Understanding MBTI Test Variability: Why My Results Changed from INFJ to INFP
The world of personality typing, particularly through tests like the 16 Personalities quiz and the MBTI model, can sometimes be perplexing. As someone who experienced a change in personality type from INFJ to INFP, I set out to understand why such variability occurs and what it means for self-discovery.
Why Does 16 Personalities Differ from MBTI?
The 16 Personalities quiz is often thought to be an MBTI test, but it's more complex than that. While it draws from the MBTI framework, it integrates the Big Five personality traits, labeling them with MBTI terms. However, the questions themselves are not strictly aligned with MBTI criteria. According to the 16 Personalities website, cognitive functions play a significant role in personality typing, which adds a layer of complexity to the interpretation of results.
Variability in Test Results
It's not uncommon for test results to vary, even within the same framework. In my case, I took the 16 Personalities quiz on two separate occasions in the same year and received different results: INFJ in 2023, but INFP in 2024. Here are some potential explanations for this variability:
Changing Perspective and Understanding
The first reason for variability is the evolution of one's self-perception over time. As I mentioned, I experienced a shift from INFJ to ENFJ, and later from ENFJ to INFP. These changes are an indication that your own understanding of yourself is fluid and can vary based on life experiences and personal growth. Each time you take the test, you might have a different perspective on yourself, leading to varying results.
Test Evolution and Adjustment
The second reason for variability is the evolution of the test itself. Over the years, the test developers may update questions or refine algorithms to better reflect the underlying patterns of personality. There is an ongoing process of data collection and analysis to improve the accuracy and reliability of the results. This means that even if you answer the same questions, the context in which those questions are presented may have changed, leading to different results.
Interpreting Your Results
It's important to note that these tests are not an absolute measure of your personality. They are tools intended to provide insights and facilitate self-understanding. In my case, I continued to return to INFJ as my preferred type, yet the INFP test also resonated with me. For self-development purposes, these tests can be useful, but they should not definitively tell you who you are.
Personality Types: INFP and INFJ
INFP and INFJ are both introverted, empathetic, and idealistic personality types. While they share many similarities, there are distinct differences that can be observed through their cognitive functions and behavior patterns. I found that as I grew older, the traits of INFP became more pronounced in me, while the INFJ traits still resonate with me, albeit in a different context.
Frank James on YouTube: A Fun Guide
To better understand these personality types, I found Frank James on YouTube to be a helpful resource. His explanations are clear and engaging, making the complex aspects of personality types more accessible. Watching these videos can help you gain a deeper understanding of the nuances between different personality types.
Conclusion
Personality test results can be fluid and can change over time. The variability in results is not unusual and can be attributed to changes in self-perception and the evolution of the tests themselves. Understanding the differences between INFP and INFJ, and using these tests for self-discovery rather than as definitive answers, can lead to a more nuanced and accurate understanding of yourself.