Test of the 16 personalities: the personality test that they do in job interviews

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

Modern psychology has picked up on this need and has developed the so-called tests or personality tests. The 16 Personality 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 by 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 test of the 16 personalities dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The 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 to be introverted are primarily interested in their inner world. The most extroverted people, on the other hand, look outside. On the other hand, Jung defined four basic cognitive functions: think, feel, intuit and perceive. Combining the four functions and the characters extrovert or introvert, he described eight types of personality.

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

What is the 16 Personality Test or MBTI for?

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

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

How is the 16 personalities or MBTI test done?

The MBTI test is performed by responding to a questionnaire of 60, 88 or 93 questions, according to different versions. For each question there are two possible answers. From the count of responses, people can identify with one of 16 personality types.

The test is not an exam. There are not correct or incorrect answers. It is not used to diagnose dysfunctions or disorders. Nor are there personalities that are 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.

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. 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. Thought (T) – Feeling (F). This scale focuses on how people make decisions. People who prefer to think place more 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 sensitivity and emotions and those of other people. Judge (J) – Perceive (P). Those who are inclined to judge prefer structures and firm decisions. People who lean toward perception 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:

ISTJ. The inspector. Responsible realist. You are reserved and practical, you tend to be loyal, orderly and traditional. ISTP. The craftsman. logical pragmatism. Very independent, he enjoys the experiences that provide first-hand learning. ISFJ. The protector. practical helper. Courageous and dedicated, he is always ready to protect the people he cares about. ISFP. The solver. Versatile contributor. Calm and flexible, you tend to be affectionate and adaptable. INFJ. Lawyer. Insightful visionary. He is creative and analytical. INFP. The mediator. rigorous idealist. He holds high values ​​and strives to make the world a better place. INTJ. The architect. Concept planner. Very logical, creative and analytical. INTP. The Thinker. objective analyst. Quiet and introverted, he is characterized by having a rich inner world. ESTP. The persuasive. energetic solver. Outgoing and dramatic, you enjoy spending time with others and concentrating on the here and now. ESTJ. Director. efficient organizer. He is assertive and rule oriented. You have high principles and a tendency to take charge. ESFP. The interpreter. Enthusiastic improviser. Outgoing and spontaneous, he enjoys being at the center of the stage. ESFJ. The caretaker. Sympathetic contributor. Kind-hearted and outgoing, they tend to believe the best in other people. ENFP. The champion. Imaginative motivator. Charismatic and energetic, they enjoy situations in which they can put their creativity to work. ENFJ. The delivered. compassionate facilitator. Loyal and sensitive, they are characterized by being understanding and generous. ENTP. The debater. Opportunity Explorer. Highly inventive, they love to be surrounded by ideas and tend to start many projects (but may have a hard time finishing them). ENTJ. Commander. Decisive strategist. He is frank and trusting, he can make plans and organize projects.

Is it a reliable and useful personality test?

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

However, there are criticism of its usefulness. Some authors suggest, for example, that following the recommendations on the selection of studies, professions or romantic partner are not a guarantee of success.

Take the MBTI test of the 16 personalities

There is a test of the 16 personalities that is freely accessible 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.