What is Myers-Briggs Type Indicator?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment is a psychometric questionnaire designed to measure psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions.
What does it have to do with Hogwarts?
We all know that students are sorted according to personality traits, that the Sorting Hat looks into at the beginning of one's school career. This is pretty much what the MBTI does as well; people with same psychological preferences have a "type" that, while they may vary and differ on a detailed level, show that groups of a certain type overall have the same psychological preferences. Sounds familiar, right?
So what are the types?
There are, in total, sixteen MBTI types. Each of these types as a certain function-combination (NT - Intuition/Thinking. ST - Sensing/Thinking. SF - Sensing/Feeling. NF - Intuition/Feeling.) The types are;
INTP : the Architects.
INTJ : the Masterminds.
ENTP : the Inventors.
ENTJ : the Fieldmarshals.
ISTP : the Crafters.
ISTJ : the Inspectors.
ESTP : the Promoters.
ESTJ : the Supervisors.
ISFJ : the Protectors.
ISFP : the Composers.
ESFJ : the Providers.
ESFP : the Performers.
INFJ : the Counselors.
INFP : the Healers.
ENFJ : the Teachers.
ENFP : the Champions.
Looks complicated, what does that mean?
It's really rather simple. The I-E lets you know if the type is introverted, or extraverted. N-S means intuition (looking for answers by reading between the lines, "just knowing" things, and "bigger picture" thinking) or sensing (seeing things how they are, working with facts, and "detailed oriented" thinking.) Then there's T-F, which indicates thinking or feeling; does the type make decisions based on thinking, analytical and logical assessment, or through feeling, doing what feels right at the time. Finally, there's P-J that indicates whether the type is perceiving or judging; perceiving types just "do whatever," unscheduled, unorganised, they improvise, while judging types assess situations beforehand and make plans, prefer to have control of a situation and not stand for a surprise.
Fair enough, so how do I know which type I am?
You see above that I already sorted the types in their respective house, so now I'll just go into detail with keywords that indicates the types;
slytherin
the Architects (INTP) : loner, disorganized, messy, observer, private, can't describe feelings easily, detached, unemotional, rule breaker, avoidant, sceptical, acts without consulting others, abrupt, fantasy prone, frequently loses things, acts without planning, guarded, not punctual, does not compromise, hard to persuade, relies on mind more than on others, calm.
Analytical Thinkers are reserved, quiet persons. They like to get to the bottom of things - curiosity is one of their strongest motives. They want to know what holds the world together deep down inside. They do not really need much more to be happy because they are modest persons. Many mathematicians, philosophers and scientists belong to this type. Analytical Thinkers loathe contradictions and illogicalness; with their sharp intellect, they quickly and comprehensively grasp patterns, principles and structures. They are particularly interested in the fundamental nature of things and theoretical findings; for them, it is not necessarily a question of translating these into practical acts or in sharing their considerations with others. Analytical Thinkers like to work alone; their ability to concentrate is more marked than that of all other personality types. They are open for and interested in new information.
the Masterminds (INTJ) : loner, not altruistic, not complimentary, would rather be friendless than jobless, observer, perfectionist, detached, private, hidden, sceptical, does not like most people, not physically affectionate, does not talk about feelings, hard to impress, analytical, pessimistic, not spontaneous, guarded, responsible, can be insensitive or ambivalent to the misfortunes of others, orderly, clean, organized, suspicious of others, rarely shows anger, punctual, finisher, prepared.
Independent Thinkers are analytical and witty persons. They are normally self-confident and do not let themselves get worked up by conflicts and criticism. They are very much aware of their own strengths and have no doubts about their abilities. People of this personality type are often very successful in their career as they have both competence and purposefulness. Independent Thinkers are excellent strategists; logic, systematics and theoretical considerations are their world. They are eager for knowledge and always endeavour to expand and perfect their knowledge in any area which is interesting for them. Abstract thinking comes naturally to them.
the Inventors (ENTP) : risk taker, easy going, outgoing, social, open, rule breaker, life of the party, comfortable in unfamiliar situations, disorganized, talented at presentation, aggressive, attention seeking, insensitive, adaptable, not easily offended, messy, carefree, dangerous, fearless, careless, emotionally stable, spontaneous, improviser, player, dominant, acts without thinking.
Groundbreaking Thinkers are charming, enthusiastic persons. They really bubble over with energy and like to take centre stage. They love variety both professionally and privately. Groundbreaking Thinkers tackle changes consistently with their optimism and firm belief in their own abilities; they are always on the look-out for improvement possibilities. Their excellent communication skills are of great advantage to them here. They approach the world with curiosity and openness and master new situations with a great deal of talent for improvising and with resourcefulness. Their spare time is taken up with a large number of hobbies; most Groundbreaking Thinkers like to travel in order to gather as many different impressions as possible. This personality type is unbeatable at discovering new possibilities.
the Fieldmarshals (ENTJ) : decisive, fearless, planner, engaged, social, self centered, comfortable around others, image conscious, likes to be center of attention, outgoing, manipulative, emotionally stable, leader, ambitious, hard working, dominant, prepared, hates to be bored, confident, opinionated, analytical, prepares for worst case scenarios, organized, orderly, clean, driven, resourceful, achieving, risk taker, desires acclaim, arrogant, perfectionist, driven, critical, avoids giving in to others, does not like to compromise, sceptical.
Dynamic Thinkers are confident and independent persons. They radiate enthusiasm and energy. Dynamic Thinkers pursue their objectives actively and energetically. They love nothing better than new challenges. This type is the born leader, competent, energetic and responsible. They have a sharp eye for errors and can criticise without mercy if they see the success of a project endangered. They are completely unconcerned as to whether they alienate anyone in the process. But they are always open to objective arguments; they love discussions, they are very gifted rhetorically and they are good at convincing and enthusing others.
ravenclaw
the Crafters (ISTP) : hidden, private, has trouble describing feelings, not very affectionate, loner, can be insensitive to the misfortunes of others, disorganized, messy, fears drawing attention to self, anti-tattoos, not comfortable in unfamiliar situations, avoidant, rather unemotional, does not like attention, more interested in intellectual pursuits than relationships or family, hermetic, not complimentary, dislikes leadership, more submissive than domineering.
Individualistic Doers are self-assured and very independent people. They are quiet and realistic, very rational, extremely matter of fact people. They strongly cultivate their individualism and enjoy applying their abilities to new tasks. But they are also very spontaneous and impulsive persons who like to follow their sudden inspirations. Individualistic Doers are good and precise observers who register everything which goes on around them. However, they are not so sensitive as regards interpersonal relations and are surprised when they occasionally rub someone up the wrong way with their direct and blunt manner. They are not particularly fond of obligations; but if you give them space, they are uncomplicated, sociable and cheerful individuals.
the Inspectors (ISTJ) : responsible, planner, private, loner, perfectionist, organized, detail oriented, organized, would rather be friendless than jobless, realistic, observer, clean, focused, does not talk about feelings, finisher, punctual, private, does not appreciate strangeness, not adventurous, not spontaneous, follows the rules, dutiful, avoids mistakes, conventional, likes solitude, insensitive to the hardships of others, prepared, anti-tattoos, thinks rules are important, cautious, security seeking, prepares for worst case scenarios, logical, analytical, does not accept apologies easily, hard working.
Reliable Realists are down-to-earth and responsible-minded. They are precise, reserved and demanding. Their most prominent quality is reliability and they will always make every effort to keep any promise given. Reliable Realists are more quiet and serious persons, they do not talk a lot but they are good listeners. They sometimes seem reserved and distant to outsiders although they often have a great deal of wit and esprit. Their strong points are thoroughness, a marked sense of justice, doggedness bordering on pigheadedness and a pragmatic, vigorous and purposeful manner. Reliable Realists do not dither about if something has to be done. They do what is necessary without wasting words.
the Promotors (ESTP) : content, emotionally stable, outgoing, social, group oriented, finisher, does not like to be alone, open, decisive, likes external praise, likes to be center of attention, frequently joking, adjusts easily, likes crowds, self confident, neutral moods, good at getting people to have fun, disorganized, messy, talented at presentation, not easily annoyed, does not like to be alone, enjoys crude jokes, likes to lead, likes sports, risk taker, tends to dominate conversations, fearless, can handle criticism, hard to discourage.
Energetic Doers are cheerful and spontaneous persons. They are charming and full of energy and real persons of action. They keep a clear head and the overview even in difficult situations. This makes them popular problem solvers. Their ability of being able to absorb and process information is phenomenal. Energetic Doers also have strong powers of observation and a keen sense when dealing with other people. They are very perceptive, witty and clever. They have a natural ability of convincing others of their point of view. Energetic Doers live completely in the here and now and make spontaneous decisions from one moment to the next. They love being together with other people and are sensuous, lively and amusing conversationalists. It is no problem for them to be the effervescent centre of attention at a party and they are generous, skilful and good hosts. They do not brood over consequences for long; they quickly grasp all the relevant facts, make a pragmatic decision and enforce that decision vigorously. Should a decision later turn out to have been wrong, one can always make new plans.
the Supervisors (ESTJ) : organized, group oriented, focused, conventional, leader, emotionally stable, anal retentive, planner, realistic, fearless, responsible, finisher, decisive, norm following, respects authority, punctual, hard working, stiff, self confident, thinks rules and regulations are important, follows the rules, clean, outgoing, social, content, does not like being alone, does not like weird or strange people / things - intolerant of differences, strict, disciplined, aggressive, assertive, content, happy, proper, formal, strict with self, meticulous, strong sense of purpose.
Determined Realists like to bear responsibility and welcome challenges. They are stable, reliable persons. External contacts are very important to them; they mix well and are very active. They are excellent organisers and are very happy when things are done correctly and punctually; they can quickly react impatiently if others are not as conscientious, orderly and dutiful as they are. They prefer structured work which produces visible results quickly to abstract, long-drawn-out processes. Determined Realists have no problem with routine as long as it serves efficiency. However, they very much dislike unexpected and unpredictable occurrences which mess up their careful plans. Once they have committed themselves to a cause they do this with dedication and are willing to make considerable sacrifices for it.
hufflepuff
the Protectors (ISFJ) : follows the rules, polite, fears drawing attention to self, dislikes competition, somewhat easily frightened, easily offended, timid, dutiful, private, finisher, organized, socially uncomfortable, modest, not confrontational, easily hurt, observer, prone to crying, not spontaneous, intolerant to differences, apprehensive, clean, planner, prone to confusion, afraid of many things, responsible, guarded, avoidant, anxious, cautious, suspicious, more interested in relationships and family than intellectual pursuits, not adventurous, fears doing the wrong thing, dislikes change.
Good-natured Realists are warm-hearted, helpful personalities. They do their work conscientiously and have a pronounced organising talent. They often feel they are committed to traditional values. The family in particular is extremely important to Good-natured Realists. Their greatest pleasure is making themselves useful and taking care of other people. But they do not like pushing themselves to the fore; they prefer to fulfil their tasks out of the limelight. Good-natured Realists are real workaholics; they are very reliable and nothing is too much for them when it is a question of completing a project. Thoroughness, conscientiousness and sense of duty are their strongest points. They prefer established and familiar situations to new and unknown situations.
the Composers (ISFP) : disorganized, timid, easily discouraged, socially uncomfortable, does not like leadership, suggestible, not self confident, not aggressive, fearful, anxious, easily distracted, guarded, not confrontational, can be overwhelmed by unpleasant feelings, easily disturbed, fears drawing attention to self, prone to confusion, private, second guesses self, prone to quitting, underachiever, fears rejection in relationships, emotionally moody, prone to sadness, dislikes change, indecisive, modest, doubting.
Sensitive Doers are gentle, modest and reserved persons. They cope well with everyday life and like their privacy. With their quiet, optimistic nature, they are also good, sought-after listeners and other people feel well in their company. All in all, this type is the most likeable and friendliest of all personality types. Tolerance and heir regard for others distinguish their personality. They are very caring, generous and always willing to help. They are open to and interested in everything that is new or unknown to them. However, if their inner value system or their sense of justice is hurt, Sensitive Doers can suddenly and surprisingly become forceful and assertive.
the Providers (ESFJ) : does not like being alone, thinks life has purpose/meaning, organized, outgoing, social, intolerant of differences, open, easy to read, values relationships and families over intellectual pursuits, group oriented, follows the rules, affectionate, planner, orderly, clean, finisher, consults others before acting, content, positive, complimentary, dutiful, loving, considerate, altruistic.
Social Realists are popular persons full of energy. They are reliable, well organized and helpful. Traditional values are important to them. Founding a family also plays a central role in their life. Social Realists have a marked social streak. They are always ready to listen to the worries and problems of others and spare no effort when they are asked for help. With empathy and understanding, they can sense what other people need. Social Realists are always willing to highly regard the strong points of the other person and to excuse that persons weaknesses. They are the most sociable of all personality types. Social contacts are very important to them.
the Performers (ESFP) : outgoing, social, group oriented, does not like to be alone, feels at ease around others, conventional, talkative, modest, good at getting people to have fun, values relationships and family over intellectual pursuits, open, spontaneous, underachieving, at times unprepared, emotional, suggestible, at times easy to impress, not analytical, disorganized, prone to crying, likes to be center of attention, happy, trusts others, can be influenced more by others than self, can be touchy feely, feels the emotions of others, likes teamwork, guided by moods.
Laid-back Doers are friendly, happy persons. They enjoy being together with other people. Smart, eloquent, witty and charming, they like to be the centre of attraction. They do not like to be alone. Their zest for life ensures that others feel well in their company and that they quickly get to know people. Laid-back Doers get the best out of every moment - many people of this type have a gift for making their whole life one big party. Boredom is unknown in their presence because they are very good at carrying others away with their enthusiasm, their good mood and their optimism.
gryffindor
the Counselors (INFJ) : creative, smart, focus on fantasy more than reality, fears doing the wrong thing, observer, avoidant, fears drawing attention to self, anxious, cautious, easily offended, private, easily hurt, emotionally moody, perfectionist, values solitude, guarded, does not like crowds, organized, second guesses self, focuses on peoples hidden motives, prone to crying, not competitive, not spontaneous, prone to sadness, longs for a stabilizing relationship, fears rejection in relationships, frequently worried, prone to intimidation, strict with self.
Harmony-seeking Idealists are characterised by a complex personality and an abundance of thoughts and feelings. They are warm-hearted persons by nature. They are sympathetic and understanding. Harmony-seeking Idealists expect a lot of themselves and of others. They have a strong understanding of human nature and are often very good judges of character. But they are mostly reserved and confide their thoughts and feelings to very few people they trust. They are deeply hurt by rejection or criticism. Harmony-seeking Idealists find conflict situations unpleasant and prefer harmonious relationships. However, if reaching a certain target is very important to them they can assert themselves with a doggedness bordering on obstinacy.
the Healers (INFP) : creative, smart, idealist, loner, disorganized, avoidant, can be overwhelmed by unpleasant feelings, prone to quitting, ambivalent of the rules, solitary, focus on fantasies, acts without planning, low self confidence, emotionally moody, frequently losing things, prone to sadness, disorderly, observer, easily distracted, does not like crowds, acts without thinking, private, uncomfortable around others, sometimes can't control fearful thoughts, prone to crying, regretful, submissive, easily discouraged, second guesses self, not punctual, unprepared, easily confused, irresponsible, pessimistic.
Dreamy Idealists are very cautious and therefore often appear shy and reserved to others. They share their rich emotional life and their passionate convictions with very few people. But one would be very much mistaken to judge them to be cool and reserved. They have a pronounced inner system of values and clear, honourable principles for which they are willing to sacrifice a great deal. Joan of Arc or Sir Galahad would have been good examples of this personality type. Dreamy Idealists are always at great pains to improve the world. They can be very considerate towards others and do a lot to support them and stand up for them. They are interested in their fellow beings, attentive and generous towards them. Once their enthusiasm for an issue or person is aroused, they can become tireless fighters.
the Teachers (ENFJ) : outgoing, social, attention seeking, emotional, loving, organized, comfortable around others, involved, open, hyperactive, complimentary, punctual, considerate, altruistic, easily hurt, neat, content, positive, affectionate, image conscious, good at getting people to have fun, easily excited, perfectionist, assertive, ambitious, leader, hard working, seductive, touchy, group oriented.
Engaged Idealists are extroverted and helpful. Others find them to be very congenial and inspiring - especially as they are always willing to see the best in the other person. Their humour, their energy and their optimism attract other people. Engaged Idealists are very good at communicating and are good at convincing and firing on others. That is why it is a matter of course that they often take over the leading role in groups. This personality type often produces very charismatic persons.
the Champions (ENFP) : outgoing, social, disorganized, easily talked into doing silly things, spontaneous, wild and crazy, acts without thinking, good at getting people to have fun, pleasure seeking, irresponsible, physically affectionate, risk taker, adventurous, unprepared, attention seeking, hyperactive, irrational, loves crowds, rule breaker, prone to losing things, seductive, easily distracted, open, revealing, comfortable in unfamiliar situations, not punctual, likes to stand out, likes to try new things, fun seeker, unconventional, energetic, impulsive, empathetic, dangerous, loving, prone to fantasy.
Spontaneous Idealists are creative, lively and open-minded persons. They are humorous and dispose of a contagious zest for life. Their enthusiasm and sparkling energy inspires others and sweeps them along. They enjoy being together with other people and often have an uncanny intuition for their motivations and potential. Spontaneous Idealists are masters of communication and very amusing and gifted entertainers. Fun and variety are guaranteed when they are around. However, they are sometimes somewhat too impulsive in dealing with others and can hurt people without really meaning to do so, due to their direct and sometimes critical nature.
Wait, that means I can only play a character of one house?
No, not at all. Since it's not you, but the character, they can behave in a different way, but one type of cognitive function has to be similar. For instance, an NT player, which are the Slytherins, can pull off a NF (Gryffindor) or ST (Ravenclaw) character, but usually never an SF (Hufflepuff) character, because the cognitive functions are complete opposites. There is the "shadow functions" you can appeal to, but trust me, it's really hard.
This means;
A Slytherin can be sorted both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw.
A Ravenclaw can be sorted both Hufflepuff and Slytherin.
A Hufflepuff can be sorted both Ravenclaw and Gryffindor.
A Gryffindor can be sorted both Slytherin and Hufflepuff.
Well, wow, this seems easier than I initially thought!
Mind you, the MBTI is very complex, and I left out things that weren't exceedingly relevant to this documentation. There is plenty of information about the MBTI, about cognitive functions, and it goes a lot deeper than this, but this was just the "lay-down." For more information, I'd like to direct you to wikipedia or even similar minds for an MBTI test.
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