Myers Briggs Type Indicator

Experiment 2
Myers Briggs Type Indicator

Introduction

Brief overview of MBTI

The Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a tool that assesses your psychological preferences in decision-
making and perception. It was developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers,
based on Carl Jung's theory of four fundamental psychological functions: sensing, intuiting, feeling, and
thinking. Jung proposed that seemingly random variations in behavior are consistent and rooted in individuals'
preferences for perception and judgment. The MBTI was created by Briggs and Myers to make Jung's theory
accessible and practical in people's lives. In the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator, there are four pairs of
preferences: Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I), Sensing (S) or Intuition (N), Thinking (T) or Feeling (F), and
Judgment (J) or Perception (P). Each person has a preference for one style over the other in each pair, and
combining these preferences results in a four-letter code representing their personality type. For instance,
someone with preferences for Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Perception would have a personality type of
INFP.

Purpose of the test

The purpose of the MBTI is to help individuals gain insights into their own preferences and better understand
and appreciate the differences in others. It is often used in personal development, career counseling, team
building, and communication training. It can help one identify his/her/their strengths and weaknesses,
understand feelings and actions, and control one’s behavior in different situations. It also helps someone to
identify his or her personality types and preferences.
Importance of personality assessment in psychology
Personality tests are designed to systematically gather information about a person’s preferences, such as what
motivates them, their interests, emotional states and how they interact with the world, and then for this
information to be used to better understand the psychology behind the person.
Theoretical foundations
Development of MBTI
The authors of the MBTI instrument, Katharine Cook Briggs (1875–1968) and her daughter, Isabel Briggs
Myers (1897–1980), were keen and disciplined observers of human personality differences. They studied and
elaborated the ideas of Swiss psychiatrist Carl G. Jung (1875–1961) and applied them to understanding people
around them. Prompted by the waste of human potential in World War II, Myers began developing the indicator
to give a wide range of individuals access to the benefits she found in knowing psychological type and
appreciating differences. After more than 60 years of research and development, the current MBTI assessment is
the most widely used instrument for understanding normal personality differences.
Jungian psychological types
Psychological type is a theory of personality developed by Swiss psychiatrist Carl G. Jung to explain the normal
differences between healthy people. Based on his observations, Jung concluded that differences in behavior
result from people’s inborn tendencies to use their minds in different ways. As people act on these tendencies,
they develop patterns of behavior. Jung’s psychological type theory defines eight different patterns of normal
behavior, or types, and gives an explanation of how types develop.

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Jung proposes four main functions of consciousness: two perceiving or non-rational functions (Sensation and
Intuition), and two judging or rational functions (Thinking and Feeling). These functions are modified by two
main attitude types: extraversion and introversion. Jung proposes that the dominant function, along with the
dominant attitude, characterizes consciousness, while its opposite is repressed and characterizes the
unconscious. Based on this, the eight outstanding psychological types are: Extraverted sensation / Introverted
sensation; Extraverted intuition / Introverted intuition; Extraverted thinking / Introverted thinking; and
Extraverted feeling / Introverted feeling. Jung, as such, describes in detail the effects of tensions between the
complexes associated with the dominant and inferior differentiating functions in highly and even extremely one-
sided types.
Four Dichotomies: Extraversion/Introversion, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, Judging/Perceiving
The MBTI assessment reports preferences on four dichotomies, each consisting of two opposite poles. The
MBTI preferences indicate the differences in people that result from the following:
1. Where they prefer to focus their attention and get energy (Extraversion or Introversion)
2. The way they prefer to take in information (Sensing or Intuition)
3. The way they prefer to make decisions (Thinking or Feeling)
4. How they orient themselves to the external world—with a judging process or a perceiving process
(Judging or Perceiving)
Extraversion/ Introversion - The E-I dichotomy is designed to reflect whether a person prefers Extroversion or
Introversion in the sense intended by Jung. Extroverts are oriented primarily towards the outer world, thus they
tend to focus their energy on people and objects. introverts are oriented primarily towards the inner world, thus
they tend to focus their energy on concepts, ideas and internal experiences. Extraversion tends to be manifested
in outgoing, talkative, energetic behavior, whereas introversion is manifested in more reflective and reserved
behavior.
Sensing/ Intuition - Sensing dichotomy is designed to reflect a person’s preference between two opposite ways
of perceiving. A person may rely primarily upon the process of sensing (S). Which attends to observable facts or
happenings through one or more of the five senses, or a person may rely more upon the less obvious process of
Intuition (N) which attends to meanings, relationships and possibilities that have been worked out beyond the
reach of the conscious mind.
Thinking/ feeling- are the decision-making (judging) functions. The thinking and feeling functions are both used
to make rational decisions, based on the data received from their information-gathering functions. Those who
prefer thinking tend to decide things from a more detached standpoint, measuring the decision by what seems
reasonable, logical, causal, consistent, and matching a given set of rules. Those who prefer feeling tend to come
to decisions by associating or empathizing with the situation, looking at it 'from the inside' and weighing the
situation to achieve, on balance, the greatest harmony, consensus and fit, considering the needs of the people
involved.
Judging/ perceiving- people also have a preference for using either the judging function (thinking or feeling) or
their perceiving function (sensing or intuition) when relating to the outside world. Types with a preference for
judging show the world their preferred judging function (thinking or feeling). Those types who prefer
perception show the world their preferred perceiving function (sensing or intuition). According to
Myers, judging types like to "have matters settled", while perceptive types prefer to "keep decisions open". So,
TJ types tend to appear to the world as logical and FJ types as empathetic. SP types tend to appear as concrete
and NP types as abstract.

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Uses of MBTI
The MBTI, as outlined in its manual, is utilized for self-understanding, team building, communication
improvement, career guidance, leadership development, conflict resolution, education, and personal growth. It
aims to provide insights into individual preferences and enhance various aspects of life, although its scientific
validity has been debated.
Objective
To facilitate students' self-discovery and personal growth through MBTI-based personality assessment.
Method
Participant selection
Any participant of the age of 18 or above from non- psychological background can be selected
Procedure
A rapport was formed with the participant. After that the participant was given the following instructions. For
the scoring scores were given for each dimension that is E(extraversion), I(introversion), S(sensing),
N(intuition), T(thinking), F(feeling), J(judgement), P (perceiving) and total raw points are calculated.
Comparison is done between each dichotomy and one with greater score is selected, one’s preference is the one
with higher number of points. The preference clarity category is selected by selecting one category from the
four dichotomies. For example, I from E/I, N from S/N, F from T/F and J from J/P.
Instructions
Use your responses to these questions to gain insights into your preferred ways of observation and decision-
making. There are no correct or incorrect answers. Understanding your own tendencies and exploring those of
others can provide clarity about your strengths and guide you toward fulfilling work. Carefully read each
question, marking your answers on the score sheet without dwelling extensively on any one. If a question
proves challenging, feel free to skip it and come back later.
Materials required
MBTI manual, pencil, eraser, response sheet.
Scoring and interpretation
Directions for scoring:
1. Read horizontally across each row. Count the number of X’s in each row and write the total in the
shaded area at the end of the row. For rows with no X’s write a 0 in the shaded area.
2. When all the shaded areas are filled in, add down the eight vertical columns. Write the total raw points
of each column at the bottom of the score sheet.
3. Check your addition, then copy the total for each letter into corresponding box.
The MBTI instrument measures your preferences on four scales E-I, S-N, T-F, and J-P to determine one’s type.
The preference is the one with higher number of points. For example, if the total points on the E-I scale are 12
for extraversion and 9 for introversion then the preference is extraversion. If there is a tie on any scale, then
follow the following tie breaking rule
If E=I, then write I
If S=N, then write N
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 Myers Briggs Type Indicator
If T=F, then write F
If J=P, then write P
Interpretation of MBTI profiles
In their best moments, the ISFJ participant is characterized by dependability, commitment, and a conscientious
approach to fulfilling responsibilities. They prioritize the needs of others, especially within family relationships,
and work diligently to establish orderly procedures. Despite a dislike for tasks that don't make sense to them,
they invest steady energy to complete them on time.
Others may see the ISFJ as a quiet, serious, and considerate individual who values commitments and traditions.
However, what might not be immediately apparent is the wealth of rich, accurate internal Sensing impressions
and memories that guide their decision-making.
In areas for growth, if the ISFJ hasn't developed their Feeling, they may struggle with reliable ways of
navigating the world, relying solely on Sensing memories. Conversely, neglecting Sensing may lead them to
rush into value judgments without considering practical realities.
If not appreciated for their contributions, the ISFJ might become rigid in supporting hierarchy, feel
unappreciated, and overly focus on immediate impacts. Under stress, they may engage in "catastrophizing,"
envisioning negative possibilities without their usual consideration for others. Striking a balance in preferences
is crucial for the ISFJ, ensuring an appreciation of wider ramifications in decisions and the ability to assert their
needs when necessary.
Uses of MBTI in different
ISFJs are known for their practical and compassionate nature. They are often loyal and committed to their
responsibilities, valuing tradition and stability. As individuals, ISFJs are detail-oriented and thrive in organized
environments. They tend to be conscientious and responsible, seeking to fulfill their duties with dedication. In
work situations, ISFJs excel in roles that involve caring for others, such as nursing, social work, or teaching.
Their nurturing and supportive qualities make them well-suited for professions where they can make a positive
impact on people's lives. Due to their strong sense of duty, they may also find fulfillment in administrative roles
that require attention to detail and adherence to established procedures. With a preference for introversion,
ISFJs often enjoy working in quieter and more focused settings. They are adept at following established
processes and appreciate a sense of routine in their work. Their sensing function makes them practical and
observant, ensuring that they are attuned to the needs of those around them. ISFJs are known for their empathy
and ability to understand the emotions of others. They are likely to approach their work with a focus on building
harmonious relationships and maintaining a supportive atmosphere. While they may be adaptable, they find
security in well-defined structures and may resist abrupt changes that disrupt their established routines. In
personal relationships, ISFJs are devoted partners, but they may face challenges in expressing their own needs
and desires. They often find fulfillment in helping others and seek a sense of purpose in their relationships. With
a strong sense of tradition, they value stability and may work towards maintaining a sense of continuity in their
personal lives.
Overall, ISFJs bring a combination of practicality, compassion, and reliability to both their work and personal
lives, making them valuable contributors to various fields that involve caring for others and maintaining a sense
of order.

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Conclusion
In conclusion, the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a valuable tool developed by Katharine Cook Briggs
and Isabel Briggs Myers, rooted in Carl Jung's theory of psychological functions. This instrument assesses
individual preferences in decision-making and perception through four dichotomies: Extraversion/Introversion,
Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, and Judging/Perceiving. The resulting four-letter code represents one's
personality type and is used for personal development, career counseling, team building, and communication
training.
The primary purpose of the MBTI is to provide individuals with insights into their preferences, fostering a
better understanding of themselves and appreciation for differences in others. Its applications span various
areas, including personal growth, career guidance, team collaboration, conflict resolution, and communication
improvement.
The theoretical foundations of the MBTI are grounded in Carl G. Jung's psychological type theory, which
identifies eight different patterns of normal behavior based on dominant functions and attitudes. The MBTI
builds upon these foundations, incorporating four dichotomies that capture key aspects of personality
preferences.
The MBTI assessment, despite some debate about its scientific validity, remains widely used for its practical
applications. The test involves participant selection, careful administration, and scoring based on preferences
across the four dichotomies. The interpretation of MBTI profiles provides valuable insights into individual
strengths, potential areas for growth, and the dynamics of personal interactions.
Moreover, the MBTI finds application in various aspects of life, including career planning, relationship
dynamics, family interactions, and personal development. It serves as a valuable tool for understanding
communication styles, conflict resolution, and appreciating diverse perspectives.
In essence, the MBTI serves as a versatile instrument for self-discovery and personal growth. As individuals
gain awareness of their preferences, they can navigate life with greater clarity, make informed decisions, and
foster positive relationships. Whether applied in educational settings, professional environments, or personal
development journeys, the MBTI continues to offer a framework for understanding the richness and diversity of
human personalities.
The test was aimed to facilitate students' self-discovery and personal growth through MBTI-based personality
assessment. The participant was asked to select one of the given choices in the MBTI manual by which his/ her
personality type was known. By using the MBTI test, the personality type of the participant i.e. ISFJ was
successfully concluded.

Reference
MBTI manual
https://www.tonyrobbins.com/business/why-take-personality-test/
https://www.themyersbriggs.com/en-US/Support/MBTI-Facts
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katharine_Cook_Briggs
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carl-Jung

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https://www.simplypsychology.org/carl-jung.html
https://ap.themyersbriggs.com/themyersbriggs-all-about-the-mbti-assessment.aspx
https://shop.themyersbriggs.com/pdfs/Introduction_to_MBTI_Assess.pdf

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