real interest in the Myers-Briggs assessment, mirrors a pattern observed in many individuals—especially those on the 'N' scale. INTPs, being intuitives, often find such assessments intriguing because of their interest in understanding themselves and others. This curiosity often leads to a desire to explore and share insights gained from these assessments.
Why INTPs Might Be More Likely to Test Others
First and foremost, INTPs naturally gravitate towards theoretical frameworks and structuring their understanding. The MBTI operates within a well-defined framework, aligning with the INTPs' preference for logical thinking and organized systems. Second, INTPs are naturally curious and enjoy the exploration of ideas. Testing others with the MBTI is a way to satisfy this curiosity and expand their knowledge. Additionally, the personality type information can provide a lens through which INTPs view their interactions and relationships with others.
Insights from Tested Responses
One notable observation is the frequency with which family and close acquaintances misinterpret the MBTI results. When I once made everyone in my family take it at a get-together, almost a third of them thought they were INFJ’s! None of them were, which raises an interesting point about the accuracy of MBTI assessments. This discrepancy could be attributed to a lack of self-awareness or honesty with oneself when answering the questions. It suggests that individuals often have misconceptions about their own personalities.
The Role of Self-Awareness and Honesty
Self-awareness and honesty play a crucial role in the accuracy of MBTI results. Many individuals, especially those who are self-assured or extroverted, might misinterpret or misrepresent their answers to better fit their self-perception. Conversely, introverts and analyzers like INTPs often require a higher degree of introspection and honest evaluation of their preferences and behaviors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while INTPs might be more likely to test everyone they know on the Myers-Briggs assessment due to their natural curiosity and analytical nature, this behavior is not exclusive to them. Anyone with a genuine interest in personality assessments can display similar behavior, especially in the early stages of their fascination. It is important to recognize the role of self-awareness and honesty in the accuracy of these assessments. If you are an INTP or anyone else curious about personality assessments, consider the insights gained with a more introspective and honest approach to the questions posed by the MBTI.