RESPOND TO CLASSMATE YVETTE(5-19-18) Wk-1-DQ-1
L.C.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality test which is used to assess personality types into one of sixteen possible outcomes. The test determines personalities by posing questions and assessing responses according to a Likert-scale. From this, a four-level personality type is provided. Personality types within the MBTI are assigned between extraversion and introversion,, sensing and intuiting, thinking and feeling, and judging or perceiving.
When assessing whether an individual is introverted or extroverted, the MBTI poses statements such as “I feel comfortable in groups and like working in them.” From this, the individual taking the test choses their level of agreement or disagreement within the Likert-scale. Those who are viewed as introverted are more likely to enjoy time by themselves while extroverts typically enjoy more social environments. To assess whether someone is more thinking or feeling oriented, questions are posed whether an individual makes choices which are more logical in nature or are more influenced by personal values. When making assessments as to whether an individual is more sensing or intuiting in nature, questions are posed which assess if they are more inclined to make choices based upon physical reality versus that of which is made through “gut instinct.” This leaves the last level of the MBTI as that which assess whether individuals are more judging in nature or more perceiving in nature; within this category participants are assessed as to whether they are more structured in nature or enjoy a more flexible style.
These tests, and the MBTI specifically, are frequently utilized for the purpose of career development. Some institutions assess potential candidates to determine if they are appropriate for a specific position based upon where they fall within the personality assessment. This test demonstrates strengths in that it is easy for those without a background in psychology to understand. The assessment is easily accessible, and is very straight-forward for those taking the test. However, personality tests such as the MBTI which require self-disclosure and self-assessment from the test taker may provide invalid results as they are not taking assessments from an objective perspective.
Resources:
Myersbriggs.org. (2015). The Myers & Briggs Foundation – The 16 MBTI® Types. [online] Available at: http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/the-16-mbti-types.htm [Accessed 29 Nov. 2014].
