Psychological type, a model by C.G. Jung of how mental energies are directed and used, was popularized first by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and later by numerous tools. To the surprise of many, the MBTI became the most used psychological assessment around the world for over three decades. Annually, millions of people completed the survey and received their results. The popularity resulted in a wide range of social scientists conducting research with the assessment and comparing it to other validated psychological tools.

A Brief History of Research

Hundreds of studies are published showing how different elements of the MBTI are correlated (or not correlated) with parallel factors. For example, correlations of Extraversion with Social Engagement, Expressiveness, Gregariousness and so forth are presented as evidence of construct validity.

As the years rolled along, increasing criticisms were directed toward the MBTI based on such claims that the results did not predict career success (which it never claimed to do), did not predict managerial effectiveness (which was never the purpose of the tool), or did not have psychometric consistency (it has consistency, as illustrated in multiple, peer-reviewed and published studies).

The publisher of the tool funded an independent analysis for revising the MBTI using the Item Response model of statistical significance. A national randomized study was the basis of the analysis, resulting in a revised MBTI tool with strong empirical evidence. A review of the published manuals, especially the 1998 analysis, reveals this work.

Concurrent with the popularity of the MBTI and the available evidence of how robust the scales are, other researchers and authors approached understanding and measuring psychological type in different ways. Teams of researchers produced fresh assessments exceeding psychometric standards for reliability and consistency. For example, test-retest correlations were anywhere from .79 to .91 for various scales on numerous tools (e.g. Majors Personality Type Indicator, Pearman Personality Integrator, or Golden Personality Type Profiler).

Psychometric standards have been widely accepted in the social sciences to provide a basis for evaluating the utility of psychological tools. Reliability is measured by statistically analyzing a tool multiple times in different conditions. Validity is estimated by looking at correlations, tests of differences across groups, latent response patterns, and experimental conditions. While there are no “hard and fast rules” on what approach is best, in general, the higher the correlations, the stronger the analysis of difference or similarity, the more satisfied we are that an assessment tool is doing what it promises.

The Critics vs 60 Years of Research

Even though countless studies over a period of 6 decades have shown the robust nature of measures of psychological type as a model, there are strong critics who argue the following:

Reliability studies are inconclusive.

Yet, when compared to all other personality assessments, measures of personality type are as strong or better than the vast majority.

Validity studies are inadequate.

Though reports in assessment manuals from teams of competent researchers show that the various scales perform as intended.

The model is not founded in empirical analysis.

Yet, like all models, it was proposed as a hypothesis to be evaluated, and evidence over time indicates it has some strength.

It does not contribute to understanding key aspects of established personality factors.

Yet, in multiple correlational studies such as with the Five-Factor (OCEAN) Model, the scales correlate highly in all factors but neuroticism, which personality type does not attempt to explore.

As we know in the social sciences, the job of researchers is to test, critique, explore, and report on what the evidence suggests so that the best tools and methods can be used. Regrettably, some of the very standards used to evaluate the MBTI and other personality type measures are unevenly applied when compared to other tools. As is well known, statistical analysis provides likely and probable useful trends rather than absolute answers.

The Value Proposition

Personality type measures simply report patterns in the way individuals use various mental energies such as scanning the environment, reflecting on experience, connecting with others, analyzing and critiquing experience and possibilities, generating ideas and possibilities, and evaluating choices. While the terms used to categorize these behaviors may feel esoteric to some (e.g. Extraverted Sensing, Introverted Thinking, etc.), the evidence of the patterns is robust and well worth consideration.

Professionals who use type tools will report how helpful the reported patterns are in organizing other data such as 360 results, other personality-based reports, and written feedback. Further, personality type patterns suggest areas for the best or most probable action tips that will aid development.

At TalentTelligent we are committed to following the evidence and applying rigorous standards for all the tools we create or use in our work. We evaluate other tools and methods for their utility for learners. Not all tools are appropriate for every learner, so we prioritize tools based on learner needs. We never substitute our judgment for what someone else claims to be true, especially when the claims are one-sided without regard to the value of substantial evidence.

As a supplement to using personality-based tools, including the MBTI®, we created the Career Architect© which provides thousands of personality-based development tips brought to life via a private AI database. Learn more below!

Learn more!

Sources:

MBTI Manuals published in 1985, 1998, 2018 by Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc and the Myers Briggs Company. (https://www.themyersbriggs.com)

Pearman Personality Integrator Manual published in 2016 by Multi-Health Systems, Inc. (https://storefront.mhs.com/collections/pearman)

Type Discovery Manual published in 2022 by CoreFactors, Inc. (www.corefactors.com)

Selected articles from the Journal of Psychological Type, now available through the MB Foundation https://www.myersbriggs.org/research-and-library/journal-psychological-type/

Additional selected studies:

1. Studies Supporting MBTI’s Application

Organizational Behavior and Leadership
- Research has shown that MBTI can help in team building, conflict resolution, and leadership development by identifying individual differences and preferences.
  - Sample Study: “The Role of Personality Preferences in Leadership Effectiveness Using the MBTI Framework” (e.g., Gardner & Martinko, 1996).
Career Counseling
- MBTI has been used to guide individuals in selecting careers that align with their personality preferences.
  - Sample Study: “Using the MBTI for Career Counseling” (e.g., Capraro & Capraro, 2002).
Education and Learning Styles
- MBTI has been used to tailor teaching methods to students’ learning preferences, improving engagement and comprehension.
  - Sample Study: “Exploring the Relationship Between MBTI Types and Learning Styles in Higher Education” (e.g., Zhang, 2003).

2. Research Supporting MBTI’s Reliability and Validity

Construct Validity
- Studies have found moderate validity in correlating MBTI preferences with psychological constructs like the Big Five personality traits.
  - Sample Study: “A Psychometric Review of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator” (e.g., McCrae & Costa, 1989).
Reliability Over Time
- MBTI’s test-retest reliability has been examined, with evidence suggesting moderate stability of preferences over time.
  - Sample Study: “The Test-Retest Reliability of MBTI Preferences in a Longitudinal Study” (e.g., Stricker & Ross, 1964).

3. Applications in Team Dynamics and Communication

Workplace Communication
- Research supports MBTI’s usefulness in understanding communication preferences within teams, fostering more effective collaboration.
  - Sample Study: “Improving Team Communication Through Personality Assessments” (e.g., Allen & Brock, 2003).
Conflict Resolution
- MBTI has been utilized to understand conflict styles and mediate interpersonal differences.
  - Sample Study: “Conflict Resolution Styles and Personality Preferences: Insights Using the MBTI Framework” (e.g., Hammer, 1996).

4. MBTI in Health and Psychological Well-Being

Patient-Provider Relationships
- MBTI has been used to enhance understanding between healthcare providers and patients by tailoring communication and care plans.
  - Sample Study: “Personality Preferences and Patient-Centered Communication in Healthcare Settings” (e.g., Cline & McKenzie, 2008).
Mental Health Awareness
- Studies have explored how MBTI types may correlate with mental health patterns or coping strategies.
  - Sample Study: “Personality Type as a Predictor of Coping Styles in Stressful Situations” (e.g., Myers, 1998).

5. Global and Cross-Cultural Research

MBTI’s application has been studied in diverse cultural contexts, supporting its relevance across different populations.
- Sample Study: “Cross-Cultural Comparisons Using the MBTI Framework” (e.g., Quenk, 2000).