People have different ways of thinking and behaving that differentiate us from each other. Human beings have always fallen into the temptation of creating personality types or models in which to fit others and oneself in order to understand each other better. Zodiac signs are a popular example with a long history.

Modern psychology has recognized this need and has developed the so-called tests or personality tests. The 16 personalities test or MBTI has become very popular in the United States and South Korea. In the North American country it is used by companies and government offices in the human resources management (job interviews). In South Korea, it is estimated that half of the population has taken the test, especially young people, who share the result on social networks and hope to meet other like-minded people.

Test 16 personalities or MBTI: what is it

The history of the MBTI 16 Personality Test dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. Psychologist Carl Gustav Jung, who developed analytical psychology after distancing himself from his teacher, Sigmund Freud, defined the concepts of introversion and extraversion as fundamental aspects of personality.

People who tend toward introversion are primarily interested in their inner world. The most extroverted people, on the other hand, focus on the outside. On the other hand, Jung defined four basic cognitive functions: think, feel, intuit and perceive. Combining the four functions and the extroverted or introverted characters, he described eight personality types.

Based on Jung’s theory of 8 personalities and her own research over two decades, professor Beginning in 1940, Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers developed the Myers-Briggs Typological Indicator (MBTI), the 16 personality test, which is still used today, although sometimes with slight modifications made by different authors.

What is the 16 personalities test or MBTI for?

The objective of the test is promote self-knowledge of the person taking the questionnaire and offer you, for example, possible guidance on your professional preferences or your compatibility with other people. That is why the test has been used in job counseling or in the search for a romantic partner.

The questionnaire and the definition of personality can be interesting at an individual level, as a work of self-knowledge, and in groups (at school or at work, for example) it can help define the contributions of each one.

How is the 16 personalities test or MBTI done?

The MBTI test is carried out by answering a questionnaire of 60, 88 or 93 questions, according to different versions. In each question there are two possible answers. Based on the responses, people can identify with one of the 16 personality types.

The test is not an exam. There are no right or wrong answers. It is not used to diagnose dysfunctions or disorders. There are also no personalities better or worse than others. It is not a test that is often used in psychological consultation for therapeutic purposes.

The questionnaire itself is made up of questions organized according to four different scales.

1. Extraversion (E) – Introversion (I). Extroverts tend to be action-oriented, enjoy more frequent social interaction, and feel energized after spending time with other people. Introverts tend to be thought-oriented, enjoy deep and meaningful social interactions, and feel recharged after spending time alone. We all exhibit extraversion and introversion to some degree, but most of us tend to have a general preference one way or the other.
2. Sensation (S) – Intuition (N). People who prefer to feel tend to pay close attention to what they can perceive and learn through their own senses. They tend to focus on facts and details and enjoy gaining hands-on experience. Instead, people who prefer intuition pay more attention to things like patterns and impressions. They enjoy thinking about possibilities, imagining the future, and abstract theories.
3. Thought (T) – Feeling (F). This scale focuses on how people make decisions. People who prefer to think put greater emphasis on objective facts and data. They tend to be coherent, logical and impersonal when weighing a decision. On the other hand, those who prefer to feel take more into account their own and other people’s sensitivity and emotions.
4. Judge (J) – Perceive (P). Those who are inclined to judge prefer structures and firm decisions. People who lean toward insight are more open, flexible, and adaptable.

The 16 personalities of Myers Briggs

When evaluating the questionnaire, a combination of four letters is obtained (the letters that we have put in parentheses when explaining the four scales of the questionnaire). There are 16 possible combinations, which are the 16 personalities. This would be a very brief description of its characteristics:

1. ISTJ. The inspector. Responsible realist. He is reserved and practical, tending to be loyal, orderly and traditional.
2. ISTP. The craftsman. Logical pragmatism. Very independent, enjoys experiences that provide first-hand learning.
3. ISFJ. The protector. Practical helper. Brave and dedicated, he is always ready to protect the people he cares about.
4. ISFP. The solver. Versatile contributor. Calm and flexible, you tend to be affectionate and adaptable.
5. INFJ. The lawyer. Insightful visionary. He is creative and analytical.
6. INFP. The mediator. Rigorous idealist. He has high values ​​and strives to make the world a better place.
7. INTJ. The architect. Conceptual planner. Very logical, creative and analytical.
8. INTP. The thinker. Objective analyst. Quiet and introverted, he is characterized by having a rich inner world.
9. ESTP. The persuasive. Energetic solver. Outgoing and dramatic, you enjoy spending time with others and focusing on the here and now.
10. ESTJ. The director. Efficient organizer. He is assertive and rule-oriented. He has high principles and a tendency to take charge.
11. ESFP. The interpreter. Enthusiastic improviser. Extroverted and spontaneous, he enjoys staying center stage.
12. ESFJ. The caretaker. Sympathetic contributor. Kind-hearted and outgoing, they tend to believe the best in other people.
13. ENFP. The champion. Imaginative motivator. Charismatic and energetic, they enjoy situations in which they can put their creativity to work.
14. ENFJ. The delivered. Compassionate facilitator. Loyal and sensitive, they are characterized by being understanding and generous.
15. ENTP. The debater Opportunity explorer. Very inventive, you love to be surrounded by ideas and tend to start many projects (but may have difficulty finishing them).
16. ENTJ. The commander. Decisive strategist. You are frank and confident, you can make plans and organize projects.

Is it a reliable and useful personality test?

The Myers & Briggs Foundation that promotes its use assures that it has a 90% accuracy. This means that if the person takes the questionnaire at different times and situations they will obtain the same result.

However, there are criticisms about its usefulness. Some authors suggest, for example, that following recommendations regarding the selection of studies, professions or romantic partners are not a guarantee of success.

Take the MBTI test of the 16 personalities

There is a free access test of the 16 personalities on the internet, although we remind you that the Myers & Briggs Foundation recommends that the test be carried out by a qualified professional so you can track the results.