'The Test Said I'm a Feeler, But I'm a Thinker!'
Let’s start here: you are not going crazy. You click ‘submit’ on the test, wait for the page to load, and the four letters that appear feel... wrong. Like a stranger’s coat someone draped over your shoulders. The screen says you lead with your heart, but your entire life experience screams that you lead with your head. That dissonance is real, and it's exhausting.
Our emotional anchor, Buddy, would want you to hear this first: That wasn't confusion; that was your internal compass telling you something was off. This is more than just an 'mbti test mistype'; it’s a moment where a simplistic online quiz has tried to invalidate your lived reality. The feeling that the 'test thinks I'm a feeler' when you identify as a thinker is one of the most frequent points of friction we see.
It’s okay to trust your gut over the algorithm. The test didn't capture the nuance of your internal world—how you build intricate logical systems in your mind or how you value truth above harmony. So, take a deep breath. Let’s set aside the frustrating label for a moment. We're not here to argue with a test; we're here to understand you.
The Core Difference: How Do You Decide What's 'True'?
As our sense-maker Cory would say, 'Let’s look at the underlying pattern here.' The INTP vs. INFP confusion is one of the most classic and common reasons for mbti mistype because online tests struggle to measure the process of decision-making. They only see the outcome. The real distinction lies in your dominant cognitive functions: Introverted Thinking (Ti) for the INTP and Introverted Feeling (Fi) for the INFP.
Introverted Thinking (Ti) is a framework-builder. Its primary goal is to create an internal model of the world that is perfectly logical and consistent. When a Ti user encounters new information, the question isn't 'Do I like this?' but 'Does this make sense within my framework?' It's a relentless search for objective logic and precision. If a single piece doesn't fit, the entire structure is suspect until the inconsistency is resolved.
Introverted Feeling (Fi), on the other hand, is a values-compass. Its goal is to create an internal sense of self that is authentic and aligned with a deep, personal moral code. When an Fi user makes a choice, the question is 'Does this resonate with who I am?' or 'Does this feel right to my core?' This isn't about fleeting emotions; it's a profound orientation toward subjective values and individual ethics. As noted in psychological explorations of decision-making, this process is deeply personal and can be just as rigorous as logical analysis, which is a key point in the misunderstanding of cognitive functions.
The issue with how tests measure T vs F is that both Ti and Fi can lead to strong, principled stances. A Ti user might oppose something because it's illogical; an Fi user might oppose it because it's unethical. A simple test sees 'strong opposition' and can easily mistake one for the other. This mechanical flaw is a primary driver behind many of the common reasons for mbti mistype.
The 'Mistype' Litmus Test: Questions to Ask Yourself
Emotion and confusion are data, but now we need strategy. Our strategist, Pavo, believes in converting insight into action. To cut through the fog of your 'mbti test mistype,' you need to put yourself in situations that force a choice between your Ti logic and your Fi values. Here is the move. Ask yourself these questions with radical honesty.
Scenario 1: A Flawed Argument
You are debating someone who is making an emotionally compelling argument for a cause you personally support. However, their reasoning is full of logical fallacies and factual errors.
What is your first instinct?
(A) To dismantle their flawed logic, piece by piece, to arrive at the objective truth, even if it weakens their passionate case. (This points to Ti)
(B) To support the 'spirit' of their argument because it aligns with your core values, and overlook the logical errors in service of the greater good. (This points to Fi)
Scenario 2: A Difficult Personal Choice
You must decide on a career path. One path is objectively more stable, logical, and has a clear ladder for advancement. The other is less certain but feels deeply aligned with your personal identity and what you believe you're 'meant' to do.
Which path causes you more internal distress to abandon?
(A) Abandoning the logical, proven path feels inefficient and irrational, a poor use of your potential. (This points to Ti)
(B) Abandoning the authentic path feels like a betrayal of self, a core violation of your identity. (This points to Fi)
Answering 'Am I an INTP or INFP?' requires you to observe your own cognitive machinery in action. These aren't just questions; they are diagnostics. Your immediate, unfiltered reaction is the data that will give you more clarity than any online quiz ever could. This self-analysis is crucial for overcoming the common reasons for mbti mistype.
FAQ
1. Why do I get different MBTI results every time I take a test?
This is a very common experience and a key sign that the tests themselves have limitations. Your results can change based on your mood, recent life events, or even how you interpret ambiguously worded questions. This inconsistency is one of the most common reasons for mbti mistype and why understanding your underlying cognitive functions (like Ti vs. Fi) is far more reliable.
2. Can you be both a Thinker and a Feeler?
Everyone uses both thinking and feeling to make decisions. The MBTI model is about your preference or default mode. An INTP, for example, prefers to lead with Introverted Thinking (Ti) but still has a feeling function (Extraverted Feeling, Fe). An INFP leads with Introverted Feeling (Fi) but has a thinking function (Extraverted Thinking, Te). The question isn't whether you have both, but which one you trust more in your decision-making process.
3. Is it bad if a test thinks I'm a feeler but I'm not?
Not at all. It's simply a data error. Online tests often equate 'Feeler' with being emotional, which is a gross oversimplification. Introverted Feeling (Fi), for example, is about a deep, internal value system, not outward emotional expression. The mistype doesn't mean you're wrong; it means the test's measurement tool was too blunt to capture your complexity.
4. What are cognitive functions and why do they matter more than the letters?
The four letters (e.g., INTP) are just a shorthand code. The cognitive functions (like Introverted Thinking, Ti, or Introverted Feeling, Fi) are the actual 'gears' of your personality—the mental processes you use to perceive the world and make judgments. Understanding your functions provides a much deeper, more accurate picture of your personality than the letters alone and is the best way to bypass the common reasons for mbti mistype.
References
psychologytoday.com — How Different Myers-Briggs Types Make Decisions