Podcasts > Science Vs > Personality Tests: Who Are You Really?

Personality Tests: Who Are You Really?

By Spotify Studios

In this Science Vs episode, host Wendy Zukerman tackles the quest to define our personalities through tests, starting with the popular Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Investigating the MBTI's effectiveness, Wendy points out the inconsistencies in the test's outcomes and the lack of scientific support for its use in life-altering decisions. The episode brings to light the test's broad descriptions that allow for flexible interpretations, highlighting the issue of reliability when people exhibit diverse traits across different contexts.

Delving deeper, the podcast also evaluates alternatives like Socionics and the Enneagram, noting they share similar categorization pitfalls. However, Wendy introduces listeners to the more scientifically backed Big Five model, which looks at personality traits on a wider spectrum. Guests Michelle Dang and others discuss the Big Five's predictive ability regarding life outcomes, and examine the fluid nature of personality, providing evidence that traits like introversion and extroversion can evolve with effort and over time, challenging the notion of a fixed personality.

Personality Tests: Who Are You Really?

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Personality Tests: Who Are You Really?

1-Page Summary

Assessing the Myers-Briggs Personality Test

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely used personality assessment tool, but its efficacy is under scrutiny. Wendy Zukerman reveals that about half of the individuals get a different result upon retaking the MBTI, challenging its reliability. The test's personality descriptions are so broad that people can relate to multiple types, casting doubt on its validity. Moreover, while some like Gaby feel the MBTI has helped them understand relationships, there is no scientific evidence to link MBTI types to compatibility in romantic relationships or to predict job performance. The test creators themselves advise against its use in important life decisions such as career choice and employee selection.

Exploring Alternatives like Socionics and Enneagram

Alternatives to the MBTI, such as Socionics and Enneagram, suffer from similar issues of categorization. They too fail to offer accurate representations of personality. Like the MBTI, these tests assign people to categories that might not hold true or useful in real-world contexts.

The Scientifically Valid "Big Five" Model

The Big Five model offers a scientifically supported approach to understanding personality, focusing on five central traits—neuroticism, openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness. Unlike other tests, the Big Five gauges these traits on a spectrum and avoids pigeonholing people into types or suggesting specific compatibility. Michelle Dang underscores the Big Five's predictive power for significant life outcomes, such as mortality, relationship stability, and job changes. A large study of 170,000 individuals confirmed the model's ability to predict life changes including marriage and moving in with a partner.

Whether Personality Can Change Over Time

Personalities are not static; they undergo changes with age and life experiences. Studies show increases in traits such as conscientiousness and emotional stability from one's 20s to 50s. Although traits like introversion or extroversion are observable early in life, they are not immutable. Major life events and trauma also shape personality over time. Furthermore, participants in a Swiss study who used a coaching app to become more extroverted succeeded in making noticeable and lasting changes to their introversion or extroversion, demonstrating the potential for personality modification through active effort.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a popular personality assessment tool that categorizes individuals into 16 different personality types based on four dichotomies: extraversion/introversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving. Critics argue that the test lacks scientific validity and reliability, as individuals often receive different results upon retaking it. The broad and generalized nature of the personality descriptions in the MBTI allows for individuals to relate to multiple types, raising concerns about its accuracy and usefulness in real-world applications. The test creators caution against using the MBTI for making important life decisions like career choices or employee selection.
  • Socionics is a theory of intertype relations based on Carl Jung's work on psychological types. It categorizes individuals into 16 distinct personality types, each with specific characteristics and preferences. Enneagram is a personality typing system that identifies nine interconnected personality types, focusing on motivations and fears that influence behavior. Both Socionics and Enneagram aim to provide insights into individuals' personalities and behaviors, offering alternative perspectives to understand oneself and others.
  • The Big Five model of personality traits is a widely accepted framework that categorizes personality into five key dimensions: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Each trait represents a spectrum of characteristics, capturing various aspects of an individual's personality. This model is based on extensive research and is known for its predictive power in understanding behavior and outcomes in different life domains. The Big Five model provides a nuanced and comprehensive view of personality, offering insights into how individuals differ in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
  • Personality can change over time due to various factors like age, life experiences, and major events. Studies indicate that traits such as conscientiousness and emotional stability tend to increase with age. Additionally, significant life events and trauma can also influence and shape one's personality. Active efforts, like using coaching apps, have shown potential in modifying personality traits, demonstrating that change is possible through intentional actions.

Counterarguments

  • The MBTI's consistency might be higher than suggested when the test is administered under consistent conditions and with proper guidance.
  • Broad personality descriptions can be beneficial for self-reflection and personal growth, even if they are not scientifically precise.
  • Some practitioners argue that while MBTI may not predict job performance, it can still be a useful tool for team building and improving workplace dynamics.
  • The MBTI's popularity and longevity suggest that it may have practical utility for some individuals and organizations, despite scientific criticisms.
  • Socionics and Enneagram might offer valuable insights for personal development and self-understanding, even if they lack empirical support.
  • The Big Five model, while scientifically validated, may not resonate with individuals seeking more nuanced or holistic understandings of their personality.
  • The Big Five's focus on traits rather than types may overlook the complexity of human personality and the interplay between different aspects of an individual's character.
  • Personality change over time is complex and may not be as straightforward or as easily influenced as suggested by the Swiss study.
  • The idea that personality traits can be actively modified may not account for the full range of individual differences in the capacity for change.

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Personality Tests: Who Are You Really?

Assessing the Myers-Briggs Personality Test

Wendy Zukerman explores the ubiquitous Myers-Briggs personality test, questioning its reliability and validity, and the implications of using MBTI in important areas of life such as career and relationships.

Questions around its reliability and validity

Zukerman points out that although the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is very popular, used by Fortune 500 companies and on dating apps, there are significant concerns about its consistency and specificity.

About half get a different personality type after re-taking the test weeks/months later

Despite many people like Gaby, a guest on the show, feeling that the descriptions fit them well, studies have shown that about half of the individuals who retake the MBTI weeks or months later are assigned a different personality type. This raises questions about the test's reliability.

Descriptions are vague and can seem accurate for random types

The MBTI's descriptions are often criticized for being too vague and general. Examples such as ENTJ and INFP descriptors could seem accurate for individuals, even if they supposedly belong to a different Myers-Briggs type. The show discusses how flipping from one type to another can still result in an accurate-seeming description, likening it to switching from "business shoe" to "goth shoes," with the descriptions being broad enough to remain relatable.

Researchers have found that people can also identify with false feedback on their personalities, suggesting that descriptions could be interchangeable and thus question the specificity of the MBTI.

Using MBTI for major life decisions not backed by evidence

Despite Gaby's personal testimony of how discovering her Myers-Briggs personality type was transformative for her understanding of relationships with her parents and friend Michelle, scientists urge caution.

Zukerman discusses that there is no scientific evidence to support a connection between MBTI types and compatibility in relationships ...

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Assessing the Myers-Briggs Personality Test

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a popular personality test used in various settings like workplaces and dating apps. It categorizes individuals into different personality types based on their preferences in four key areas: extraversion/introversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving. However, there are concerns about its reliability and validity, as many people receive different results when retaking the test and its descriptions are often criticized for being vague and interchangeable. Despite its widespread use, there is limited scientific evidence supporting the MBTI's effectiveness in predicting job suitability or relationship compatibility.
  • The concerns about the consistency and specificity of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) stem from issues such as individuals receiving different personality types upon retaking the test and the vague, interchangeable nature of the test descriptions. This inconsistency raises doubts about the reliability of the MBTI in accurately categorizing individuals into distinct personality types. Researchers have found that the test's descriptions can be broad and general, making it possible for individuals to relate to multiple types, casting doubt on the specificity of the results.
  • The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) has been criticized for having vague and general descriptions for its personality types. These descriptions can seem accurate for individuals even if they belong to a different type, leading to confusion and questioning the specificity of the test. People may find that they can relate to multiple types or receive feedback that doesn't align with their actual personality, highlighting the challenges of interpreting MBTI results accurately.
  • The lack of scientific evidence linking MBTI types to relationship compatibility means that studies have not found consistent patterns indicating that people with certain Myers-Briggs personality types are more or less compatible in romantic relationships. The Myers-Briggs Company itself acknowledges this by stating there are no ideal combinations of types for romantic partnerships. This suggests that using MBTI types as a basis for relationship compatibility may not be supported by empirical research.
  • The Myers-Briggs Company states on their website that there are no ideal combinations of types in romantic partnerships. This means they do not endorse the idea that certain Myers-Briggs personality types are inherently more compatible with each other in romantic relationships. Their stance emphasizes that compatibility in relationships is not determined by specific Myers-Briggs types.
  • The lack of evidence for MBTI predicting job preferences or performance means that there is no scientific support for the idea that a person's Myers-Briggs personality type can accurately determine what kind of job they would prefer or how well they would perform in that job. Studies have not found a consistent correlation between MBTI types and job success, indicating that using the MBT ...

Counterarguments

  • The MBTI may not be a reliable predictor of behavior, but it can serve as a starting point for self-reflection and personal development.
  • While some individuals may receive different results upon retaking the MBTI, others report consistent results that resonate with their self-perception.
  • The generality of MBTI descriptions can be seen as a strength, allowing individuals to find personal meaning and relevance in their type profiles.
  • The MBTI's lack of scientific validation does not necessarily diminish its value as a tool for team building and improving communication in workplace settings.
  • Even if there is no direct link between MBTI types and relationship compatibility, understanding different personality types can foster empathy and better communication between partners.
  • While the MBTI may not predict job performance, it can help individuals understand their work preferences and env ...

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Personality Tests: Who Are You Really?

Exploring Alternatives like Socionics and Enneagram

Share problems like inaccurate or meaningless categorization

Recent findings indicate that popular personality tests such as Enneagram and Socionics share common issues with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. These issues include categorizing people in ways that are not ...

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Exploring Alternatives like Socionics and Enneagram

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Socionics is a theory that categorizes individuals into 16 distinct personality types based on how they process information. Developed in the 1970s and 1980s, it focuses on how people interact and communicate based on their psychological functions. Socionics aims to predict relationship dynamics and compatibility within groups by analyzing the interplay of different personality types. While some consider it a valuable tool for understanding human behavior, others criticize its lack of empirical evidence and scientific validity.
  • The Enneagram is a personality typing system that categorizes individuals into nine interconnected personality types. Each type is associated with specific motivations, fears, and behaviors, providing insights into one's core beliefs and patterns of thinking. The Enneagram is often used for personal growth, self-awareness, and understanding interpersonal dynamics. It is a tool that can help individuals navigate their emotions, relationships, and personal development journeys.
  • The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely used personality test that categorizes individuals into ...

Counterarguments

  • Personality tests, including Enneagram and Socionics, are not intended to be definitive or exhaustive representations of human personality, but rather frameworks for understanding different aspects of human behavior and cognition.
  • These tests can provide individuals with a starting point for self-reflection and personal growth, even if the categories are not perfect representations of their entire personality.
  • The value of personality tests may lie in their ability to foster greater self-awareness and interpersonal understanding, rather than in their scientific accuracy.
  • Some proponents argue that the Enneagram and Socionics have been useful in practical applications, such as in counseling, education, and organizational development, suggesting that they have utility despite their limitations.
  • The criticisms of these personality tests often stem from a misunderstanding of their purpose and application; they are not meant to pigeonhole individuals but to offer a language for discussing personality differences.
  • The classifications created by these tests are sometimes defended as being based on observable patterns of behavior and motivation that, while ...

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Personality Tests: Who Are You Really?

The Scientifically Valid "Big Five" Model

The "Big Five" model presents a robust framework for personality assessment, focusing on five core traits without oversimplifying human behavior into categories or grids of compatibility.

Measures 5 core traits on a spectrum: neuroticism, openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness

Michelle Dang brings forth the model's scientific backing, indicating its efficacy in predicting significant life outcomes such as mortality rates, relationship stability like chances of divorce, and cognitive health risks, including dementia. This underscores the model's preference to measure key personality traits on a spectrum rather than categorizing individuals.

Doesn't categorize people or claim definitive compatibility

Unlike many pop-psychology personality tests, the Big Five does not pigeonhole individuals into fixed types. Instead, it allows for a nuanced understanding of personalities by identifying various degrees of expressions in neuroticism, openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness.

Can predict outcomes like mortality, relationships, and job changes

A vast study involving around 170,000 participants utilized the Big Five to predict life outcomes, which E ...

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The Scientifically Valid "Big Five" Model

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The "Big Five" model is a widely accepted framework in psychology that categorizes personality traits into five broad dimensions: neuroticism, openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness. These traits are considered fundamental and encompass a range of behaviors and characteristics that can vary in individuals. The model emphasizes that personality traits exist on a spectrum rather than as distinct categories, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of individual differences. The Big Five model has been extensively studied and is known for its predictive power in various life outcomes, such as health, relationships, and career success.
  • The Big Five model measures five core personality traits: neuroticism (emotional instability), openness (willingness to try new experiences), conscientiousness (organization and responsibility), extraversion (sociability and assertiveness), and agreeableness (cooperativeness and empathy). These traits are assessed on a spectrum, capturing the varying degrees of each trait in individuals. The model avoids categorizing people into fixed types, allowing for a nuanced understanding of personality differences. Research has shown correlations between these traits and various life outcomes, such as mortality rates, relationship dynamics, and career changes.
  • The concept of measuring personality traits on a spectrum means that individuals are assessed based on a continuum of behaviors and characteristics, rather than being placed into rigid categories. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of how people exhibit different levels of traits like neuroticism, openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness. It recognizes that individuals can possess varying degrees of these traits, offering a more detailed and flexible view of personality assessment.
  • Personality traits, like neuroticism and openness, have been linked to various life outcomes. For instance, high neuroticism levels may be associated with increased mortality rates and health issues. On the other hand, traits like open ...

Counterarguments

  • The Big Five model, while robust, may not capture the full complexity of human personality, as there are traits and nuances that exist beyond these five dimensions.
  • The model's ability to predict life outcomes can be influenced by a variety of external factors, such as socioeconomic status, culture, and life experiences, which are not accounted for within the Big Five framework.
  • The predictive power of the Big Five for individual cases may be limited, as correlations found in large studies may not apply to every individual.
  • The Big Five model is primarily descriptive rather than explanatory, meaning it describes traits but does not necessarily explain the underlying causes of these traits or behaviors.
  • The model's focus on trait spectrums may overlook the role of state variations—how people's behaviors and feelings change depending on the situation.
  • The Big Five does not incorporate a moral or value-based component, which can be important in understanding personality in a broader context.
  • S ...

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Whether Personality Can Change Over Time

The potential for personality change over time is a complex subject that involves various factors, from innate traits to the influence of life experiences.

Studies show that there are notable changes in personality traits as individuals age. For instance, there are increases in conscientiousness, agreeableness, and emotional stability that begin in a person’s 20s and extend into their later adulthood. While characteristics such as introversion or extroversion can manifest early—as Michelle Dang mentions by observing traits in babies—there is evidence to suggest that these traits are not fully fixed and can evolve over time.

However, these upward trends are not indefinite. Once individuals move past their 50s, there is a tendency for certain traits, like extroversion, openness to new experiences, and conscientiousness, to decline.

Trauma and life events shape who we become

Personality is also influenced by life events, with trauma and significant experiences contributing to how a person's characteristics may continue to develop or change. Although the specific discussion regarding the impact of trauma on personality change is not found in the transcript provided, it is generally understood that major life events can alter personality.

Active steps like social challenges can modify intro/extroversion

Given the right conditions, people can take active steps to modify aspects of their personality, such as levels of introversion or extroversion. For exam ...

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Whether Personality Can Change Over Time

Additional Materials

Clarifications

...

Counterarguments

  • The degree to which personality traits can change may be overstated, as some research suggests that core personality structures are relatively stable throughout adulthood.
  • Increases in conscientiousness and emotional stability may not be universal and could be influenced by cultural, socioeconomic, or individual differences that are not accounted for in all studies.
  • While some traits like introversion or extroversion may show flexibility, the extent of change might be limited and influenced by the individual's baseline personality.
  • The decline in traits such as extroversion and openness after the 50s could be more nuanced, with some individuals maintaining or even increasing certain traits due to lifestyle, health, or continued engagement in stimulating activities.
  • The impact of life events, including trauma, on personality may vary greatly between individuals, with some showing remarkable resilience and little change in personality.
  • The effectiveness of active steps to modify personality traits like introversion and extroversion may not be equally successful for everyone, and the long-term sustainability of such changes without ongoing intervention is uncertain.
  • The study u ...

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