INTP Mailing List Frequently Asked Questions
~~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~
Version 1.3
February 19, 2003
Copyright 1996, 1997 William J. Dodd, except as follows:
Questions 1.5 and 1.10 are Copyright 1996, 1997 William J. Dodd and
Richard Himes.
Questions 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.13, and 2.3 are Copyright 1996, 1997
William J. Dodd and Daniel Daily.
Question 2.7 is Copyright 1996, 1997 Richard Himes, Daniel Daily, and
William J. Dodd.
Question 1.14 is Copyright 1997 William J. Dodd and Daniel Daily.
This document may not be reproduced in whole or in part for commercial
use or for profit without the written permission of the copyright
holder(s). Reproduction for non-commercial use is permitted, provided
the appropriate copyright notice(s) are included.
DISCLAIMER
The authors of this document are not professional psychologists or
counselors. They have used their best efforts to prepare answers to the
questions posed here. However, they make no warranty or guarantee of
any kind concerning the fitness or suitability of these answers for any
purpose.
REVISIONS
Version 1.3: Modified subscription and archive information to reflect
server change. 02/19/2003
Version 1.2: Modified subscription and archive information to reflect
server change. 08/29/2001
Version 1.1: Updated copyrights. Added REVISIONS section. Updated
CREDITS section. Added two new questions (1.14 and 1.22) and
incremented question numbers on present questions 1.15 through 1.21 from
previous version. Modified present questions 1.6, 1.7, 1.11, 1.18,
1.19, and 1.20. Implemented consistent format in block quotations.
Version 1.0: Initial version, released June 26, 1996.
INTRODUCTION
This is the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document for the INTP
Mailing List. Information about how to get this document is posted
periodically to the list.
Not all the questions in this document have been asked on the list. The
document attempts to provide, in some sort of "natural" order,
information that a newcomer to the list (and to personality typing in
general), might find valuable.
The INTP Mailing List is the most extensive gathering of INTPs in human
history. Never before have individuals with this extremely rare
personality type--a type so rare that the entire world-wide population
of INTPs is less than the 1994 population of France, or of Italy, or of
the United Kingdom--associated on a planet-wide scale. Never before
have so many of these unique people simultaneously been aware that they
are not alone, not abnormal, not an aberration, _and_ been aware of
others with whom they share their type.
Out of this confluence of hitherto isolated men and women of all ages
who have gifts that, for the most part, are unrecognized and
unacknowledged by much of society, may come new ways for them to live as
they live best and to use their gifts for the betterment of their own
lives and the lives of their non-INTP fellows.
To that end, the authors earnestly hope this document will contribute.
CREDITS
This document was written by members of the INTP Cabal, a small sub-
group of subscribers to the INTP Mailing List. William J. Dodd
[wjdodd@fsp.fsp.com] is the principal author. Rich Himes
[rhimes@nmia.com] and Dan Daily [ddd@drmail.dr.lucent.com] wrote drafts of
question 2.7. Dan Daily contributed significantly to the text of
questions 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.13, 1.14, 2.3, and 3.17. Rich Himes made
suggestions for improving questions 1.5, 1.10, 1.11, 1.20, 3.2 and 3.14;
he also suggested some approaches for question 2.5, and the inclusion of
questions 2.8, 2.9, and 3.15. The following members of the INTP Cabal
gave general comments or encouragement:
Anna Himes [achimes@nmia.com]
Charlie Howse [CHAHOWSE@MDCC.EDU]
Darryl Dickson-Carr [dbcarr@mailer.fsu.edu]
BethC [us013847@interramp.com]
noneoftheabove [nota@one.net]
D Diemand [diemand@sover.net]
[DSmith6969@aol.com]
The former list owners of the INTP Mailing List also
participated:
Beth Coleman [intplist@mindspring.com]
Kim Justice [justicek@edge.ercnet.com]
Scott Pallack [skybird@wizard.com]
David Loewenstern [loewenst@paul.rutgers.edu] provided material for
question 1.20, and graciously allowed use of the quotation contained
therein.
Questions and comments on this document can be directed to the
maintainer of the FAQ, William J. Dodd [wjdodd@fsp.fsp.com].
CONTENTS
1 The INTP Mailing List
1.1 Whom is this mailing list for, and what is it about?
1.2 What is an INTP?
1.3 What is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator?
1.4 I'm not sure if I'm an INTP or not. Can I be on the list?
1.5 I know that I am _not_ an INTP. Can I be on the list?
1.6 Can any topic be discussed on the list, or only type-related
topics?
1.7 What about arguments?
1.8 What about heated arguments?
1.9 What if I just want to read and not post?
1.10 What if I want to post and not read?
1.11 If I read a post and want to say something, how should I go
about doing this?
1.12 The same people seem to post all the time. How do I get a
word in edgewise?
1.13 I posted something but no one replied. I know my message
got through because I received a copy from the list. Why
are they ignoring me?
1.14 I posted something and several people replied. But a few of
the replies attacked, derided, or otherwise vilified what
I wrote, or seemed to make me the object of an inside
joke. Is this typical behavior on this list? If it is,
I'm unsubscribing.
1.15 If I post something to the list, who besides the list
subscribers will see it?
1.16 I'm going to be out of town for awhile. How do I keep from
having a jammed mailbox when I return?
1.17 How do I unsubscribe/resubscribe?
1.18 How active is the list?
1.19 Who are the subscribers to the list?
1.20 Who started the list?
1.21 Can I get back posts from the list?
1.22 Can I contact individual subscribers to the list?
2 The INTP Personality
2.1 What is an INTP?
2.2 What do you mean by "perceiving function" and "judging
function?"
2.3 What are some of the personality characteristics of INTPs?
2.4 Some of what I read describing INTPs seems to apply to me
and some of it doesn't. What now?
2.5 I seem to [insert observed behavior here] a lot. Is this
typical of INTPs?
2.5.1 Observed behavior: [have a messy desk; keep stuff]
2.5.2 Observed behavior: [be unscheduled; miss appointments]
2.5.3 Observed behavior: [bounce from one interest to another]
2.5.4 Observed behavior: [not complete projects as interests change]
2.5.5 Observed behavior: [have difficulty making decisions]
2.6 How common is the INTP type?
2.7 What types are best for relationships with INTPs?
2.8 What jobs or career fields are best for INTPs?
2.9 Are there any famous INTPs?
3 The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
3.1 What is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator?
3.2 What do you mean by "personality type?"
3.3 How does this "Indicator" work? What is the theory behind
it?
3.4 What are the different perceiving and judging functions?
3.5 But this gives only two letters for each "type," not four,
and only four "types," not sixteen. Where do the other
letters come from?
3.6 This all sounds like a lot of psychological mumbo-jumbo to
me. Is there any validity to it?
3.7 Doesn't all this "categorizing" and "grouping" stereotype
people, and limit them based on someone else's
preconceived ideas?
3.8 Does being a certain type mean my behavior is predetermined?
3.9 Which type is most common?
3.10 Which type is best?
3.11 I sometimes see additional symbols used in someone's type
designation. What do these mean?
3.12 How does one develop a "type?" Is type inherited?
3.13 How do I take the MBTI? How do I find out my "type?"
3.14 How can I find out someone else's type?
3.15 Are there any famous people whose types are known?
3.16 I have not taken an "official" MBTI. Can I be on the INTP
Mailing List?
3.17 I want to find out more about all this. Can you list some
additional [insert category of reference here] on type?
3.17.1 Category of reference: [books]
3.17.2 Category of reference: [Internet resources]
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1 The INTP Mailing List
1.1 Whom is this mailing list for, and what is it about?
The INTP Mailing List is a mailing list for those who have been
identified as INTP (Introverted iNtuitively Perceiving Thinkers) by the
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or related instruments, and for those
who are interested in learning about or interacting with INTPs.
For information concerning what is discussed on the list, see
question 1.6.
1.2 What is an INTP?
See section 2.
1.3 What is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator?
See section 3.
1.4 I'm not sure if I'm an INTP or not. Can I be on the list?
Yes. Interacting with people who know they are INTPs is a good way to
find out how closely your own personality characteristics match the INTP
profile. However, as with any mailing list, you should not rely
exclusively on the list for information you can easily find elsewhere.
For example, don't use the list merely to ask, "What does INTP mean?"
Do your part to try to learn as much as you can. See question 3.17 for
some suggested references that can help you learn more about type.
1.5 I know that I am _not_ an INTP. Can I be on the list?
Yes. The primary focus of discussions on the list is the concerns and
interests of INTPs, but respectful participation by other types who
evince an honest desire to learn about and interact with INTPs is
welcome. For example, several subscribers are non-INTPs who are in
close relationships with INTPs (e.g., spouse, SO, parent, sibling,
friend) and who seek to better understand INTPs in general and their own
relationship in particular.
1.6 Can any topic be discussed on the list, or only type-related
topics?
There are no topic restrictions. Although questions and comments about
type and its relevance to INTPs occur frequently on the list, there are
also numerous "conversations" about other matters and there is much
light banter. Many subscribers look on the list as a virtual
intellectual community where they can find peers not otherwise available
to them. INTP subscribers in particular are likely to find--possibly
for the first time in their lives--others who understand the same
obscure references they understand, share the same eclectic interests
they enjoy, or are fascinated by the same unusual subjects they have
studied compulsively for years and have talked about previously only to
an unappreciative audience.
The list is not a "general" discussion list, however. Even topics that
are not type-related are treated from the unique INTP perspective. In
addition, experience has shown that certain topics inevitably lead to
bi-stable or multi-stable equilibrium positions whose various proponents
state and restate their views with little or no subsequent alteration.
Political and religious topics in particular display this behavior.
Participants in such discussions should remember that the list exists
for the sake of all subscribers, not for a verbose few, and should be
sensitive enough to end the discussions quickly or continue them through
private email (see question 1.22).
1.7 What about arguments?
The INTP Mailing List is not a debate list and does not exist primarily
as a forum for those who want to "prove" their own points or proselytize
others. Disagreements are expected, and accepted, but rude and
intolerant behavior is not. In particular, the rules for posting
explicitly state:
Personal attacks, ad hominem arguments, and flames are STRICTLY
FORBIDDEN. It's my [the list owner's] virtual living room so
penalties for violators include reprimands (private and/or public),
suspension, and permanent exclusion depending on the severity of the
violation and my mood.
This means that it is acceptable to post, "I disagree with what [insert
name here] said, because [insert reason here]. I believe that [insert
opposing position here] because [insert reason here]." It is NOT
acceptable, however, to say, "I disagree with what [insert name here]
said, because [insert name here] is a complete and utter idiot and a
communist/fascist/liberal/conservative/other bastard who should be hung,
drawn, and quartered." See also question 1.8.
Interestingly, there seem to be few (expressed) disagreements among the
list participants. Except during the most intense discussions,
"smilies" are implicit in most posts. (The "official" smilies are eyes
and a smile [ :) ] and a disembodied smile [ ) ], representing the
chosen mascot of the INTP Mailing List, the Cheshire Cat from Lewis
Carroll's _Alice's Adventures in Wonderland_.)
1.8 What about heated arguments?
There have been surprisingly few "flame wars" on the INTP Mailing List,
and the quality of discourse is quite high. From time to time,
subscribers who take themselves far too seriously irk others by posting
noticeably overbearing messages, but such subscribers generally do not
stay on the list. In most instances where participants strongly hold
contrary opinions, a (sometimes lengthy) period of stating these
opinions ends with an agreement to disagree. See also question 1.7.
1.9 What if I just want to read and not post?
"Lurking" is permitted and accepted. There is no requirement for
subscribers to post. However, the INTP Mailing List has an unusually
low lurker-to-subscriber ratio: more than 75% of the subscribers post
at least occasionally. Clearly, INTPs can have much to say to a
receptive audience (see questions 1.18 and 2.3).
1.10 What if I want to post and not read?
Don't do it. Besides being an egregious breach of "netiquette," posting
messages without knowing the current topics of discussion adds to the
already heavy traffic on the list while contributing little or nothing
of value. New subscribers are urged to lurk for a week or so to become
familiar with the dynamics of the group (though they can introduce
themselves as soon as they feel comfortable doing so; occasionally,
replies to an introduction will start a new thread in which the newcomer
can immediately take part). Current subscribers who have not been
following recent discussions are asked to first try to find out if a
question, topic, or thread has been considered in the past few weeks
before asking the question, proposing the topic, or starting the thread.
See question 1.21.
1.11 If I read a post and want to say something, how should I go
about doing this?
The exact procedure to reply to a post depends on the email software you
are using. Most such software has a "Reply" function which will send
your response _to the original poster_ (see question 1.22). If you want
the list to also get a copy, you must include the list address either in
the "To" or the "Cc" field of your message. Note that, in this case,
the original poster will get _two_ copies of your reply (the one
directly to her/him, and the one that comes to him/her from the list).
Some people respond directly to the list and do not include the address
of the original poster; in this case the original poster will get only
one copy of the reply. However, this method usually requires manual
editing of the address fields before sending the message.
In your post, you should include enough content from the message to
which you are replying that others can follow the discussion without
having to go back to the original message. However, you should not
indiscriminately quote whole messages, especially when you only want to
agree (or disagree) with the message. Also, you should be careful to
accurately attribute the quotations you are using (a standard
attribution would give the date, time, and author of the original post;
for example: "On Feb 32, 2354, at 1735 Earth Standard Time,
James T. Kirk said:").
There may be a need for several levels of quotation and attribution.
Here especially it is important to be sure that a newcomer to the
discussion can pick up the thread with minimum difficulty. This may
require more than a simple automatic copy of the previous message into
your reply.
Because your post might be quoted and re-quoted as the thread continues,
remember to allow a generous right-hand margin. Otherwise, your words
will eventually be pushed to the next line and the message will be
harder to read. The usual recommendation is no more than 72 characters
per line.
You should take particular care with the Subject line of your post.
Many subscribers can read only part of the many messages received each
day, and rely on the Subject line to guide them in their selection of
messages to read. When replying to a message, email software usually
adds "Re: " to the original subject; if you are replying to an ongoing
thread and continuing the discussion along the same lines this is
normally adequate. If, in your reply to an ongoing thread, you veer
from the subject to a new realm of discussion, you should change to a
more appropriate Subject line. This usually requires editing the
default Subject line offered to you by your email software. Often, it
is appropriate to include in the new Subject line a reference to the old
subject; for example, "Antique Cars (WAS: Old Fords)."
1.12 The same people seem to post all the time. How do I get a word
in edgewise?
Just join in. Or propose a new topic/start a new thread by posting a
question or comment. But see question 1.10.
1.13 I posted something but no one replied. I know my message got
through because I received a copy from the list. Why are they
ignoring me?
They are not necessarily ignoring you. Perhaps no one had anything to
say about what you wrote. Perhaps someone wanted to read your message
or to reply but did not have time to do so; there is a large volume of
messages on the INTP Mailing List (see question 1.18), and few list
members have time to read every post or to follow every thread. Some
may have started a response, got distracted or changed their minds, and
never sent it. Some may spend days formulating a response in their
heads or on their terminals but ultimately never respond because they
distrust their own abilities.
Most likely, though, many at least thought about what you wrote. In
fact, intriguing messages can go by without comment and questions can go
unanswered because list members are thinking about what has been said.
If you observe carefully, you may see subsequent messages which contain
a hint that some understood or agreed with you; your ideas were added to
the myriad of ideas constantly churning in their minds, and they
transformed or integrated your thoughts into a topic they wanted to
discuss. They may not have responded directly to you or acknowledged
your post; they may not remember who you are or be able, later, to link
you with your message. But you have contributed to the discussion all
the same. If your remarks do not resurface, it is possible that
everyone agreed with you and had nothing to add; be at peace that no one
said you were plainly wrong, because if an INTP really thought you were,
and the topic was important to him or her, their disagreement would be
brought to your attention.
If you actually do get a response, you may find that it has only a
tenuous relationship to your original message. An abstruse mathematical
topic or a discussion of quantum mechanics can reappear as a message
complaining about the decline of education in America or about math or
physics phobia (and vice versa!). Your serious post may be transformed
into a poem, a play on words, a song title, or a scintillating vulgar
reference.
Finally, the composition and attention span of the INTP Mailing List is
dynamic and often chaotic. If you submit your message again, at a later
date, you may find a new or a more attentive audience.
1.14 I posted something and several people replied. But a few of the
replies attacked, derided, or otherwise vilified what I wrote,
or seemed to make me the object of an inside joke. Is this
typical behavior on this list? If it is, I'm unsubscribing.
These kinds of replies, addressed both to new and to veteran
subscribers, appear on the list from time to time. Usually, however,
they are not meant as personal attacks on the original poster (which
would violate the list rules; see question 1.7), and they do not mean
that new subscribers and new viewpoints are unwelcome. Rather, such
replies are most often manifestations of certain characteristics of the
INTP personality type.
Keirsey and Bates, on p.187 of _Please Understand Me_ (see
question 3.17), powerfully describe one of these characteristics:
For INTPs . . . . It is essential . . . that whatever is stated
about the universe is stated correctly, with coherence and without
redundancy. This is the INTP's final purpose. It matters not
whether others understand or accept his or her truths.
Thus, precision and consistency in thought and language are of great
importance to INTPs; they are quick to notice a flawed argument or a
flawed position and will often point out such flaws without concern for
whether someone else will agree. For this reason, if another subscriber
perceived your post as revealing any weakness or shortcoming in whatever
position you were trying to uphold or statement you were trying to make,
you will likely hear about that, on the list, from the other subscriber.
In addition, while INTPs are flexible and accommodating in many areas,
they are fervent--even zealous--about those beliefs they hold strongly.
If your post expressed or implied--in some cases, if it could remotely
be construed as having expressed or implied--an agreement or a
disagreement with an ardent belief of someone else on the list, he/she
might well let you know of her/his favor or disfavor. (This does not
mean that all INTPs hold the same beliefs. Indeed, there are some
significant disagreements among certain list subscribers; see
question 1.8).
Most INTPs love a good pun or double-entendre and are uniquely sensitive
to the possibilities of such humor. If your post allowed an INTP to
interpret it in a way other than you intended, someone on the list has
probably interpreted it that way and may write back to let you know.
This person most likely understands full well what you _meant_ to say,
but it is important to him/her to let you and the list know what you
_could have_ been saying. Or, she/he may refer to something that was
discussed or occurred previously on the list and establish a hitherto
unanticipated connection between the previous discussion or occurrence
and your post (see question 1.13). Since no one has any way of knowing
for sure how long you have been subscribed, the respondent may not know
how much of the "list history" and "family lore" you are familiar with
and that you are "in the dark" about the significance of the reply.
There may be rare occasions when replies of this sort are indeed meant
as personal attacks (in clear violation of the list rules; see again
question 1.7). The perpetrators may even get away with it, since it is
impossible for the list owner to screen every post. Until the culprits
tire of such rudeness, or leave the list (see question 1.8), the best
procedure is to ignore their taunts as one would ignore a child having a
temper tantrum.
The INTP Mailing List is meant to be a "safe place" for INTPs, where
they can express their personality without deprecation. There are few
forums in everyday society where INTPs can indulge in the stimulating
discourse and frequent intellectual word-play that occurs on the list.
It is unrealistic, therefore, to expect posts of this nature not to
appear; many, again, are actually "tongue in cheek," with "smilies"
included or intended (see again question 1.7). After some experience as
a subscriber, you yourself will probably come to appreciate or at least
understand the phenomenon. In the meantime, if you allow what you
perceive might have been a personal insult to cause you to unsubscribe,
you will forego participation in what many INTPs have come to believe is
one of the most significant entities in their lives.
1.15 If I post something to the list, who besides the list
subscribers will see it?
The INTP Mailing List is a private list, and posts sent by the list
server are received only by the list subscribers. However, the Internet
is not a secure or a confidential system. With the proper equipment and
expertise, anyone can monitor Internet traffic. Further, recipients of
posts can, and have (both accidentally and intentionally), sent copies
to other than list subscribers. (It is considered a breach of
netiquette to forward private email without the permission of the
sender.) Therefore, nothing should be said on the list, or in any
Internet communication, that you would not want to be read by your wife,
or your mother, or your boss, or your co-workers.
1.16 I'm going to be out of town for awhile. How do I keep from
having a jammed mailbox when I return?
You can unsubscribe, and resubscribe when you get back.
1.17 How do I unsubscribe/resubscribe?
To subscribe to the INTP Mailing List, open the URL -
http://www.cheshirecat.net/mailman/listinfo/intp
A set of instructions can also be obtained by emailing
intp-request@intp.org with a subject line of "help".
Once subscribed, you will have your own individual "options"
page. At this URL you may set options such as "nomail",
"digest mode", "unsubscribe", etc.
Your individual option page is in the format -
http://www.cheshirecat.net/mailman/options/intp/Your@Email.Address.Here
It is considered bad form to send your unsubscribe request to the list.
It is, however, acceptable (but not required) to send a brief message to
the list announcing your impending departure.
Be sure to save the introductory messages you receive when you
subscribe, so you have the latest information on how to do all this.
1.18 How active is the list?
During the first three months of 1996, nearly 7200 messages were sent to
the list. This is about 80 messages per day. At that time there were
about 175 subscribers, 145 of whom posted at least once.
During the first four months of 1997, nearly 15000 messages were sent to
the list. This is over 120 messages per day. Near the end of May 1997,
there were 149 subscribers.
1.19 Who are the subscribers to the list?
For an up-to-date list of subscribers, open the URL -
http://www.cheshirecat.net/mailman/listinfo/intp
Note that the list server will only reply to such requests
from current subscribers.
On the each month, a (very long) message is posted giving brief
personal information about many of the (present and former) subscribers.
This has become known as the "bio list" or the "personal description
list."
1.20 Who started the list?
The Founder of the INTP Mailing List is David Loewenstern
[loewenst@paul.rutgers.edu]. David writes:
I started the list. It was based upon pre-existing lists for other
types, and the proximal cause was a discussion in
alt.psychology.personality complaining about the lack of an INTP
list, culminating in a joke (from Joe Butt, I think) that no such
list could exist because INTPs could never agree whether it should
really be called a "list" or a "group", etc. I decided to take the
bull by the horns.
According to David, this occurred in October 1993. At its inception the
list was a manual list, with each subscriber maintaining a group address
(distribution list) for all other subscribers.
The Father of the list as we know it today is Scott Pallack
[skybird@wizard.com] (formerly "Dad," then "ex-Dad," now "ex-ex-Dad").
Scott grew tired of paging through the distribution list with a 2400
baud modem, and he did not want to manually update a group address with
each new subscriber. In November 1993, he automated the list. At that
time, both Scott and the computer serving the list (satelnet.org)
resided in Florida; the sysop of satelnet.org, Yanek Martinson
[yanek@satelnet.org], was instrumental in the automation.
In March 1995, Kim Justice [justicek@edge.ercnet.com] (also formerly
"Dad," now "ex-Dad"), graciously assumed responsibility for the list,
and Dan Jacobs [danielj2@wizard.com] ("Dan"), offered space for the list
on his machine in Las Vegas, where the list, Scott, and Dan (but not
Kim) live today.
In July 1996, with a surprisingly swift but peaceful transfer of power,
Kim yielded list ownership responsibilities to the list owner,
Beth Coleman [intplist@mindspring.com] ("Evil Step-Mom").
1.21 Can I get back posts from the list?
Archives of the INTP Mailing List are available at
http://lists.vt11.net/mailman/private/intp/
Since it is a private mailing list, participants are asked to keep this
link private by not placing it in any publicly accessible web page.
1.22 Can I contact individual subscribers to the list?
Yes. In fact, the list software is set up so that replies to posts put
the _poster's_ name, not the list address, in the "To:" field by default
(see question 1.11). This is done to encourage private communication
among list subscribers and reduce list traffic about topics that have
ceased to be interesting to the list as a whole but that some still want
to discuss (see question 1.6). However, not everyone desires private
communication with other subscribers, and no one is obligated to reply
to unsolicited email. Therefore, your private message may go unheeded
or you may receive a (possibly curt) return message asking you to stop.
Please heed such a request; INTPs are, after all, introverts, and many
are intensely solitary people.
For some helpful discussions about dealing with unwanted email or
combatting email harassment, see the following URLs:
http://www.oitc.com/Disney/WhatToDo.html
http://www.ii.com/internet/robots/
http://chat.carleton.ca:2001/help/help-mail/harassment.html
2 The INTP Personality
2.1 What is an INTP?
An INTP is an Introverted iNtuitively Perceiving Thinker. INTPs prefer
to take in information (_perceive_ reality) by using intuition rather
than the five senses, and prefer to make decisions about that
information (_judge_ reality) by using thinking (logic and reasoning)
rather than by considering the effects of the decisions on other people.
As Perceivers, INTPs prefer to use the perceiving function (iNtuition)
to deal with the external world, and to devote the judging function
(Thinking) to their internal world (see question 2.7). As Introverts,
INTPs prefer this internal world; they are not enthused and energized by
interacting with other people but by being alone.
2.2 What do you mean by "perceiving function" and "judging
function?"
These are terms from personality type theory. See section 3,
particularly questions 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5, for information about this.
2.3 What are some of the personality characteristics of INTPs?
The notions given in question 2.1 suggest a number of characteristics of
the INTP personality. Since INTPs prefer to use their perceiving
function to relate to the outside world, and since they perceive (gather
information) intuitively, they can seem "absent-minded," "spaced out,"
"uninvolved," or "not all there" to people who are more strongly
grounded in concrete sense perceptions. Yet, they often seem to have
uncanny insights that less intuitive individuals do not have. Since
they prefer to make decisions based on logic and reasoning, they can
seem "cold," "impersonal," or "unemotional" to people for whom thinking
and reasoning take less of a priority. However, they are frequently
indomitable in arguments, able to marshall point after point in favor of
their position.
As Introverts, INTPs may seem like "loners" or "hermits" to many. But
an INTP is usually quite content to be alone with his or her thoughts
and mental ruminations. Indeed, since an INTP's preferred orientation
is toward his or her internal world (Introversion), and since he/she
uses her/his judging function (Thinking) in that internal world (the
perceiving function being used in the external world), Thinking is the
INTP's preferred, or _dominant_, function. (The INTP's perceiving
function (iNtuition) is called the _auxiliary_ function, and is the
second most preferred function.) Thus, thinking is an INTP's forte, and
INTPs are always thinking. The raw material for these ceaseless thought
processes comes from the intuitive insights that the INTP's perception
supplies. INTPs build mental models of reality based on their intuitive
perceptions.
Only rarely--and reluctantly--do INTPs share what they are thinking,
however (though the private and impersonal nature of the INTP Mailing
List seems to have loosened many of their tongues; see question 1.18).
Neither are they prone to act on their thoughts; with Thinking as their
dominant function, they prefer instead to continually revise their
mental models as their perceiving function supplies them with additional
data. Thus, their external world tends to be unstructured (and,
unfortunately, in some cases unaffected) by their thinking. Many
mistakenly interpret the characteristic silence and inaction of INTPs as
supercilious disinterest, intellectual snobbery, boredom, rudeness,
aloofness, or lack of appreciation. It could be one or several of these,
but more likely the INTP is deeply interested and involved mentally,
busily thinking within his or her own personal and idiosyncratic
context.
An INTP, then, is constantly making logical, systematic judgements or
decisions about information gleaned through leaps or flashes of
intuition. As a result, an INTP is oriented toward the theoretical.
They habitually seek to get "behind the scenes" of reality. They are
"big picture" people; they are "possibility" people. In _Please
Understand Me_ (see question 3.17), Keirsey and Bates write,
The one word which captures the unique style of INTPs is _architect_
[sic]--the architect of ideas and systems as well as the architect
of edifices. (p. 186)
INTPs are generally adroit, natural, creative, and non-linear thinkers
who accept few boundaries to their intellectual meandering. Although
many display periods of manic intensity, compulsiveness, or coma-like
behavior, underlying their seemingly intense, detached, distracted,
gruff, and serious INTP persona is wonderment, child-like contemplation,
and a generally playful irreverence.
A former subscriber to the INTP Mailing List, Joe Butt
[jabutt@sacam.oren.ortn.edu] has written a thoughtful portrait of the
INTP, which can be read at
http://sacam.oren.ortn.edu/~jabutt/profiles/intp.html
Many of the references given in question 3.17 offer further, detailed,
portraits of all the MBTI types.
2.4 Some of what I read describing INTPs seems to apply to me and
some of it doesn't. What now?
Often, one will read a portrait of his or her type and find material
that fits and material that does not. No single description of a
personality type can encompass all the nuances of that type. More
importantly, no one INTP is the same as all other INTPs. Just as each
human being is like each other human being in those characteristics that
make him/her human, but has specific characteristics that set her/him
apart as well, so each INTP is like each other INTP but is also a unique
individual.
In addition, not everyone is fully differentiated into just one type.
Individuals may be of "mixed" type, whereby they do not manifest a clear
preference for one or more of the type-determining characteristics. In
this case, material from two or more type descriptions could apply to
them.
It is also possible for someone to "test" as an INTP but really to be
another type. See question 3.7.
2.5 I seem to [insert observed behavior here] a lot. Is this
typical of INTPs?
There are a number of behaviors mentioned often enough on the list that
it is reasonable to assume they are typical of INTPs. Frequently, new
subscribers will express astonishment that there are others who do these
things (see question 3.6). (However, people of the same personality
type are neither clones nor--usually--twins, so not all INTPs
necessarily exhibit all these behaviors. See also question 2.4.)
2.5.1 Observed behavior: [have a messy desk; keep stuff]
INTPs usually seem to be "pack rats," at least to some degree. Many
INTPs report having "messy" desks and/or living areas, often with piles
of books and papers awaiting attention. (There can be _lots_ of books.)
The INTP's desire to learn almost everything, together with the
perceiving attitude that makes the INTP always open to new information,
contribute to a reluctance to get rid of anything that might possibly be
of value. Actually filing such material would impose a structure on it
which might need to change "tomorrow."
Where SOs, roommates, or coworkers are of a different type, the INTP
often must accommodate foreign preferences by confining "true"
manifestations of his/her personality to certain parts of the home or
office.
2.5.2 Observed behavior: [be unscheduled; miss appointments]
INTPs prefer an unstructured approach to living and to getting things
done (see questions 2.3 and 2.8). They do not, therefore, do well with
schedules. To an INTP, time is an open-ended entity that is allowed to
unfold, not a resource to control.
Many INTPs have learned to control at least a portion of their time,
however, in order to function in the predominantly SJ world of which
they are a part (see again question 2.8). Some can be quite successful
at this. Nevertheless, the behavior is not their true preference.
2.5.3 Observed behavior: [bounce from one interest to another]
INTPs tend to have a multitude of interests. This pertains not only to
their work life (see question 2.8), but to other areas of their life as
well. Hobbies, diversions, books to read, magazine subscriptions: the
INTP may well have many of these, and may well change them like some
people change clothing.
Unfortunately, most INTPs have the dilemma of "so many interests, so
little time," and are usually unable to satisfy their curiosity in more
than a few of their areas of interest. Sometimes, because of a problem
with making decisions (see question 2.5.5), an INTP is unable to choose
which interests to pursue and risks a life of underachievement and
boredom.
2.5.4 Observed behavior: [not complete projects as interests change]
INTPs enjoy novelty and variety and they often lose interest in
something once they "understand" it (see question 2.8). To them, the
project has been "completed" and there is no need for further work to
"implement" anything. Thus, raw materials for one project after another
can pile up as an INTP develops an interest, "researches" it, begins
gathering materials, "understands" it, and moves on to the next
interest.
2.5.5 Observed behavior: [have difficulty making decisions]
INTPs prefer life to be unstructured, and they remain open to new data
(see questions 2.3 and 2.8). Because of this, they often resist
(frequently without conscious awareness) finalizing, or "coming to
closure," on an endeavor. This can lead to putting off even important
decisions, and sometimes can bring about an actual fear of decision-
making.
2.6 How common is the INTP type?
According to Keirsey and Bates in _Please Understand Me_ (see question
3.17), only about 1 in every 100 people is INTP. Using somewhat
different figures from Lawrence, _People Types & Tiger Stripes_ (see
question 3.17), the figure could be as high as about 2.5 in every 100
people. In any case, it is clear that INTPs are rare, which probably
accounts for the sense of alienation many INTPs report.
The INTP type is slightly more common among males than among females.
See also question 3.9.
2.7 What types are best for relationships with INTPs?
This question is asked often on the list, because INTPs seem to have
special difficulty forming relationships of any kind. Their tendency to
ignore or misinterpret common social cues hampers entry into many social
milieus, and their disdain for the social lubricant of "small talk"
prematurely betrays their intensity (an intensity which, in the initial
stages of a relationship, can be disconcerting and can make them appear
unapproachable, even arrogant). Their characteristic emotional
unexpressiveness makes maintaining close personal relationships a
challenge for partners who need feedback and intimacy.
But don't panic. Nearly all types have been mentioned at one time or
another as a good (or a bad) match for INTPs, and, as with many other
topics on the list, discussion about good matches takes a different
direction every time the question is raised. INTPs have formed
successful relationships with all types (and have had predictable
difficulties with all types). You will find advocates for most types.
More significantly, however, this is the wrong question when it comes to
choosing an SO. Common goals and values, similar interests, and similar
world views or tolerance and respect for diversity are more important
than type. What matters is how couples think of each other and how
important their differences are _to them_. Can they tolerate the
differences, adjust to them, or even be attracted by them?
Some commonly mentioned "trigger points" for problems in relationships
with INTPs:
Will the SO rearrange the INTP's desk or clean up (e.g., store
books) but the INTP prefers some "ordered chaos?"
Will the SO expect the INTP to participate in big family gatherings
and join in social chit-chat late into the night?
Will the SO understand the INTP's need for solitude to recharge and
not see it as an attempt at avoidance?
Will the SO criticize the INTP for being too withdrawn, too
unempathetic, too disorganized, too pedantic, etc.?
In _16 Ways to Love Your Lover_ (a very good book on type and
relationships; see question 3.17), Otto Kroeger & Janet M. Thuesen
advise INTPs to speak from the heart. When INTPs try to use thinking to
express love, the meaning can get lost in the translation. They should
share the fact that they _feel_ love, not only _understand_ it. INTPs
are slow to communicate, but this does not mean that things are not
simmering and smoldering inside. Although they appear aloof, snobbish,
and disinterested in small talk at first, they are intriguing and, when
comfortable, can be engaging conversationalists. At more advanced
stages of a relationship, their rich imagination can "create an inferno
of explosive and expressive affections" (p. 253).
If an INTP finds that none of the non-INTPs he/she meets seems
compatible, there may be some comfort in knowing that the list has
spawned an occasional INTP-INTP relationship, and includes an INTP
couple who love to discuss their happy and successful 28 year marriage
and children. (But don't get the wrong idea about why we're here: The
purpose of the list is eclectic and desultory discussion, not
matchmaking!)
It is interesting to note that even the so-called experts disagree and
are often inconsistent on this topic. Keirsey and Bates, on p.17 of
_Please Understand Me_ (see question 3.17), warn that mismatches in the
perceiving functions (Sensing and iNtuition, the functions by which we
take in information and by which, therefore, our world view is
influenced; see question 3.4) are "the source of the most
miscommunication, misunderstanding, vilification, defamation, and
denigration." But later, in Chapter III, they claim people are
attracted to their exact opposite. Kroeger & Thuesen, on the other
hand, on p. 27 of _16 Ways to Love Your Lover_, claim that the most
significant source of interpersonal tension is the difference between
the Perceiving and Judging attitudes (P vs J). These attitudes
determine whether someone prefers to use their perceiving (information-
receiving) function (S or N) or their judging (information-processing)
function (T or F) in dealing with their external world (see question
3.5). Perceivers, who prefer to use their judging function on their
_internal_ world, are usually easy-going and wait-and-see towards
_external_ circumstances, while Judgers, who prefer to use their judging
function on their external world, are decisive and resolute towards
external circumstances. To Perceivers, Judgers can seem stubborn,
unyielding, non-adaptable. To Judgers, Perceivers can seem flighty,
indecisive, unorganized, spaced-out. In a relationship, these
differences can escalate from minor irritants to major conflagrations.
On p. 83 of _Portraits of Temperament_ (see question 3.17), Keirsey
briefly re-evaluates the best romantic matches for each type under a new
typing system of his own creation. There, he claims that the best match
for the "Engineer" type (which correlates with the Myers-Briggs NTP
type) is the "Idealist" type (which correlates with the Myers-Briggs NF
type). He argues that Idealists are aware of and attracted to the
Engineer's ingenuity and are very encouraging of it, and that the
Idealist serves as a source of endless mystery to the rational nature of
the Engineer. He goes on to allow that Engineers can safely marry some
of the other types but it will require more personal adjustments.
From the other perspective, on p.94 of _Portraits of Temperament_
Keirsey claims that the best match for the "Mentor" type (which
correlates with the Myers-Briggs NFJ type) is the NTP Engineer. He
argues that Mentors, while they may mate successfully with any of the
types, face fewer adjustments when they mate with Engineers. Engineers
value a Mentor's "appreciation and encouragement, their compassion, and
their vivacity; while Mentors appreciate being needed for something they
have in plenty."
Clearly, the question is still open and unresolved. It will probably
(and perhaps rightly) remain so.
2.8 What jobs or career fields are best for INTPs?
The preferred function for INTPs is Thinking, oriented towards the inner
world of ideas, concepts, and mental models (see question 2.3). To
satisfy this preference in their work, INTPs require jobs where their
primary responsibility is to apply their thinking to underlying
principles, abstract notions, and other theoretical structures.
However, these structures need not be scientific hypotheses or involve
technical speculation; depending on the specific interests of the INTP,
they can be plans, procedures, methods, or explanations of almost any
sort. INTPs formulate these, analyze them, generalize them. The
results of their quiet thinking can speak loudly to those who care to
listen.
Because of their introversion and their intuitive perception (see again
question 2.3), INTPs function best in situations where they are not
required to have much contact with other people and where they need not
exercise strong "sensing" elements. They are not necessarily interested
in or concerned with tangible products, except insofar as these
exemplify and embody their ideas and theories. Therefore, they tend to
avoid pragmatic jobs. Since they prefer the "big picture," the overall
view, they usually do not enjoy detail work unless it can be seen as
contributing to some larger task or goal that is important to them.
As Perceivers, INTPs prefer openness instead of closure in their
external world. Thus, they favor work situations where they can have a
great deal of autonomy. Compulsory tasks, deadlines, and schedules are
distasteful to them. They enjoy novelty and variety rather than
routine, repetitive assignments.
An INTP's involvement with something typically lasts until the INTP
understands it or until her/his interests shift to something else. For
this reason, INTPs usually do not fit well into jobs that ask for a
"Team player who can take an idea from conception to production." Such
jobs, in fact, require almost the very antithesis of the INTP
personality. Because of their tendency to change from one pursuit to
another to another, INTPs have been called ". . . the quintessential
Jacks (or Janes) of all trades and masters of none" (Kroeger and
Thuesen, _Type Talk_, p. 246).
Unfortunately, in the conventional world of work most of an INTP's
personality traits are seen not as assets but as liabilities, and many
INTPs appear to have difficulty finding compatible employment. Numerous
INTPs on the list report "job-hopping" from one position or career to
another as their interests change, or in pursuit of "something" they
want or like to do. Some attain satisfaction in this way, but not all
INTPs can make repetitive job changes. To earn a living in a society
which is predominantly SJ, INTPs often need to assume foreign personas
for at least part of their work day. Sometimes this is done at great
psychological cost.
Still, there are INTPs who have found occupational happiness. Many
INTPs enjoy working with computers, and a great number of subscribers to
the list are programmers, analysts, system administrators, or computer
consultants. INTPs who have the requisite credentials often find
satisfaction in the world of academia. Those who are not technically
inclined tend to other lines of work involving complex systems, such as
the law or psychology. INTPs can even be content as artists, writers,
or musicians; in each of these fields, their faculties for dealing with
intellectual intricacy can be put to use and challenged. On the INTP
Mailing List there are academics, lawyers, psychologists, artists,
writers, and musicians. There is also at least one stockbroker.
A few INTPs may choose to hold routine jobs that require little thought
and effort, to earn a subsistence income and devote their free time to
their "true" calling. This can be a viable option, at least for a while
(for example, it is well known that Albert Einstein--an archetypal INTP-
-developed his Special Theory of Relativity while holding a routine
civil service job in the Swiss Patent Office); as family
responsibilities increase, however, there can be both less free time and
a need for more than subsistence wages. Some INTPs have reported
success functioning in totally foreign environments by treating the many
rules and constraints as a complex "game."
It would seem that there is no "best" career or job for INTPs, and few
that are even reasonably suited. Perhaps the best advice is from Joseph
Campbell: "Follow your bliss." An INTP should not avoid a job he or
she might like simply because it seems unsuitable from a type
standpoint. Yet, neither should he/she expect to be able to exercise
all her/his gifts and to find complete fulfillment in only a
conventional occupation.
2.9 Are there any famous INTPs?
Determinations of another's type are usually speculative (see
question 3.14). However, some famous INTPs likely include Charles
Darwin, Rene Descartes, Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, Blaise
Pascal, and Socrates. Joe Butt's portrait of the INTP (see
question 2.3) contains a larger list.
3 The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
3.1 What is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a psychological instrument
developed by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers to help
individuals determine their particular personality type.
3.2 What do you mean by "personality type?"
An individual's "personality" is his or her overall pattern of behavior.
This includes internal behavior, such as thoughts and feelings, and
external behavior, such as ways of acting in certain circumstances or
ways of dealing with various people. Although each of us is a unique
individual, humans have been observing, characterizing, and grouping
other humans based on behavior since ancient times. This is a natural
activity that helps us make manageable sense out of the great variety of
behavior we encounter among the people we meet. For example, in the
fifth century BC, the Sicilian philosopher Empedocles spoke of four
bodily fluids, or "humors," which he believed influenced people to be
one of four kinds of person: melancholic, phlegmatic, choleric, or
sanguine. Today, some people find the Enneagram helpful in
understanding themselves or others. Many of us know individuals of whom
we say, "He is very outgoing," or "She is the meanest person I've ever
met." Any such characterization or grouping can be said to be a system
of personality typing.
In the first half of the twentieth century, the great Swiss psychiatrist
and psychoanalyst Carl Jung wrote extensively about this. Building on
Jung's work, Katharine Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers
developed their concept of sixteen personality types and created a
simple written instrument, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, to help an
individual determine his or her type.
3.3 How does this "Indicator" work? What is the theory behind it?
Human beings are constantly taking in and processing information. In
Jungian type theory, the action or "function" of our personalities by
which we take in information, or _perceive_ reality, is called the
"perceiving" function, and the action or function of our personalities
by which we process information, or _judge_ (make decisions about)
reality, is called the "judging" function. Jung maintained that humans
have two fundamentally different ways of taking in information (two
different perceiving functions), and two fundamentally different ways of
processing information (two different judging functions). The central
tenet of type theory is that each person develops a preference for using
one of the two perceiving functions and for using one of the two judging
functions. Individuals with similar preferences behave in similar ways;
individuals with different preferences behave in different ways.
3.4 What are the different perceiving and judging functions?
The two perceiving functions are "Sensing," in which one relies
primarily on one's five senses to take in information, and "iNtuition,"
in which one relies primarily on some "hunch" or "sixth sense." Those
who prefer the "Sensing" function to receive information are designated
"Sensors;" those who prefer the "iNtuition" function to receive
information are designated "iNtuitives."
The two judging functions are "Thinking," in which one relies primarily
on logic and reasoning to make decisions about the information one has
perceived, and "Feeling," in which one relies primarily on the effects
one's decisions will have on other people to make decisions about the
information one has perceived. Those who prefer the "Thinking" function
to process or make decisions about this information are designated
"Thinkers;" those who prefer the "Feeling" function to process or make
decisions about this information are designated "Feelers."
Thus, each individual falls into one of four groups or categories, and
is identified by the letters S or N and T or F: ST, SF, NT, or NF.
3.5 But this gives only two letters for each "type," not four, and
only four "types," not sixteen. Where do the other letters
come from?
Jung also noticed that most people have one of two preferences for
social interaction. Those who are enthused and energized by being with
people he called "Extraverts;" Extraverts are uncomfortable when they
are alone and spontaneously seek the company of others. Those who are
enthused and energized by being alone or with a few close friends he
called "Introverts;" Introverts are uncomfortable when they are with
other people and spontaneously seek solitude. Using the letter E to
designate Extraverts and the letter I to designate Introverts, the four
large groups become eight: EST, IST, ESF, ISF, ENT, INT, ENF, INF.
Myers and Briggs realized that most people prefer to use one of their
information-related functions--either their information-receiving
function (S or N) or their information-processing function (T or F) in
dealing with their external world. Those who prefer to use their
perceiving function to deal with their external world they called
"Perceivers" and designated by the letter P; those who prefer to use
their judging function to deal with their external world they called
"Judgers" and designated by the letter J.
This gives a total of sixteen groups, or types, into which most people
can fit. Arranged in a (traditional) "type table," the sixteen types
are:
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ
3.6 This all sounds like a lot of psychological mumbo-jumbo to me.
Is there any validity to it?
The MBTI is a widely respected psychological instrument that is
extensively used by government, business, and academic organizations, as
well as by counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists in private
practice. While there are other "systems" for categorizing personality
(see question 3.17), and the MBTI does have its critics, no other
"system" seems to have its interest and appeal.
Frequently on the INTP Mailing List, a newcomer will express surprise
(and, often, relief) that others on the list seem so like him or her
(occasionally after years of feeling alienated from "mainstream"
society). Or a subscriber will report that learning about the MBTI
finally allowed him or her to realize there is nothing "wrong" with the
way he or she is.
Ultimately, each of us must decide for ourselves how valid are the
insights into our personality offered by the MBTI.
3.7 Doesn't all this "categorizing" and "grouping" stereotype
people, and limit them based on someone else's preconceived
ideas?
It is impossible to conceptualize knowledge in any field without some
categorizing and grouping of the entities involved. As a field
develops, the results put forth by early workers are subject to
amendment or correction by others, until, gradually, the phenomena
described are trusted to accurately represent reality. In typology, the
reactions of many who have achieved insights into their own
personalities through the MBTI serve to bear out the theory.
More importantly, however, the MBTI never presumes to be anything
approaching a "final" answer to the mysteries of human personality.
Each person who takes the inventory is encouraged to read several or all
of the type descriptions to validate the instrument's results. And each
is told, explicitly, "You are the final arbiter of your own type." That
is, if the MBTI "says" you are INTP but you, after sufficient research
into and reflection on other types, feel that another type fits you
better, then you are free to decide you are that other type. MBTI
results can be affected by many factors, and should be considered one
component in an entire constellation of components that reveal one's
psychological type.
3.8 Does being a certain type mean my behavior is predetermined?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is an _indicator_; it is not an absolute
determiner of someone's personality and behavior. Furthermore, the MBTI
indicates _preferences_, i.e., how one likes to behave. Anyone at
anytime can choose to use an opposite preference.
Using an opposite preference is difficult and psychologically
exhausting, however. It cannot be done constantly. To understand this,
sign your name with the hand you normally use. Then, below the first
signature, sign your name with the other hand. Although you can use
your non-preferred hand, it takes effort (for some, much effort). And
the result is not as good.
3.9 Which type is most common?
According to Keirsey and Bates in _Please Understand Me_ (see question
3.17), the approximate percentages of people who have the various types
are:
ISTJ - 6% ISFJ - 6% INFJ - 1% INTJ - 1%
ISTP - 5% ISFP - 5% INFP - 1% INTP - 1%
ESTP - 13% ESFP - 13% ENFP - 5% ENTP - 5%
ESTJ - 13% ESFJ - 13% ENFJ - 5% ENTJ - 5%
According to Lawrence, _People Types & Tiger Stripes_ (see question
3.17), p. 39, the distribution of preferences is:
E - 70% I - 30%
S - 70% N - 30%
T - 60% F - 40% among males
T - 40% F - 60% among females
J - 55% P - 45%
Clearly, INTPs are among the rarest of the types.
3.10 Which type is best?
The type that you are [big grin]! In fact, all of the types are
worthwhile; there is no one best type. MBTI recognizes, accepts, and
celebrates the diversity among human beings. This philosophy is
reflected in the title of Isabel Briggs-Myers' book, _Gifts Differing_
(see question 3.17).
3.11 I sometimes see additional symbols used in someone's type
designation. What do these mean?
On the INTP Mailing List, some conventions are used for showing the
strengths of one's various preferences. A lower-case letter denotes a
weak preference relative to the other preferences; an asterisk _after_ a
(capitalized) preference denotes an extremely strong preference relative
to the other preferences. This system is set forth every two weeks in
the biographical list ("bio list") posting (see question 1.19). Thus
(from the biographical list),
InTP: weak N preference and moderate to strong preferences for I,T,P
IN*TP: extremely strong preference for N
IxTP: borderline N/S score; not clearly N or S
3.12 How does one develop a "type?" Is type inherited?
There are different views on this issue. Most authorities believe that
one's type develops as a combination of genetic factors and upbringing.
3.13 How do I take the MBTI? How do I find out my "type?"
The MBTI is published by Consulting Psychologists Press, Palo Alto, CA.
To prevent inappropriate, inaccurate, or unethical uses of the
instrument, only individuals who meet certain qualifications are
permitted to purchase it. Therefore, you must find such a person to
administer the MBTI to you. Many psychologists and counselors can do
this, and there are others who have the required training. For help
finding someone near you, contact the Association for Psychological
Type:
Association for Psychological Type
APT Headquarters
9140 Ward Parkway
Kansas City MO 64114
(816) 444-3500
Fax: (816) 444-0330
E-Mail: staff@aptcentral.org
http://www.aptcentral.org/aptfaq.htm
There are other "personality indicators" that can help you determine
your type. One of these is the "Keirsey Temperament Sorter," available
in the book _Please Understand Me_ (see question 3.17); an on-line
version can be found at http://sunsite.unc.edu/jembin/mb.pl. Although
not as thorough or accurate as the MBTI itself, many people have used it
and the type portraits given in the book to determine their type.
Another instrument is the "Duniho and Duniho Life Pattern Indicator"
(DDLI), which is only available on-line and can be found at
DDLI.html
As with the MBTI itself, users of these related instruments should
remember the cardinal rule of personality typing:
You are the final arbiter of your own type.
3.14 How can I find out someone else's type?
The best way to find out another person's type is to ask them. But this
is not always feasible. Some people whose type we might like to know
are not familiar with MBTI, and some people who know their type do not
wish to share it. (It is important to respect the wishes of those who
do not care to give this information.) Some people we cannot ask: what
was Abraham Lincoln's type, for example?
It is possible, though, to _estimate_ another person's type by carefully
observing their behavior (because personality manifests itself in
behavior). However, we can only see another's external behavior, not
their internal behavior (see question 3.2). Furthermore, unless their
behavior results from well-developed type preferences, we might not make
a correct determination; someone with a weak preference for introversion
or extraversion, for instance, might be mistaken for their opposite
type. And it is important to remember that the circumstances under
which we observe a person might cause them to behave differently than
they would prefer to behave, so that we might not be seeing their "real"
self. Thus, by observing someone we can pick up useful clues to their
personality type, but we can never be absolutely sure of it unless they
themselves tell us (and sometimes not even then: occasionally, someone
has a difficult time deciding on their _own_ type).
Perhaps the easiest characteristics to discern are introversion versus
extraversion and judging versus perceiving. Someone who often attends
parties and who obviously enjoys other people is almost certainly an
Extravert, while an individual who is usually seen alone in a corner
with a book or magazine is probably an Introvert. Judgers, who use
their judging (decision-making) function on their external world,
typically impose some sort of noticeable structure on that world by
their decisions. Often, this structure can be seen in their physical
surroundings or in their use of resources (such as time and money).
Thus, someone whose work and/or living areas are "neat," "tidy," or
organized is probably a Judger, as is a person who commonly seeks
finality or completion ("closure") in their external activities.
Judgers also are usually more concerned about "rules" and about
observing them, and about their personal appearance; a precise dresser
is more likely to be a Judger. Perceivers, who use their perceiving
(information-gathering) function on their external world, reserve
decision-making for their internal world. As a result, Perceivers take
a "live and let live" attitude toward their external world and are
frequently regarded as "disorganized" or "messy." Someone whose desk is
replete with piles of paper, magazines, and books, who seems casual and
unconcerned about time, money, personal appearance, or rules, is
probably a Perceiver. (Many Perceivers, however, while maligned as
"disorganized" because of their external behavior, can be quite
organized in their internal world of thoughts and ideas. This is
particularly true of INTPs.)
Determining the other attributes is more challenging, and requires a
good knowledge of the other person and of type theory. Otto Kroeger and
Janet M. Thuesen discuss determining other peoples' types in their very
helpful book, _Type Talk_ (see question 3.17).
3.15 Are there any famous people whose types are known?
A list of famous individuals (real and fictional) of various personality
types is available at
famous.types
But see question 3.14.
3.16 I have not taken an "official" MBTI. Can I be on the INTP
Mailing List?
Yes. See questions 1.4 and 1.5.
3.17 I want to find out more about all this. Can you list some
additional [insert category of reference here] on type?
3.17.1 Category of reference: [books]
Benfari, Robert, with Jean Knox. _Understanding Your Management Style:
Beyond the Myers-Briggs Type._ Lexington, MA: Lexington Books, 1991.
Bridges, William. _The Character of Organizations: Using Jungian Type
in Organizational Development._ Palo Alto, CA: Consulting
Psychologists Press, Inc., 1992.
Briggs-Myers, Isabel, and Peter Myers. _Gifts Differing._ Palo Alto,
CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc., 1980.
Corlett, Eleanor S., and Nancy B. Millner. _Navigating Midlife: Using
Typology as a Guide._ Palo Alto, CA: CPP Books, A Division of
Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc, 1993.
Jeffries, William C. _True to Type: Answers to the Most Commonly Asked
Questions About Interpreting the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator._
Norfolk, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc, 1991.
Jung, C.G. _Psychological Types_. In _Collected Works_, vol. 6,
translated by R. F. C. Hull. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University
Press, 1976.
Keirsey, David, and Marilyn Bates. _Please Understand Me: Character &
Temperament Types._ Third edition. Del Mar, CA: Prometheus Nemesis
Books, 1978.
Keirsey, David. _Portraits of Temperament_. Second edition. Del Mar,
CA: Prometheus Nemesis Books, 1991.
Kroeger, Otto, and Janet M. Thuesen. _16 Ways To Love Your Lover:
Understanding the 16 Personality Types So You Can Create a Love That
Lasts Forever._ New York: Delacorte Press, Bantam Doubleday Dell
Publishing Group, Inc., 1994.
Kroeger, Otto, and Janet M. Thuesen. _Type Talk at Work: How the 16
Personality Types Determine Your Success on the Job._ A Tilden Press
Book. New York: Delacorte Press, Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing
Group, Inc., 1992.
Kroeger, Otto, and Janet M. Thuesen. _Type Talk: The 16 Personality
Types That Determine How We Live, Love, and Work._ A Tilden Press
Book. A Delta Book. New York: Dell Publishing, a division of Bantam
Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc., 1988.
Lawrence, Gorden. _People Types & Tiger Stripes: A Practical Guide to
Learning Styles._ Second edition. Gainesville, FL: Center for
Applications of Psychological Type, Inc., 1982.
Quenk, Naomi L. _Beside Ourselves: Our Hidden Personality in Everyday
Life._ Palo Alto, CA: CPP Books, A Division of Consulting
Psychologists Press, Inc, 1993.
3.17.2 Category of reference: [Internet resources]
Discussions of various systems for categorizing personality take place
in the USENET newsgroup alt.psychology.personality.
A good entry point into World Wide Web resources on type is the home
page for the Association for Psychological Type, at
http://www.aptcentral.org
A wealth of information on type, including archives of the postings to
alt.psychology.personality, is available by anonymous ftp from
sunsite.unc.edu, in the directory
/pub/academic/psychology/alt.psychology.personality
This same information is available on the World Wide Web at
http://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/academic/psychology/alt.psychology.personality
For a readable set of type descriptions, see
http://sacam.oren.ortn.edu/~jabutt/profiles/profiles.html