Scientific Foundation

Research & Methodology

Understanding the science behind personality assessment

עודכן לאחרונה: January 16, 2026

Our Approach to Scientific Integrity

OpenMBTI is committed to transparency about the scientific foundations and limitations of personality assessment. We believe users deserve to understand exactly how their results are generated and what those results can—and cannot—tell them.

This page consolidates our methodology, validity evidence, honest limitations, and academic references in one place.

Test Validity & Reliability

Our test uses the Open Extended Jungian Type Scales (OEJTS), an open-source instrument validated through large-scale research.

25,000+ participants

Sample Size

OEJTS was developed using data from over 25,000 respondents, providing robust statistical foundation.

α = 0.78-0.85

Internal Consistency

Cronbach's alpha coefficients for each dimension indicate good to excellent internal reliability.

r = 0.75-0.82

Test-Retest Reliability

Correlations across repeated testing show strong stability of results over time.

4-factor model

Factor Structure

Factor analysis confirms the four-dimension structure aligns with Jungian theory.

Honest Limitations

No personality assessment is perfect. Understanding these limitations helps you interpret your results more wisely.

Self-Report Bias
All self-report measures are subject to social desirability bias and limited self-awareness. Your answers reflect how you see yourself, which may differ from how others perceive you.
Binary Classification
MBTI assigns discrete types (E or I, not both), but personality traits exist on continuous spectrums. Someone scoring 51% Extrovert isn't meaningfully different from 49%.
Situational Variability
Behavior varies by context. You might be extroverted at parties but introverted at work. Type represents general tendencies, not fixed behaviors.
Cultural Considerations
Jungian dimensions were developed in Western contexts. Some questions may not translate perfectly across all cultural backgrounds.
Not Clinical
MBTI measures normal personality variation, not psychological disorders. It should never be used for mental health diagnosis or as a substitute for professional assessment.
Predictive Limits
Type correlates weakly with specific outcomes like job performance. Use it for self-understanding, not career gatekeeping or stereotyping others.

Academic References

Key sources underlying our methodology and the broader scientific context:

  • Jung, C.G. (1921). Psychological Types. Princeton University Press.
  • Myers, I.B. & Myers, P.B. (1980). Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Type. Davies-Black Publishing.
  • McCrae, R.R. & Costa, P.T. (1989). Reinterpreting the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator from the Perspective of the Five-Factor Model of Personality. Journal of Personality, 57(1), 17-40.
  • Pittenger, D.J. (2005). Cautionary Comments Regarding the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Consulting Psychology Journal, 57(3), 210-221.
  • Open Extended Jungian Type Scales (OEJTS). Open Psychometrics Project.

Deep Dive Research

Comprehensive explorations of MBTI's scientific foundations, methodologies, and limitations.

Honest Limitations

What MBTI can and cannot do—a transparent critique of personality typing.

Scoring Methodology

Visualized deep-dive into how we calculate and interpret your results.

Scientific Critiques

Common criticisms addressed transparently with honest assessments.

Related Resources

Detailed Methodology

Learn exactly how our 32-question test calculates your type with step-by-step scoring explanation.

Framework Comparison

See how MBTI compares to Big Five, Enneagram, and DISC personality systems.

Usage Guide

Best practices for interpreting and applying your personality type results.

Common Myths

Debunking misconceptions about personality types and psychological assessment.

Open Data Initiative

We believe in transparency. Aggregate, anonymized test data is available for researchers.

View aggregate statistics and type distributions from our test results.

Explore Research Data

Ready to Take the Test?

Now that you understand our methodology, discover your personality type with our validated assessment.

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