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Published: 01:59 BST, 29 September 2018 | Updated: 01:59 BST, 29 September 2018
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You probably think you know exactly what sort of person you are: sensitive or
detached, calm or hot-headed, a leader or a follower.
But are you really so sure? Many experts say we’re bad at assessing this information
ourselves — and that how others see us may be totally different.
That’s why personality tests can be useful — helping you to understand everything from
why you don’t get on with certain colleagues to why things that appear perfectly
reasonable to you seem odd to your friends.
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Researchers claim a new computer-based personality test helped them to sort people
into four distinct types
Earlier this month, researchers claimed that a computer-based personality test helped
them to sort people into four distinct types of personality.
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The test was first developed in the Forties and it has been constantly improved ever
since, in the belief that understanding their personality type means people can make
better choices.
Indeed, it is considered so effective, it’s been used by the RAF and 79 per cent of FTSE
100 firms to discover how to get the best from their employees.
The multiple-choice questions tell you which of 16 types of person you are, identified
by four metrics that tell you if you are an introvert or extrovert; are imaginative or
logical; prefer to make decisions based on emotion or fairness; and like to live life off-
the-cuff or meticulously planned.
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The test is similar to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which also assesses test-
takers on four areas (file photo)
Unless you’ve worked for a large company, it’s unlikely you’d know your own type.
But now, thanks to an exclusive quiz devised for the Mail by an expert in Myers-Briggs
testing, you can find out. Prepare to unlock the most amazing secrets of your
personality...
Each of the following four numbered sections allows you to find out about a different
aspect of your personality.
For each question, choose one option — A, B, C or D. Based on the letter you choose
most commonly, write your overall answer in the space provided.
By the end of the questions, you will have chosen one of 16 personality types (see box).
This test measures whether you are a ‘people person’ (an ‘Extrovert’) or prefer to be by
yourself (an ‘Introvert’).
How do you prefer to ‘recharge your batteries’ at the end of the day?
b) Going on Facebook, playing music, phoning friends — often lots of things at the
same time.
b) I enjoy the buzz and the atmosphere, but it’s distracting if I need to concentrate.
b) Start talking and discussing my ideas — I won’t know what the answer is until I’ve
talked it through.
c) Think the question through properly and not answer till I’m ready.
d) I’d prefer to think through the question before I answer, but I know that sometimes
people want a quick reply, so I often panic and start talking.
a) Really look forward to it and then have lots of fun once I am there.
I AM:
People who prefer ‘Extroversion’ get their energy from interacting with other and focus
their attention on the outside world.
They tend to act first, then reflect later. They typically prefer to talk through problems,
learn best by discussing or doing and have a breadth of different interests.
People who prefer ‘Introversion’ get their energy from contemplation and focus their
attention on their inner world.
They tend to reflect first, then act later. They typically prefer to think through problems,
learn best by reflection and have deep interests in a small number of areas.
2. ARE YOU DRIVEN BY FACTS OR IMAGINATION?
This tests whether you rely on practical solutions and hard facts (called ‘Sensing’ by the
test-makers) or are creative and imaginative (called ‘Intuition’ by the test-makers).
a) Read through the instructions carefully first and then follow them step-by-step.
b) Check before I start that all the parts are there and I have everything I need.
d) I do follow the instructions, but only because I know that otherwise, things might go
wrong.
I AM:
People who prefer ‘Sensing’ rely on solid information they gather from their direct
experience.
They focus on what is real and observable, look at facts and details and enjoy what is
happening in the moment. They value practical application over theory.
People who prefer ‘Intuition’ rely on imaginative insights, patterns and meanings, rather
than what experience tells them.
They focus on the ‘big picture’ and possibilities, look at ideas and search for meaning,
and enjoy anticipating the future. They value concepts even if they have no immediate
practical worth.
This tests whether you can make impersonal choices with ease (called ‘Thinking’ by the
test-makers) or are swayed by your feelings (called ‘Feeling’ by the test-makers).
a) Research all the facts and figures and make a detailed list of pros and cons.
d) Buy something that fits with my values or that will make my family or friends happy.
One of your best friends starts a relationship with someone you really dislike — and
then asks you what you think of their new partner. What would you do?
a) Be truthful and direct about what I think: after all, they asked.
c) Trying not to hurt their feelings, be tactful, but still somewhat honest with them.
d) Avoid hurting their feelings, even if this means not telling the truth.
When you do a job or carry out a task, what do you most like to be appreciated or
recognised for?
You come back to a friend’s house with them after lunch — and it’s been burgled. What
are you most likely to say first?
b) ‘Right, let me help. Shall I ring the police? Has anything been taken? What’s
insured?’
When you need to make a difficult decision, what is most important to you?
a) Taking account of the big picture and all the possible outcomes and then making an
objective, logical decision.
b) Taking account of all the facts, so that I can make the most logical decision.
c) Taking account of my own beliefs and values, so that I do the right thing.
d) Taking account of the impact that my decision will have on other people.
I AM:
People who prefer ‘Thinking’ like to make decisions based on logic and impersonal
criteria.
They focus on cause and effect reasoning and tend to look for flaws in the logic of
others’ arguments, so that they can reach the correct solution.
When they are dealing with people, they try to apply consistent principles.
People who prefer ‘Feeling’ like to make decisions based on their personal values. They
focus on maintaining harmony with others and tend to look for common ground in order
to reach a solution that works for everybody.
This tests whether you prefer to follow a structured plan (called ‘Judging’ by the test-
makers) or are someone spontaneous (called ‘Perceiving’ by the test-makers).
b) If you don’t know where you’re going, you won’t get anywhere.
c) If you don’t know where you’re going, you might end up somewhere very
interesting.
a) Usually on the same day each week, with a set list of items, and using the same
supermarket or online shop.
c) There is meant to be a regular day, though I sometimes change my mind and do extra
trips.
How do you feel when your local supermarket reorganises its layout?
b) It’s a little off-putting to begin with, until I change the order in which I shop.
Which word best describes what you feel like when you have to follow a schedule or
plan?
a) Happy.
b) Reassured.
c) Uneasy.
d) Unhappy.
I AM:
People who prefer ‘Judging’ like to live in an organised and methodical way. They like
to get things decided, tick these off their list and move on. They enjoy planning and
prefer to work within a structure. Most dislike working under time pressures.
People who prefer ‘Perceiving’ like to live in a spontaneous, flexible way. They like to
keep their options open and try not to make a decision until they need to. They enjoy
going with the flow, rather than being constrained by a plan. Most find last-minute time
pressures energising and motivating.
This quiz has been a taster of what personality questionnaires can tell us about
ourselves.
If you would like to find out more about your Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
personality type, you can take the full assessment online by visiting: mbtionline.com
Please quote the promotional code ‘DailyMail’ for 20 per cent off the list price before
October 20.
You should now have four answers that make up your personality type. Take the first
letter from each — for instance, if you were an Extroverted, Sensing, Thinking,
Perceiver, then you’d be an ESTP — and have a look at the descriptions on the right to
find out what kind of person you are...
ISTJ — RESPONSIBLE REALIST
You are thorough, observant and logical, good at analysing and organising things
efficiently, and tend to be reserved.
You are responsible, loyal and considerate, good at organising, and are patient and
understanding.
You are imaginative, idealistic and compassionate and can be a little intense.
You are innovative, logical and good at strategising. You are insightful and reflective,
but can be demanding.
You are an independent trouble-shooter who adapts well to things and is good at
remaining objective.
You are a modest type who is caring and accommodating. You are observant, practical
and spontaneous.
You are imaginative and empathetic and like developing ideas. Despite being a bit
contained, you are spontaneous and flexible.
You are a sceptic who likes logic and theory, but is insightful and innovative. You can
be a bit detached and don’t have a problem challenging things.
You are outgoing, enthusiastic and practical. You’re realistic and observant and can go
with the flow.
You are a sociable, playful type who is resourceful, adaptable and tolerant.
You are enthusiastic, flexible and imaginative and good at planning and analysing.
You’re not afraid to be outspoken or challenging.
You are a realist who is assertive and efficient and has no trouble making decisions.
You are a warm person who is accepting of others and is outgoing, decisive and
practical.
You are empathetic, diplomatic and imaginative. You are expressive and work well with
others.
You are a confident and questioning person who gets straight to the point and comes up
with innovative solutions, while remaining objective.