That 3 AM Test Result: Validation or a Vending Machine Horoscope?
It’s late. You’ve fallen down a rabbit hole of online quizzes and you finally click ‘submit’ on the personality test. The screen loads, and there it is: INFJ. The Advocate. One of the most rare MBTI types. A wave of something electric hits you—a feeling of being profoundly seen, of finally having a name for the persistent sense of ‘otherness’ that has followed you your whole life.
But then, a quiet, nagging voice of skepticism creeps in. Is this real? Or is this just a well-written horoscope, vague enough to feel personal? This doubt is especially common for those who land on one of the statistically uncommon or rare MBTI types. You’re not just looking for a label; you’re seeking a genuine explanation, a framework for your internal world. The question becomes less about what your type is, and more about the `mbti test accuracy and validity` itself.
The Problem with Online Tests: Why Your Results Can Change
Let's get one thing straight. That free test you took? It's more of a mood ring than a mirror. As our realist Vix would say, “It’s telling you how you feel today, not who you are fundamentally.” The `16 personalities test reliability` is a constant point of debate for a reason.
Most of these quizzes operate on simple behavioral questions. ‘Do you prefer a large party or a small gathering?’ Your answer could change depending on whether you had a draining week at work or you’re feeling social. They measure what you do, not why you do it. This is one of the most significant points in the `myers briggs test criticism`.
This leads to inconsistent results and feeds into skepticism. Worse, many fall prey to the `Barnum effect personality tests` are famous for—statements so general that anyone can see themselves in them. Many critics argue that the entire framework is a form of `is mbti pseudoscience`, pointing out that the strict dichotomies (like Thinking vs. Feeling) are an oversimplification of a complex spectrum.
As organizational psychologist Adam Grant notes, there are serious questions about the `scientific validity of myers-briggs`. The test can lack test-retest reliability, meaning you could get a different type just a few weeks later. This isn't a solid foundation for understanding the core of who you are, especially if you identify with one of the supposedly `rare mbti types`.
A Better Method: Understanding Your Cognitive Functions
This is where we need to zoom out and look at the underlying system. Our sense-maker, Cory, puts it this way: “The four letters are the address of your personality. The cognitive functions are the architecture of the house.” Focusing only on the letters is like judging a building by its mailbox.
The core theory behind the MBTI isn't about the four simple dichotomies; it’s about a hierarchy of eight cognitive functions (like Introverted Intuition or Extraverted Feeling). These functions are the mental processes we use to perceive the world and make decisions. The debate over `cognitive functions vs letters` is crucial because the functions explain the why behind your behaviors and preferences.
For example, both an INTJ and an INFJ lead with Introverted Intuition (Ni), which is why they share a deep, future-focused, pattern-seeking nature that makes them both `rare MBTI types`. However, their next function is completely different (Te for INTJ, Fe for INFJ), resulting in vastly different ways of interacting with the world. Understanding your 'function stack' provides a much more nuanced and stable picture of your personality than a simple online quiz ever could.
This is the path from confusion to clarity. It’s about recognizing that your personality is not a random collection of traits, but a dynamic, ordered system. And here is your permission slip from Cory: “You have permission to be more complex than a four-letter code. Your depth is not a flaw; it’s your design.”
Your Action Plan: How to Validate Your True Type
Understanding theory is one thing; applying it is another. As our strategist Pavo advises, it's time to move from passive acceptance to active investigation. Here is your action plan to `how to confirm mbti type` with more confidence, especially if you suspect you're one of the `rare MBTI types`.
Step 1: Study the Eight Cognitive Functions.
Forget the stereotypes for a moment. Read detailed, neutral descriptions of each of the eight functions (Ni, Ne, Si, Se, Ti, Te, Fi, Fe). Don't try to type yourself yet. Just notice which ones resonate on a fundamental level. Which ones feel like your 'native language' for processing reality?
Step 2: Identify Your Dominant and Auxiliary Functions.
Your dominant function is your default mode—effortless and core to your being. Your auxiliary function is your primary tool for supporting your dominant process. Look for the pair that best describes your natural flow. Are you an Ni-dom who uses Fe to interact with the world (INFJ)? Or an Ni-dom who uses Te to execute plans (INTJ)?
Step 3: Journal with Observational Prompts.
For one week, observe yourself in action. Use these prompts to gather data:
When I felt most 'in the flow' today, what was I doing and what mental process was I using?
When I was stressed, what was my knee-jerk, immature reaction? (This often points to your inferior function).
How do I gather information when facing a new, complex problem? Do I look for concrete data (Sensing) or abstract connections (Intuition)?
How do I make important decisions? Do I prioritize objective logic (Thinking) or group harmony and personal values (Feeling)?
This methodical approach moves beyond the `problems with mbti dichotomies` and gives you concrete, personal evidence. It’s the most reliable way to gain clarity on your type and understand what being one of the `rare MBTI types` truly means for you.
FAQ
1. Why are some MBTI types considered rare?
Types like INFJ, INTJ, and ENTJ are considered rare because, according to statistical data collected over decades, they appear less frequently in the general population. This is often attributed to the combination of their dominant cognitive functions, particularly Introverted Intuition (Ni), which is a less common primary way of processing the world.
2. Is the MBTI test scientifically valid?
The scientific community is divided. While the MBTI is widely used in corporate and informal settings, many academic psychologists criticize its lack of empirical evidence, poor test-retest reliability, and the use of rigid dichotomies. They argue it lacks the scientific validity of other models like the Big Five. Therefore, it's best used as a tool for self-exploration rather than a definitive scientific diagnosis.
3. What is the difference between cognitive functions and the MBTI letters?
The four letters (e.g., I/E, N/S) are simplified labels representing preferences. The cognitive functions (e.g., Ni, Fe, Ti) are the underlying mental processes that explain why those preferences exist. The functions provide a more dynamic and nuanced model of personality, explaining how the letters interact to form a complete type.
4. How can I be sure of my MBTI type if online tests are unreliable?
The most reliable method is to move beyond simple tests and study the theory of cognitive functions. By observing your own thought patterns, decision-making processes, and reactions to stress, you can identify your dominant, auxiliary, and inferior functions. This self-typing method provides a much deeper and more accurate understanding than a multiple-choice quiz.
References
psychologytoday.com — The Personality Brokers: The Strange History of Myers-Briggs