Investigating the Psychometric Properties of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator - Abstract, Methods and MBTI Dimensions

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Skyler

The study investigates the psychometric properties of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), focusing on reliability and validity. It reviews journal articles and thesis materials published between 2017 and 2025 using Google Scholar, Research Gate, and Wiley Online Library. Results indicate inconsistent test-retest reliability, with 50% of participants showing different type results on retesting. Extraversion-Introversion demonstrates stronger reliability, while Judging-Perceiving and Thinking-Feeling show weaker properties; predictive validity is limited and the model is criticized as typological rather than continuous.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Keywords

Introduction

MBTI Background and Purpose

Four Dichotomies

16 Personality Types

Methods

Investigating the Psychometric Properties of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Kritika Rajeswari S.1, Surej Unnikrishnan2, Vrinda Kamath3 18th Semester Integrated B. Sc. -M. Sc. Psychology (Specialization in Clinical Psychology) 2Assistant Professor, Post Graduate Department of Psychology, Jyoti Nivas College Autonomous 38th Semester Integrated B. Sc. -M. Sc. Psychology (Specialization in Clinical Psychology) Abstract The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a largely used personality assessment tool based on the psychological type theory proposed by Carl Jung. It bifurcates people into 16 personality types across four bipolar dimensions: Extraversion–Introversion, Sensing–Intuition, Thinking– Feeling, and Judging–Perceiving. Reliability refers to the consistency of a test over time, and Validity, measures how well a test assesses what it claims to measure. This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of reliability and validity of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a widely used assessment. A systematic review of journal articles, thesis material published between 2017 and 2025 was conducted using platforms such as Google Scholar, Research Gate and Wiley Online Library. The results of the study show inconsistent test-retest reliability, with 50% of participants receiving different type results on repeated testing. Certain MBTI domains such as Extraversion-Introversion, displayed stronger reliability while others, like Judging-Perceiving and Thinking-Feeling show weaker psychometric properties. Additionally, the MBTI falls short on predictive validity and has been criticized for its binary typological model, which fails to include the diverse continuum of personality traits. The study findings highlight the need for application with caution of the MBTI, in both clinical and organizational settings due to its limitations in reliability and validity. Keywords: Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Reliability, Validity Introduction According to Allport (1961), “Personality is the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his characteristic behavior and thought”(Allport, 1961, p. 28) . Personality refers to the enduring characteristics and behavior that comprise a person’s unique adjustment to life, including major traits, interests, drives, values, self-concept, abilities, and emotional patterns. (American Psychological Association, 2018) The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers. It is based on the psychological theories of Carl Gustav Jung, particularly his work on psychological types (Jung, 1921). The MBTI assessment is designed to help people identify and understand how they perceive information and make decisions, as well as their judging and social interaction preferences. The MBTI categorizes personality based on four opposing dichotomies. The test evaluates personality in four key areas: energy, perception, decisions, and orientation. Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I) Energy focuses on opposite ways of receiving and directing oneself and can be broadly classified into introversion and extraversion. People may be extroverted (E), or Introverts (I) . The former focus on the outer world of people and activity vs. the latter tend to focus on the inner world of thoughts and reflections. According to De Boer and Bothma (2020), extroverts try things out, focus on the outer world of people. On the other hand, introverts generally think things thoroughly and are more introspective in nature. Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N) Perception describes how people prefer to take in information. A person may be sensing (S), meaning they prefer to use their senses to perceive the external world, or intuitive (N), meaning they rely on instincts, and noticeable patterns. Preference for concrete, factual information vs. abstract concepts and patterns. Sensors pay more attention to details, and focu

FAQs

What psychometric properties does the study evaluate for the MBTI?

The study evaluates reliability and validity of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), emphasizing consistency over time and how well it measures what it claims.

What does the study report about MBTI test-retest reliability?

It reports inconsistent test-retest reliability, with 50% of participants receiving different type results on repeated testing.

Which MBTI domains show stronger versus weaker psychometric properties?

Extraversion-Introversion shows stronger reliability, while Judging-Perceiving and Thinking-Feeling show weaker psychometric properties.

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Skyler