Writer's Block: Taking It Personally

[mandysee_mandydo]

[Error: unknown template qotd]I have taken the Myers-Briggs test several times, and I've come up with two or three different results (and yes, I was completely honest on them). To me I don't really put much belief in them. For one, it's another way to label people. I have a hate/love relationship with labels in that I still use labels instinctively, but whenever I stop to think about what labels mean and how broad and generalizing labels are, it bothers me. The second reason I don't much believe in personality tests is that I have a feeling they are a lot like horoscopes in that they give broad interpretation of results that could apply with just a little massaging to just about any person. I'm not convinced that any person couldn't find some grains of self-truth in any one of the Myers-Briggs results. The third reason I don't much believe in personality tests is that personalities are fluid. I think my UMass Lowell English Literature professor had it right when he said that each of us is a different person from day to day or moment to moment. We might have some persistent characteristics, but personality is fluid enough that even in the same situation on any different day we might respond differently. I think this is why given any different instance of taking this exam and being honest about my feelings and thoughts on the different subjective situations posed in the questions, I could receive a different result.

Frequently when I have taken one of these tests or had conversations about one of these personality tests, I have been posed with the belief that these personality tests are a great way to discover truth in oneself and to better interact with others because one understands others better. I disagree. While I don't doubt it is a catalyst for greater self-discovery, anything that presents you with some food for thought about yourself and gets you thinking about who you are and what you do is going to lead to self-discovery. To be honest I think the same is possible in fortune cookies and horoscopes because, even if they are broad catch-basins so they apply to anyone who reads them, they get one thinking about who they are and the choices they are making if they are receptive to the information. Getting to know others better? Well, that comes with actually interfacing with people, having conversations, listening, and spending time with people. I can't help but get the feeling that personality tests end up being a work-around or a crutch for people who, rather than figure out why someone is reacting a certain way, can just default to saying, "Oh so-and-so is just acting that way because this test gives me four letters that say they will respond this way." It just seems too convenient.

All this is not to say that I feel I'm an expert in getting to know people or interacting with people. I will be the first to admit that I get it wrong often. I just don't see how a horoscope on steroids will help me get to know people based on gross generalizations.Call it stereotyping, call it profiling, it just seems far too... well, impersonal. It's clinical pseudo-science given a touchy-feely spin.

Comments

[zanepk.livejournal.com]

I think you know I'm going to disagree with you on this point, simply because of my background. I'm not saying you're wrong, but I do think you shouldn't lump a personality test like the Meyers-Briggs in with something like a horoscope. You need to remember that where it comes from is rather old, but that it does have some uncanny accuracies. I've read all the answers to that test in particular (its something of a hobby of mine) and I have to say that at least for me, the one it "labeled" me with is frighteningly accurate, and none of the others fit me. I've also done a little bit of research with people, just giving the test to others, and if you look at it in an unbiased view its still pretty accurate, for instance my ex was "labeled" I think an INTP, and the natural showmanship portion that doesn't show up in any of the others was perfect. Plus we have to remember where this test came from, it came from psychologists trying to find a way they could help people with mental problems by giving them a test that could at least semi-accurately help them choose a path of treatment that would be the most beneficial. I go agree that personalities do change from day to day, but the things that make us core people, our values and morals do not change. I'm not going to wake up tomorrow and suddenly want to murder people, and I doubt seriously neither are you. If you do please let me know so that I may start the necessary barricades.