The Myers-Briggs Personality Test and its Influence on House Selection
One of the most famous personality evaluation tests of all time, the Myers-Briggs test, is one of the most functional and interesting ways to look at similarities and differences among a vast number of people. One can argue that a person’s Myers-Briggs type may have a say in their Hogwarts house since many people of the same house tend to have extremely similar personal qualities.
The types of personalities are categorized by sixteen different letter combinations. In the first spot, E vs. I stands for Extraversion vs. Introversion; in the second spot, N vs. S stands for Intuitive vs. Sensing; in the third sport, T vs. F stands for Thinking vs. Feeling; and in the fourth spot, J vs. P stands for Judging vs. Perceiving.
Introversion vs. Extroversion
Introverted: Ravenclaw and Slytherin
Extraverted: Gryffindor and Hufflepuff
This does not necessarily mean that a Gryffindor or Hufflepuff is more friendly or outgoing than a Ravenclaw or Slytherin; instead, this means that Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs tend to think “out loud,” while Ravenclaws and Slytherins think about what they say more tactfully. Analytical Ravenclaw and cunning Slytherin choose their words carefully in order to convey their thoughts tactfully. This does not always mean that what they say is brighter than what Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs have to say; it simply means that their thinking is internal, which means that they usually work better alone on projects and speak out less often and rapidly in class. Extraverts rely heavily on action, while introverts are more thought-oriented. Extraverts tend to have a large circle of friends, while introverts usually have few tight-knit friends. Lastly, extroverts recharge from interaction with others, while introverts recharge from time spent alone; for example, after a grueling day of classes, the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff common rooms may be packed tight and rowdy, while the Ravenclaw and Slytherin common rooms may be more quiet, with students spending their time alone (or in small groups) in the dorms, grounds, or library.
Intuitive vs. Sensing
Intuitive: Gryffindor and Hufflepuff
Sensing: Ravenclaw and Slytherin
This category defines how a person prefers to view information. An intuitive person usually prefers abstract information, while a sensing person tends to prefer facts that are presented before them, relying heavily on the use of the five senses. Intuition involves theorizing and looking to the future; this means that Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs may perform well in Divination and more poorly in subjects like Potions or Ancient Runes, for instance.
Thinking vs. Feeling
Thinking: Ravenclaw and Slytherin
Feeling: Gryffindor and Hufflepuff
Is one’s decision making guided by his or her head or heart? This does not mean that Ravenclaws and Slytherins are cold-hearted and lack empathy; instead, it means that logic guides their choices. Both thinking and feeling have their up-sides and faults. One who governs his choices by thinking is logical and reasonable but may think more often of himself than of others since decisions are often made from a detached standpoint. One who governs his choices by feeling can place himself in another’s shoes, seeing multiple perspectives, but often overlook practicality. People who use thinking more often tend to be firmer with their beliefs and therefore take less time to make decisions.
Judging vs. Perceiving
Judging: Gryffindor and Ravenclaw
Perceiving: Hufflepuff and Slytherin
Judging people tend to write lists, look at menus online before going to a restaurant, and plan out specific activities on vacation ahead of time. On the other hand, perceiving people “go with the flow,” acting more on impulses than intended plans. Studious Ravenclaws may write down an agenda of exactly what they need to do in a given day, crossing off tasks as they perform them, while a Hufflepuff may have an idea of what they’d like to complete that day but does not restict himself to a strict routine.
Although this is an organized, clear way to look at the Hogwarts houses, this list is merely one way of looking at personality types. Many people may be exceptions; for instance, I know at least one Slytherin extrovert off the top of my head. No two personalities are the same, so one Gryffindor may be a strong extrovert while another may be an average or slight extrovert.
What is your Myers-Briggs personality type? And what is your Hogwarts house?
