It is estimated that 2,000,000 or more people take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment each year. This, according to many sources, makes it "the most popular personality type instrument in the world." If you are one of the tens of millions who have taken this assessment, you may find that this article raises important issues never revealed to you. If you are fortunate enough to have not yet taken the MBTI, check out this article before you let someone recruit you into the cult.
It appears that 2,000,000 people take the MBTI each year because it is recommended by college career centers, career counselors, and career coaches. Many of those who recommend the MBTI do not realize that there is considerable controversy over the validity of its results. For thinking people, this is cause for concern.
If 2,000,000 people take the MBTI assessment each year and the average cost is $50, it is possible to estimate it to be the driver behind a $100,000,000 per year industry. Why would people spend millions of dollars to take an assessment that is highly controversial? As with many consumer services in our society, it appears there may be strong economic motivations which drive the enormous use of the MBTI.
• Many people are not satisfied in their personal lives or careers and they are searching for answers
• These potential "consumers" are not trained or knowledgeable in choosing assessments
• Consumers turn to "experts" and a large number of them recommend the MBTI
• These experts believe MBTI is helpful and have been trained (at a cost of several thousand dollars) in administering / interpreting the MBTI
• The publisher (Note: singular noun) of the MBTI has a cash cow and, likewise, it can become one for experts
Now that the profit motive associated with the MBTI assessment is clear, it may be possible to make an informed judgement regarding it's value by examining the public information of MBTI supporters and detractors. There are a wide range of books on this subject, but let's keep it simple by reviewing a representative sample of internet resources:
PRO (supporters):
http://www.step-up-to-success.org/MBTI_Resources.html
http://www.aptinternational.org
http://www.itd.net.au/aboutmbti.htm
http://www.discoveryourpersonality.com/index.html
CON (Detractors):
http://www.du.edu/~psherry/mbti2.html
http://forums.intpcentral.com/showthread.php?t=20708
http://www.skepdic.com/myersb.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myers-Briggs
Summary
If you have come to the conclusion that the MBTI assessment is valid and useful, I wish you the best in your future endeavors. I understand aliens are expected to land shortly and they are looking for people of your MBTI "type".
If you have come to the conclusion that the MBTI assessment is (at best) questionable, let others know. There are better assessments out there and they are less costly.
Postscript
If you didn't have time to read the CON articles, you will find that some of these concerns seem worthy of consideration:
- The research upon which the MBTI was based was conducted prior to 1940, the generation prior to Baby Boomers
- The research upon which it was based did not follow the scientific method for observing and collecting data
- The people who developed the MBTI had little or no formal training in psychology and no psychology degrees
- The MBTI, when developed, was never intended to be an instrument that would assist with career counseling
- Only 36% of people who take the MBTI remain the same "type" in their re-test 9 months later
- It is difficult to find a MBTI supporter who notes or attempts to address the shortcomings that are widely published
- Many MBTI supporters make considerable income by administering and interpreting this assessment
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