Verification of MBTI Type - Essay Example

Review of Hypothesized MBTI Results As Against the Actual Results Received on the MBTI Test. In the initial part of this exercise, it was hypothesized that the results of the MBTI would show a preference of traits and behaviors that could be coded as “ESFP” – with a dominant Extroverted Sensing and auxiliary Introverted feeling. It was believed that the test results would show a preference for Extraverted behavior; information derived from the Senses; an inclination to give importance to emotions and norms and a tendency to observe and make decisions without enforcing them on others.

The ESFP personality profile was also chosen as the hypothesized one based on the description of the ESFP given by Myers and Briggs – “Outgoing, friendly, and accepting. Exuberant lovers of life, people, and material comforts. Enjoy working with others to make things happen. Bring common sense and a realistic approach to their work, and make work fun. Flexible and spontaneous, adapt readily to new people and environments. Learn best by trying a new skill with other people.” The test results that came back were ISFP – which matched the hypothesized profile on all but the first variable.

The MBTI measures an individual's preferred modes of experiencing stimuli, and responding to them along four dichotomous variables. Each alphabet of the personality profile code stands for the dominant aspect of one variable. The first variable is Extraversion – Introversion; which attempts to understand the direction of focus of the individuals’ attentions. The report shows a preference towards introversion; signifying a tendency to look within and share significant events with a few close people rather than many acquaintances.

The results also suggest that the individual would prefer to work alone, and prefer their own space. The hypothesised result on this variable was Extraversion – an assumption not supported by the test results. This discrepancy may be due to a variety of factors. The effort of looking within during the testing period could have influenced the scores; as could the difference between the real self and the ideal self. It could be that a few responses on the test were affected by personal aspirations of what the ideal self would be.

It must be noted here, that the graph for the preference clarity index shows that the scores in Extraversion – Introversion are only slightly in the area for Introversion; the score on the PCI being 2. This shows that both dimensions of this trait are used somewhat similarly; and it is always possible that one may identify more with some aspects of behaviour – and therefore expect them to show up in a test. This expectation may not be in congruence with actual behaviour or projected behaviour that is picked up by the test.

Such a disconnect between the self image and the projected image can lead to misinterpretations of others’ responses. In the work arena, it can lead to disappointment at not being recognised for qualities that one perceives in oneself, and can interfere with effective communication with others. The second variable is that which tries to measure how we take in information – the factor of Sensing – Intuition. Those high on Sensing typically rely on information gathered through the senses, and process that information deductively.

Those higher on Intuition are more inductive in their processing, often processing beyond the given facts. The test results show a preference for Sensing, which was also the hypothesized result. This was hypothesized because of the need to make logical conclusions, and a disinclination to move beyond the information at hand and make assumption that could be untrue. The PCI score shows that this preference is not too strong either – the score is 2. There is definitely a tendency to use both dimensions – i.e. – come to both deductive and inductive conclusions.

But given a novel situation, the preference is to stay true to the facts at hand. The luxury of making assumptions is reserved for a familiar situation, or one where making a mistake is not a very big problem. The third dimension is that of Thinking – Feeling; one that defines what processes are used when making decisions. Those who show a preference for the Thinking aspect normally make decisions that are objective and logical, even if these seem difficult. Those whose preference sways towards the Feeling aspect normally factor in emotions when taking decisions and can override logic where an individual’s feelings or value systems are involved.

Both the predicted and the test results show a preference for Feeling. The PCI score is close to moderate for this variable – a 4 towards Feeling. Thus, while objective facts are considered important; decisions can and do get swayed by the emotional weight of the event. The fourth and last of the variables is that of Judging – Perceiving. A person who prefers the Judging dimension typically likes resolutions to problems and situations. They also prefer to plan out activities in advance to ensure success and comfort.

On the other hand, those who are higher on Perceiving tend to be good observers, but keep their decisions flexible and may change it in face of new information. They also prefer not to voice out their opinions to others. Thus, they are also more likely to make spontaneous decisions without too many qualms. The test results supported the hypothesised results that there would be a preference for Perceiving. The PCI score was also the highest (of all four factors) on this factor – an 8. The hypothesis was based on the fact that last – minute decisions are often made and there is a tendency to reserve judgement of people or events till adequate information is not available.

The description of the ISFP personality profile provided by Myers and Briggs is: “Quiet, friendly, sensitive, and kind. Enjoy the present moment, what’s going on around them. Like to have their own space and to work within their own time frame. Loyal and committed to their values and to people who are important to them. Dislike disagreements and conflicts; do not force their opinions or values on others.” It is accepted that this description is not completely wrong; though it is believed that Outgoing and spontaneous would be more accurate descriptions and should be used in place of ‘quite’ in the above paragraph.

References: Myers & Briggs Foundation. (2003). My MBTI Personality Type: MBTI Basics. Retrieved 27 – 05 - 2011, from http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/. Myers & Briggs Foundation. (2003). My MBTI Personality Type: The-16-mbti-types. Retrieved 27 – 05 - 2011, from http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/the-16-mbti-types.asp Appendix: Copy of Test Result.