Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Physicists

[hddnvariables]

Although it's not my area of expertise I sometimes like to delve into a bit of Psychology. I came across the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator(mbti) a while ago and liked finding connections between it and other areas such as political affiliation. I was wondering if anyone here thought that there was any correlation between mbti and going into science as a career. I guess an xNTx(the Intellectuals) would probably be the best in this area as they are often viewed as logical. The low number of this group compared to the overall population would probably also explain why the sciences aren't as popular as some other careers. I am an INTJ so I might be kind of biased here. Any thoughts?

 

[lisab]

We had a thread on that in General Discussion. Check out the poll:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=531612

 

[micromass]

The Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator has been criticized a lot: http://www.skepdic.com/myersb.html
I tend to agree with the criticism. It's sad how many people still use such a flawed test.

 

[Evo]

The Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator has been criticized a lot: http://www.skepdic.com/myersb.html
I tend to agree with the criticism. It's sad how many people still use such a flawed test.

I've always considered it as one of those fun tests you take like "Do I have a tapeworm" or "Is my cat trying to kill me". It doesn't mean anything. Well, except having a tapeworm could be bad.

I agree people should not take these tests seriously, they're for entertainment, even though some people try to pretend they're not.

 

[LudusRex]

I appreciate your interest in exploring connections between the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the field of science. However, it is important to note that the MBTI is not a scientifically validated personality assessment tool and has been heavily criticized for its lack of empirical evidence. Therefore, any correlations between MBTI types and career choices should be taken with a grain of salt.

That being said, it is possible that certain personality traits, such as being logical and analytical, may be more prevalent in individuals who are drawn to careers in science. However, it is important to recognize that there is a wide range of personalities and traits within the scientific community, and being a successful scientist does not necessarily require a specific MBTI type.

Additionally, the low number of individuals with xNTx personalities in the overall population does not necessarily mean that they are underrepresented in the field of science. It is important to consider other factors, such as access to education and opportunities, that may play a role in career choices.

In conclusion, while it is interesting to explore potential connections between the MBTI and career choices, it is important to approach this topic with caution and recognize that it is not a scientifically validated tool. As scientists, we should rely on evidence-based assessments and not put too much weight on personality tests when it comes to predicting career choices.