What’s the problem with the Myers-Briggs personality test?, with Randy Stein

What’s the problem with the Myers-Briggs personality test?, with Randy Stein

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test is used by many organizations and consultants, but it's been criticized by many as pseudo-science that's unhelpful, and even harmful. I talk to Randy Stein, who has researched the Myers Briggs and personality tests in general. Topics discussed include: the reasons people object to the Myers Briggs test; the downsides of personality tests that group people into boxes (as opposed to using a spectrum-like approach); the Forer effect, where people often believe that vague descriptions apply to them; the downsides of labeling ourselves and others; how the complexity of a question can wrongly seem like deepness; how Myers-Briggs relates to the more scientifically respected "Big Five" personality traits. We also talk about Randy's research on political polarization, showing how we can be drawn to being the opposite of a disliked group. Learn more about the show and get transcripts at⁠ ⁠behavior-podcast.com⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episoder(206)

Charlatan Chase Hughes promoted as expert by gullible podcast hosts

Charlatan Chase Hughes promoted as expert by gullible podcast hosts

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The polarization of Elon Musk: His high-contempt approach to political disagreement

The polarization of Elon Musk: His high-contempt approach to political disagreement

In June of 2024, I got an op-ed published in TheHill.com about Elon Musk's polarization -- specifically his affective polarization, which refers to how people perceive and treat their political oppone...

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I interrogate an 8-year-old about her belief in Santa, Easter Bunny, and other creatures

I interrogate an 8-year-old about her belief in Santa, Easter Bunny, and other creatures

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The psychology behind the self-reinforcing nature of conflict and polarization

The psychology behind the self-reinforcing nature of conflict and polarization

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Many take Trump's words out of context: How this relates to toxic polarization

Many take Trump's words out of context: How this relates to toxic polarization

In a recent Fox News interview, Trump was asked whether he thought there would be chaos and violence if he won the election, and his response included mentioning that, if necessary, the National Guard...

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Analyzing the behavior of Peter Todd, who's accused of being Bitcoin creator | Jeremy Clark

Analyzing the behavior of Peter Todd, who's accused of being Bitcoin creator | Jeremy Clark

In the documentary Money Electric, filmmaker Cullen Hoback put forth the theory that developer Peter Todd was Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious creator of Bitcoin. In this episode, I talk to cryptocurr...

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