All Over the Damn Map

In the comments section of one of my earlier posts, a few of us have been having a discussion about personality types, particularly those on the Jung-Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) scale. Cym suggested that I take one of the free online tests and then report the results. She further suggested that I invite you to take the test as well, so we can ascertain if specific types of personalities congregate here.

Well, I took the MBTI on two different sites and this netted two different results! On the first site, Humanmetrics, my type was recorded as ISFJ. (Strength of preference percent: Introverted - 67; Sensing - 1; Feeling - 12; Judging - 33.) These results indicate that I am a:

• distinctively expressed introvert
• slightly expressed sensing personality
• slightly expressed feeling personality
• moderately expressed judging personality

On the second site, Similar Minds, my type was recorded at INTJ. (Strength of preference percent: Introverted - 70.6; Intuitive - 56.4; Thinking - 46.4; Judging - 71.4.) These results indicate that I am:

loner, more interested in intellectual pursuits than relationships or family, not very altruistic, not very complimentary, would rather be friendless than jobless, observer, values solitude, perfectionist, detached, private, not much fun, hidden, skeptical, does not tend to like most people, socially uncomfortable, not physically affectionate, unhappy, does not talk about feelings, hard to impress, analytical, likes esoteric things, tends to be pessimistic, not spontaneous, prone to discontentment, guarded, does not think they are weird but others do, responsible, can be insensitive or ambivalent to the misfortunes of others, orderly, clean, organized, familiar with darkside, tends not to value organized religion, suspicious of others, can be lonely, rarely shows anger, punctual, finisher, prepared

So, thus far, while there are some similarities in the test results, there are also some significant disparities. I next went to the site, PersonalityType.com. This site has streamlined the test by offering 4 sets of descriptions of two different lists of personality "preferences" and you are to choose the 4 sets that you believe best describe your personality. With the exception of the first set "Extroverts vs Introverts" (me an introvert), I can't really answer the other three couplets. Why? Because I find attributes in both columns that match up best with me!

For example, here are the choices for Section 2, "What kind of information do you naturally notice and remember?":

Sensors often:

• Focus on details & specifics x
  
• Admire practical solutions x
  
• Notice details & remember facts x
  
• Are pragmatic - see what is x
  
• Live in the here-and-now x
  
• Trust actual experience x
  
• Like to use established skills x
  
• Like step-by-step instructions x
  
• Work at a steady pace x
  

Intuitives often:

• Focus on the big picture & possibilities x
  
• Admire creative ideas x
  
• Notice anything new or different x
  
• Are inventive - see what could be x
  
• Think about future implications x
  
• Trust their gut instincts x
  
• Prefer to learn new skills
• Like to figure things out for themselves x
  
• Work in bursts of energy x

As can be readily seen via the use of the "x" mark, I agree with almost everything on both lists, even some that to most people may seem like opposites. For example, I tend to plod along at a steady pace with bursts of energy here and there. While I'm very detail-oriented, I concentrate on the details within the bigger picture. I also prefer practical solutions that are creative, in nature. So, which column do I choose?!?

This exercise highlights one of the reasons why I shy away from "tests" of this nature. My answers tend to change based on the way the questions are posed. I also don't like the way the questions are framed and I find that my answers often are dependent on variables not provided.

In the end, it generally makes me feel even odder than I already sense that I am.

ADDENDUM
Cym suggested a different test at Typologic.com. Here are the results from this one:

• Your average score on extraversion was 2.8, which is considered low. It is in approximately the 7th percentile for males over the age of 21. Your score on Extraversion is low, indicating you are introverted, reserved, and quiet. You enjoy solitude and solitary activities. Your socializing tends to be restricted to a few close friends.
• Your average score on agreeableness was 3, which is considered low. It is in approximately the 4th percentile for males over the age of 21. Your score on Agreeableness is low, indicating less concern with others' needs Than with your own. People see you as tough, critical, and uncompromising.
• Your average score on conscientiousness was 4.7, which is considered high. It is in approximately the 76th percentile for males over the age of 21. Your score on Conscientiousness is high. This means you set clear goals and pursue them with determination. People regard you as reliable and hard-working.
• Your average score on openness was 4.1, which is considered average. It is in approximately the 34th percentile for males over the age of 21. Your score on Openness to Experience is average, indicating you enjoy tradition but are willing to try new things. Your thinking is neither simple nor complex. To others you appear to be a well-educated person but not an intellectual.

I don't know anyone who would describe me as tough!