4G and Myers Briggs/MBTI
Myers Briggs (or MBTI) is possibly the most popular psychometric is use today and there is no shortage of people who write about this model. Given, however, some of the similarities between Myers and 4G, people often ask what the key differences are. In essence, 4G introduces the idea of Social Relationships and more specifically, a framework which outlines optimal relationship combinations. The following re-written extract is taken from the Myers Briggs site and hopefully highlights this point. The italics show the changes added whilst the original is shown below.
Type differences in relationships can be a source of growth and/or conflict. However, within 4G, there are a number of ideal or more successful combinations of types in relationships than others.
The original from the Myers Briggs site follows.
Type differences in relationships can be a source of growth and/or conflict. However, there are no best or more successful combinations of types in relationships.
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Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Results differ from all other instruments in that it is not trait based. Other instruments measure how much of some trait someone exhibits or possesses. The MBTI results show what ways of getting energy (Extraversion-Introversion), taking in information (Sensing or Intuiting), making decisions (Thinking or Feeling), or attitude toward external circumstances (Judging or Perceiving) that an individual prefers. It does not measure strength or ability or behaviors.
When a number is attached to a reported preference, it simply describes the consistency in response when choosing that preference. Someone may have the lowest “score” possible and still be quite clear that their preference is for making decisions based on logic (Thinking), for instance. It does not describe how accurate their logic is or is not nor how much they use it.
The MBTI reported type code is a beginning point for people to determine their “best fit” type. They may behave differently from what their preferences are. Life is that way. Work demands we use aspects of ourselves that are not our favorite use of time. That’s true in other aspects of our lives as well. Therefore, MBTI is not predictive of future behaviors.
That’s one reason why there is no best pairing of people in significant relationships according to MB Type Code alone. There are benefits and challenges no matter who we partner with. Granted some are easier than others.
I assume that 4G measures traits or behaviors which can predict how successful a relationship can be. Not so with Myers-Briggs.
I enjoy the discussion!
Comment by Meg Ellis — 15/7/2005 @ 10:36 pm
Like mother, like daughter. Geoffrey.
Comment by Geoffrey — 27/10/2006 @ 6:05 pm