Personality Types Guide

Q: What are the four personality categories?

The four personality categories are Analysts, Diplomats, Sentinels, and Explorers.

Q: How is personality type calculated?

Personality type is based on four dichotomies: Introversion or Extraversion, Sensing or Intuition, Thinking or Feeling, and Judging or Perceiving.

Q: Can personality type change over time?

Core preferences are usually stable, but expression can evolve across life situations and personal growth.

Understanding the Basics of this test

Myers - Briggs Test Indicator

Introduction to personality types and the Myers-Briggs framework

Personality typing is a system of categorizing people according to their tendencies to think and act in particular ways, sorting people into meaningful groups.

The personality types described here were created by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Briggs, in the 1960s.

Their theories were based on the work of psychologist Carl Jung.

Personality assessment and typing concepts

Myers and Briggs proposed that there were four key dimensions described as a dichotomy, or an either/or choice between two styles of being that could be used to categorize people.

The sum of a person's four preferred styles becomes their personality type.

Myers and Briggs theorized these dimensions would combine to create predictable patterns in thought and behavior so that people with the same four preferences would share many commonalities.

Four Dichotomy of Personality

Introversion and extraversion — how people manage energy

I/E - Introversion or Extraversion

How a person manages their energy.

Introverts spend quiet time alone or with a small group. They tend to be more reserved and thoughtful.
Extraverts spend time with people and in busy, active surroundings. They tend to be more expressive and outspoken.

Sensing and intuition — how people process information

S/N - Sensing or INtuition

How an individual processes information.

Sensors focus on their senses & are interested in them. They tend to be hands-on learners and are called as "practical."
Intuitives focus on abstract level thinking - theories, hypothesis. They tend to be concerned more with the future and called as "creative."

Thinking and feeling — how people make decisions

T/F - Thinking or Feeling

Describes how people make decisions.

Thinkers tend to make decisions with their heads. they are interested in finding the most logical, reasonable choice.
Feelers tend to make decisions with their hearts. they are interested in how a decision will affect people, and whether it fits in with their values.

Judging and perceiving — how people approach structure

J/P - Judging or Perceiving

How people approach to structure in their lives.

Judgers appreciate structure and order. They like things planned, and dislike last-minute changes.
Perceivers appreciate flexibility and spontaneity. They like to leave things open so they can change their minds.