16 Personalities Testing
Stereotyping vs Personality typing
The 16 personality types are unique, with each group defined by their traits and the behavioral tendencies that go along with them. Based on statistics, personality typing allows for accurate descriptions and assessments of people. But there’s a difference between personality typing, which can be very helpful in many areas of life, and stereotyping, which can be harmful. Understanding that difference is important for the sake of fairness, accuracy, and usefulness. Let’s consider how personality types differ from stereotypes.
A stereotype assumes that someone conforms to a broad rule. For example, take the beliefs that Introverts don’t like to go out, prefer to be alone, are shy about meeting new people, etc. Those beliefs can influence real-world outcomes, like if an Introvert is excluded socially based on such assumptions. “Sam’s an Introvert and Introverts don’t go out, so we don’t invite Sam to go out.”
Personality typing, on the other hand, says that while Introverts may indeed be less socially inclined than Extraverts overall, it’s relative. Most Introverts like to go out with friends, meet new people, and attend gatherings, to some degree. They might be less likely than an Extravert to accept every social invitation, yet they still do so some of the time – and they appreciate the opportunity either way.
A stereotype is a label applied to someone from an outside source, and it may reflect the biases of those who apply it more than the qualities of those to whom it’s applied. Stereotypes are limiting because they only include what’s perceived by the observer, not what’s going on under the surface. Personality typing, on the other hand, relies on self-recognition and objective evaluation of internal thoughts, feelings, values, and beliefs, as well as measuring behaviors that may be more externally visible.
In real life, the truth of Introversion is often nuanced and requires more understanding than simplistic stereotypes allow for. The same is true for all personality traits and types – their associated tendencies can be likely but not completely consistent from person to person or instance to instance.
Five Personality Aspects
https://www.16personalities.com/personality-types
This section will describe five personality aspects that, when combined, define the personality type: Energy, Mind, Nature, Tactics and Identity. Each of these aspects should be seen as a two-sided continuum, with the “neutral” option placed in the middle. The percentages you would have seen after completing the test are meant to show which categories you fall under, and how strong your preferences are.
Let us now go through the personality aspects one by one:
Energy
This aspect shows how we interact with our surroundings:
Introverted individuals prefer solitary activities and get exhausted by social interaction. They tend to be quite sensitive to external stimulation (e.g. sound, sight or smell) in general.
Extraverted individuals prefer group activities and get energized by social interaction. They tend to be more enthusiastic and more easily excited than Introverts.
Read more about the Energy aspect.
Mind
The second aspect determines how we see the world and process information:
Observant individuals are highly practical, pragmatic and down-to-earth. They tend to have strong habits and focus on what is happening or has already happened.
Intuitive individuals are very imaginative, open-minded and curious. They prefer novelty over stability and focus on hidden meanings and future possibilities.
Read more about the Mind aspect.
Nature
This aspect determines how we make decisions and cope with emotions:
Thinking individuals focus on objectivity and rationality, prioritizing logic over emotions. They tend to hide their feelings and see efficiency as more important than cooperation.
Feeling individuals are sensitive and emotionally expressive. They are more empathic and less competitive than Thinking types, and focus on social harmony and cooperation.
Read more about the Nature aspect.
Tactics
This aspect reflects our approach to work, planning and decision-making:
Judging individuals are decisive, thorough and highly organized. They value clarity, predictability and closure, preferring structure and planning to spontaneity.
Prospecting individuals are very good at improvising and spotting opportunities. They tend to be flexible, relaxed nonconformists who prefer keeping their options open.
Read more about the Tactics aspect.
Identity
Finally, the Identity aspect underpins all others, showing how confident we are in our abilities and decisions:
Assertive (-A) individuals are self-assured, even-tempered and resistant to stress. They refuse to worry too much and do not push themselves too hard when it comes to achieving goals.
Turbulent (-T) individuals are self-conscious and sensitive to stress. They are likely to experience a wide range of emotions and to be success-driven, perfectionistic and eager to improve.
Read more about the Identity aspect.
Roles
The Role layer determines our goals, interests, and preferred activities. There are four roles:
Analysts (Intuitive and Thinking [ _NT_ ] types, both Assertive and Turbulent variants)
These personality types embrace rationality and impartiality, excelling in intellectual debates and scientific or technological fields. They are fiercely independent, open-minded, strong-willed and imaginative, approaching many things from a utilitarian perspective and being far more interested in what works than what satisfies everybody. These traits make Analysts excellent strategic thinkers, but also cause difficulties when it comes to social or romantic pursuits.
Read more about the Analyst Role.
Diplomats (Intuitive and Feeling [ _NF_ ] types, both Assertive and Turbulent variants)
Diplomats focus on empathy and cooperation, shining in diplomacy and counselling. People belonging to this type group are cooperative and imaginative, often playing the role of harmonizers in their workplace or social circles. These traits make Diplomats warm, empathic and influential individuals, but also cause issues when there is a need to rely exclusively on cold rationality or make difficult decisions.
Read more about the Diplomat Role.
Sentinels (Observant and Judging [ _S_J ] types, both Assertive and Turbulent variants)
Sentinels are cooperative and highly practical, embracing and creating order, security and stability wherever they go. People belonging to one of these types tend to be hard working, meticulous and traditional, and excel in logistical or administrative fields, especially those that rely on clear hierarchies and rules. These personality types stick to their plans and do not shy away from difficult tasks – however, they can also be very inflexible and reluctant to accept different points of view.
Read more about the Sentinel Role.
Explorers (Observant and Prospecting [ _S_P ] types, both Assertive and Turbulent variants)
These types are the most spontaneous of all and they also share the ability to connect with their surroundings in a way that is beyond reach of other types. Explorers are utilitarian and practical, shining in situations that require quick reaction and ability to think on your feet. They are masters of tools and techniques, using them in many different ways – ranging from mastering physical tools to convincing other people. Unsurprisingly, these personality types are irreplaceable in crises, crafts and sales – however, their traits can also push them towards undertaking risky endeavors or focusing solely on sensual pleasures.
Read more about the Explorer Role.
Read more about the theory – https://www.16personalities.com/articles/our-theory.
View the overview of the 16 Personality Types – https://www.16personalities.com/personality-types.
Take the test – https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
Be sure to enter your email address at end so we can refer back to the results as needed!
Mrs. Frascht’s Results
