Myers Briggs personality test also called Myers-Briggs Type Indicator was invented by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers in 1942. Upon keen observation, Cook was inspired by the theories and published works of Psychologist Carl Jung. The mother and daughter, hoping to help people comprehend tendencies and pick jobs appropriately developed 93 questions to assess certain traits namely Introvert (I) versus Extrovert (E), Intuitive (N) versus Sensory (S), Thinking (T) versus Feeling (F) and Judging (J) versus Perceiving (P). With these combinations of traits, people were grouped into sixteen labels such as INTJ, INFP, INFJ, ENFP, ISFP, ENTJ, ESFJ, ESTJ, among others.
Undoubtedly, it remains one of the most contested personality test with a little over 1.5 million people taking the test annually; and over 88% of the Fortune 500 firms and academic institutions adopting it in recruitment and training. The simplicity of its concept generates doubts regarding the procedure. Clearly, the doubts in the procedure is largely hinged on the science, or the lack of it in its conceptualization.
Despite these views, numerous discussions uphold the credibility of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). In its actual sense, MBTI can be a commencement for self-exploration because it gives individuals the language to reflect on themselves as well as others. It is a test to further understand the practice of talking and pondering on who “you” are. In addition, the MBTI offers a general acceptance for all type of people especially individuals with no personality disorders, and it posits that work place efficiency and happiness of staffs is possible if task that suit worker’s personality is assigned. In addition, the test is described as credible as it allows partakers of the test have probable outcomes of their true characters; an attribute and advantage he test has over many others.
With these in mind, the MBTI emphasizes that it is needless for individuals to feel unworthy or down cast with who they truly are. Who they are is a strength and where it isn’t, preferences should be geared towards knowing what makes the individual tick and happy – what works for them without making up excuses. The credibility is also hinged on a person’s suitability for roles –getting a job, redeployment or promotion. It is also well suited for identifying those who perform well either in a group or thrive better while alone.
In retrospect, MBTI may have been invented when psychology was hardly considered to be empirical but it remains a strong valid measure of personality characters and traits, and like many other personality test, it may be flawed but it drives the quest and zeal for personal introspection capable of motivating individuals to change their mental state or condition.
Are you thinking of taking a personality quiz? The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is highly recommended. Begin by clicking the blue button below.
