December 26, 2004

Extraverted Intuitive Thinking Perceiving

Nancy Rommelmann linked to a Meyers-Briggs personality test online and said the test results precisely captured her personality. I was a little suspicious. But the test only takes a few minutes, so I thought I’d give it a shot and see what it said about me.

Turns out I’m the Extraverted Intuitive Thinking Perceiving type. My “report” is pretty accurate, at least insofar as I see myself. The last sentence doesn’t really describe me, but the rest is either close or exact:
"Clever" is the word that perhaps describes ENTPs best. The professor who juggles half a dozen ideas for research papers and grant proposals in his mind while giving a highly entertaining lecture on an abstruse subject is a classic example of the type. So is the stand-up comedian whose lampoons are not only funny, but incisively accurate.

ENTPs are usually verbally as well as cerebrally quick, and generally love to argue--both for its own sake, and to show off their often-impressive skills. They tend to have a perverse sense of humor as well, and enjoy playing devil's advocate. They sometimes confuse, even inadvertently hurt, those who don't understand or accept the concept of argument as a sport.

ENTPs are as innovative and ingenious at problem-solving as they are at verbal gymnastics; on occasion, however, they manage to outsmart themselves. This can take the form of getting found out at "sharp practice"--ENTPs have been known to cut corners without regard to the rules if it's expedient -- or simply in the collapse of an over-ambitious juggling act. Both at work and at home, ENTPs are very fond of "toys"--physical or intellectual, the more sophisticated the better. They tend to tire of these quickly, however, and move on to new ones.

ENTPs are basically optimists, but in spite of this (perhaps because of it?), they tend to become extremely petulant about small setbacks and inconveniences. (Major setbacks they tend to regard as challenges, and tackle with determination.) ENTPs have little patience with those they consider wrongheaded or unintelligent, and show little restraint in demonstrating this. However, they do tend to be extremely genial, if not charming, when not being harassed by life in general.

In terms of their relationships with others, ENTPs are capable of bonding very closely and, initially, suddenly, with their loved ones. Some appear to be deceptively offhand with their nearest and dearest; others are so demonstrative that they succeed in shocking co-workers who've only seen their professional side. ENTPs are also good at acquiring friends who are as clever and entertaining as they are. Aside from those two areas, ENTPs tend to be oblivious of the rest of humanity, except as an audience -- good, bad, or potential.
Try the test yourself. See if it’s accurate. I bet it will be.

Posted by Michael J. Totten at December 26, 2004 05:05 PM

Comments

Of the Squirrel is said:

Your Type is ENFP:
Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving

Dr. Keirsey's comments sounded interesting (for better or worse, it seem close to me):

The Champion Idealists are abstract in thought and speech, cooperative in accomplishing their aims, and informative and extraverted when relating with others. For Champions, nothing occurs which does not have some deep ethical significance, and this, coupled with their uncanny sense of the motivations of others, gives them a talent for seeing life as an exciting drama, pregnant with possibilities for both good and evil. This type is found in only about 3 percent of the general population, but they have great influence because of their extraordinary impact on others. Champions are inclined to go everywhere and look into everything that has to do with the advance of good and the retreat of evil in the world. They can't bear to miss out on what is going on around them; they must experience, first hand, all the significant social events that affect our lives. And then they are eager to relate the stories they've uncovered, hoping to disclose the "truth" of people and issues, and to advocate causes. This strong drive to unveil current events can make them tireless in conversing with others, like fountains that bubble and splash, spilling over their own words to get it all out.

Champions consider intense emotional experiences as being vital to a full life, although they can never quite shake the feeling that a part of themselves is split off, uninvolved in the experience. Thus, while they strive for emotional congruency, they often see themselves in some danger of losing touch with their real feelings, which Champions possess in a wide range and variety. In the same vein, Champions strive toward a kind of spontaneous personal authenticity, and this intention always to "be themselves" is usually communicated nonverbally to others, who find it quite attractive. All too often, however, Champions fall short in their efforts to be authentic, and they tend to heap coals of fire on themselves, berating themselves for the slightest self-conscious role-playing.

Ratatosk, Squirrel of Discord

Posted by: Ratatosk at December 26, 2004 05:58 PM

INTP here. I would need to check out the other types to see how differentiated they are, but the urge to do this pretty much confirms the classification.

Posted by: chuck at December 26, 2004 07:40 PM

Ha...I'm an ENTP, too. Why am I not surprised?

Posted by: Grant McEntire at December 26, 2004 08:37 PM

The thing that always gets me about these tests, though, is whether or not you're supposed to answer the way you naturally are or the way you set out every day to be.

There are alot of things about me, natural characteristics I don't like, that I consciously set out to change. So, I don't always behave the way I'm inclined to behave. And just who in the hell is born rational? Everyone is naturally inclined to irrational thinking. You LEARN to think scientifically, to think things through, to use reason and logic. These tests piss me off a little.

Posted by: Grant McEntire at December 26, 2004 08:42 PM

The thing that always gets me about these tests, though, is whether or not you're supposed to answer the way you naturally are or the way you set out every day to be.

The thing I noticed was that I have a pretty strong notion of what I am and sort of picked the answers to match. So perhaps it is more a classification of one's self perception than some sort of objective classification. Then there were the questions that I would have answered "depends." Anyway, just as much fun as an astrological chart or a tarot reading; make of it what you will. In any case, one is bound to agree that our chosen type reflects what we think we are.

Posted by: chuck at December 26, 2004 08:51 PM

INTJ
But I didn't find it accurate, even after doing it again and still recieving the same answer.
I found the description of INTP to be far more on the money.
But then I've a mild headache currently, so there's a confound.
FWIW

Posted by: urthshu at December 26, 2004 09:09 PM

I've found these tests to always be fascinating. I'm classified as an INTJ. I've read that people with these personality traits are often system people, which describes me pretty well. Of course who doesn't like being called a mastermind.

Posted by: Mark Smith at December 26, 2004 10:58 PM

No need for another test for me -- I've long known I'm NTP (E/I). These 16 types seem far more accurate than any 12 horoscope. Heck, the 4 main types (NT NF; SP SJ) are much better. Plus the interesting fact that for iNtuitives (Abstract), decision making on Thinking or Feeling is important. While for Sensitives (concrete), being P or J (open ended or closure oriented is how I think of it) is more important.

The book "Please Understand Me" is excellent. I have an ENTJ friend who hates me being so late.

There is also another 5 category test that seems similar, mostly adding "neuroticism", but twisting the category boundaries -- I wasn't so impressed with it.

Posted by: Tom Grey at December 26, 2004 11:00 PM

And do you use the Firefox browser, to get many Open Tabs? Much better for P folk; prolly for all.

Posted by: Tom Grey at December 26, 2004 11:03 PM

For a different opinion, see the Skeptic's Dictionary. Myers-Briggs, just like astrology, suffers (or benefits) from the Forer effect. Also confirmation bias is liable to play a role.

Posted by: Adam at December 26, 2004 11:08 PM

INTJ

In middle school the school sent me to the boards psychiatrist to find out why I was making bad grades when I shouldn't have. They classified me as an INTJ back then and it was the full blown test (I was also diagnosed dyslexic and told that I would just have to put up with the bad grades and it would be later in college until I was in an environment that I wouldn't have problems - they were spot on there also).

Posted by: strcpy at December 27, 2004 12:21 AM

INTP - interestingly the exact same outcome as when I first took this test about 15 years ago. I'm not sure where this particular version of the test came up with the descriptions of the types - they seem to bear only a slight resemblance to the original type descriptions which inspired the Myers-Brigg in the first place and are found in the book "Psychological Types" - by Carl Jung.

Posted by: Caroline at December 27, 2004 04:36 AM

I did a Meyers Briggs workshop about 10 years ago and was declared an INTP. This time I tested INTJ. I have heard that you can switch polarities sometimes as you grow older, so that may explain my P to J shift.

I think, though, that I will always be an NT. Glad to see so may NTs on this blog. You are my people. Interesting that The Squirrel, whom I always find so thought-provoking, is an NF.

Another psycho-typing sytem that I find interesting is the Enneagram, which originated with the Sufis. It has 9 personality types. (I'm a 5. I think most INTPs would also be 5s.)

Posted by: VinVeritas at December 27, 2004 07:53 AM

INTJ

NTs dominate the iNTernet.

"Everyone is naturally inclined to irrational thinking. You LEARN to think scientifically, to think things through, to use reason and logic. These tests piss me off a little." ENTP confirmed.

"INTJ
But I didn't find it accurate, even after doing it again and still recieving the same answer.
I found the description of INTP to be far more on the money." You shouldn't take this as a binary result. It shows which of P/J dominates even marginally in the way you answered this set of questions. The test is too casual to be accurate on a close call. Find one of the tests that gives the ratios and you will might test something like 55% P / 45% J.

"Of course who doesn't like being called a mastermind." The Mastermind likes beibng called a Mastermind. For others, YMMV.

BTW, Please Understand Me II is a great reference book for a writer. It has all these predefined basic character templates.

Posted by: Fred Boness at December 27, 2004 08:23 AM

My darling S.O. tested as an INTJ. Under the expanded discussion at personalitypage.com. It, surprisingly points to INTJ's and ENFP's being natural partners :).

YAY.

(Though the one description that says ENFP's are like babbling brooks was totally off the wall... right? err, right?...)

;-)

Tosk

Posted by: Ratatosk at December 27, 2004 08:48 AM

ENFJ here. I took the test years ago and it never changes--also known as the "little general," a person who cannot help but organize any group or task she finds.

Comes in handy in organizing political campaigns, not so handy when reorganizing the boss' latest project.

Yours, Michael, sounds like a great type for a blogger.

Posted by: Patricia at December 27, 2004 08:55 AM

INTP.

Validates well against the results I got years ago in an Intro to Psych course.

Best part was "Games NTs seem to especially enjoy include Risk, Bridge, Stratego, Chess, Go, and word games of all sorts." [emphasis added]

For years, when deciding to go for it, my catchphrase has been "Rolling 3 for YAKUTSK!" Distressingly few people get it.

Posted by: Mark Poling at December 27, 2004 10:18 AM

Michael,

Write a story, make sure there is a despicable villian in it. Take the test over as the despicable villian. See if the test call's the bad guy a scumbag.

If the test refuses to treat cruel, despicable people with the contempt they are due, the utility of the test is excruciatingly limited. I bet Saddam Hussein would get sunshine blown up his arsehole from this test as well.

Of course, you may not thank me for taking this confidence building tool apart, but if you want to write, you should at least accept the utility of honesty.

Posted by: Patrick Lasswell at December 27, 2004 12:08 PM

include Risk, Bridge, Stratego, Chess, Go, and word games of all sorts.

None of 'em interest me, actually. Boring, boring. Guess the classification kinda screwed up there.

Posted by: chuck at December 27, 2004 12:54 PM

Patrick,

I don't think that Personality types wholly define the actions of men. It seems that they, at best, indicate what may be the way in which an individual will interface with their reality. Do they focus more on feeling, intuition, critical thinking, etc.

Hitler was a painter before he was a mass-murdering psychopath, Pol-Pot was a history teacher. People are people, and people (in general) have many similarities in the way in which they observe/process their environment... that doesn't mean that two people will react in the same way to similar stimuli.

A test like this (if any such test could give us an unbiased view) could be useful in figuring out why a person acts in the way in which they do. Saddam, Hitler, Mark Twain, Churchill, Tim Leary, Grandma Moses all made decisions based on their perceptions. Understanding how they tend to percieve things may give us insight into their decisions, actions and choices.

Personalities are not the people, they can only help shape and influence the people. The final decisions and actions are the choices of those individuals. Saddam is not necessarily a mass murdering psycho because of his Personality Type. There are many other variables that go into making a person what they are...

I think...

Posted by: Ratatosk at December 27, 2004 12:57 PM

I started out an INTP, but after years of meditation etc I was XNXP where the Xs were essentially zero and the N scored far higher than the P.

It wouldn't bother me if a few years from now I wind up XXXX. It seems like when I have a type of response that I think of as "who I am" it inhibits me from being otherwise even when that's appropriate.

I'd like to have all the capabilities and not "be" anything in particular.

The last time I had a psychological evaluation the expert talked for awhile and then when it was my turn I started out with "Well, actually I'm not anybody in particular" and everybody at the hearing laughed at me.

That was a joke, incidentally. Some people don't have much of a sense of humor and it's better that I label my jokes. Particularly the counterintelligence guys. No sense of humor at all.

Posted by: J Thomas at December 27, 2004 01:47 PM

Ratatosk,

I explored the subject in somewhat greater depth here: http://pslasswell.blogspot.com/2004_12_26_pslasswell_archive.html#110418632130116057

I agree with your basic contention, but I have some difficulty with accepting it's implementation into the real world.

Posted by: Patrick Lasswell at December 27, 2004 02:29 PM

I'm a solid INTJ, w/ INTP tendencies. The J/P quality was added on later after the first three were developed. It was thought there should be a descriptive element for how people implement their decisions, planning them out, or executing them on the fly. At least that's how I understand it.

I took the Meyers-Briggs test at a career counseling center here, and I found it very apt and insightful. And that was after I'd already spent two years in therapy! Anyway, it's a standard test given to lots of people in many contexts. IMO, it's probably better to have your test administered and interpreted by a professional, because they can bring to bear more critical-interpretative skills than a computer program.

I know some corporations give the test to employees as a strategic exercise in team-building. I work in scientific R&D and, unsurprisingly, everyone came back as INTJ.

What's also interesting about the test, that's left out of Michael's post, is what the results tell you to expect from yourself as you get older. Different personality components emerge and develop at different stages in life. So for example people who are basically introverts, can expect to feel and behave more extroverted in their 40s. I'll have to look that part up and post some details on my blog.

Posted by: Leland Burrill at December 27, 2004 03:38 PM

I'm a solid INTJ, w/ INTP tendencies. The J/P quality was added on later after the first three were developed. It was thought there should be a descriptive element for how people implement their decisions, planning them out, or executing them on the fly. At least that's how I understand it.

I took the Meyers-Briggs test at a career counseling center here, and I found it very apt and insightful. And that was after I'd already spent two years in therapy! Anyway, it's a standard test given to lots of people in many contexts. IMO, it's probably better to have your test administered and interpreted by a professional, because they can bring to bear more critical-interpretative skills than a computer program.

I know some corporations give the test to employees as a strategic exercise in team-building. I work in scientific R&D and, unsurprisingly, everyone came back as INTJ.

What's also interesting about the test, that's left out of Michael's post, is what the results tell you to expect from yourself as you get older. Different personality components emerge and develop at different stages in life. So for example people who are basically introverts, can expect to feel and behave more extroverted in their 40s. I'll have to look that part up and post some details on my blog.

Posted by: Leland Burrill at December 27, 2004 03:38 PM

Wait a minute - where are the "S",s? (as opposed to the "N's"?)

All N's - please take one step back....

And S's who are still standing in place? - you have some 'splaining to do. Who are you alien creatures anyways?

Posted by: Caroline at December 27, 2004 03:40 PM

And S's who are still standing in place? - you have some 'splaining to do. Who are you alien creatures anyways?--Caroline

Actually I tested as ISTJ,which did not sound nearly as impressive as being an 'NT',which made me hesitant to admit my lowly status.
I believe that I now need some helpful organization to protect me(I mean assist me in achieving my due rights) from the 'NT'dominant class.Where is the ACLU when it is really needed.

Posted by: dougf at December 27, 2004 05:40 PM

"Where is the ACLU when it is really needed."

Defending Oliver North.

Posted by: VinoVeritas at December 27, 2004 06:07 PM

Actually Dougf - I think both your tendency to seek and rely on facts - in conjunction with your ability to come to conclusions and make Judgements - are a welcome antidote to the many N-P's on this site.

For what its worth Roger Simon posted a similar link some months ago (pre-election) and we all had alot of fun trying to guess George Bush's "type":

The group consensus seems to have been roughly as follows:

I/E: Once an E, now an I
N/S: good arguments for S over N
T/F: Most probably an F
P/J: Undoubtedly a J (the one thing most would agree on):

The rough and totally unscientific consensus would make GWB an ISFJ.

Which amusingly enough would make him nearly the polar opposite of most on this site.

Frankly - it is very difficult to make these assessments unless one is well versed in Carl Jung's original descriptions as contained in his book "Psychological Types". But Jung is a master of the human psyche. His nuance puts the on-line testers to shame, and anyone seriously interested in an in-depth analysis of the issue should really go straight to the horses mouth.

Not to mention the fact that Jung's ideas were a seminal influence on Joseph Campbell - who remains one of the foremost (now deceased)experts on mythology and the history of religions and mysticism. To his great credit - Bill Moyers did a magnificent series of interviews with Joseph Campbell which are still available at most public libraries (via PBS if I remember correctly).

Posted by: Caroline at December 27, 2004 06:19 PM

Actually Dougf - I think both your tendency to seek and rely on facts - in conjunction with your ability to come to conclusions and make Judgements - are a welcome antidote to the many N-P's on this site.--Caroline

Thank you very much for the kind thoughts.Much appreciated.Much.

Posted by: dougf at December 27, 2004 06:28 PM

Holy moley.

Mastermind, eh?

"Probably the strongest INTJ assets in the interpersonal area are their intuitive abilities and their willingness to "work at" a relationship".

I met my future wife through a roommate service in Oceanside, California. We married five months later. After 17 years, I can honestly say that no matter how introverted I might scale or how little patience or understanding of others I might exhibit by case, I haven't had to work a day to keep loving the One True Love. Or the Goddesses.

Even if they did ask for (and get) thug hoodies for Christmas.

Interesting survey, Michael. Pretty close to the mark. No if I could just figure out how to get from concept to actualization, I'd be in business.

Posted by: TmjUtah at December 27, 2004 10:22 PM

ENTP? Me Too!!! Go ENTPs!

Posted by: Llew Roberts at December 28, 2004 12:52 AM

What? No other INFJ's out there? Hmmm. No wonder...

Posted by: Curtis at December 28, 2004 04:46 AM

Originally, I thought that personality tests were pure bunk. I took the Myers-Briggs test twice, in 1989 and again in 1997. I was surprised that the results were nearly identical - strongly N & T, slightly E & P. It was with interest, therefore, that I took this online test. This time, the results were slightly different - still strongly N & T, but this time slightly I & J. To me, this suggests that Myers-Briggs in general, and this on-line version of it in particular, are relatively accurate.

Posted by: Ben at December 28, 2004 07:11 PM

When I first took this test years ago I was XXXJ with the J being only one point from the middle. I understand that they rescaled to prevent landing in the middle on any of the scales. Now I am INTP, but according to the percentages the only strong preference I have is Intuitive. I within spitting distance of XNXX

Posted by: Sebastian Holsclaw at December 29, 2004 02:57 PM

This test put me as INTJ, but another test a few years ago said that I was an INTP, which was after I was labeled an ISTJ, which repeated another test showing that I was an ISTJ--but, that was before I went crazy trying to figure out my personality type.

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