Our Psychology Indicators

Based on the works of Dr. Carl Jung, Katherine Briggs, Isabel Myers, and Dr. Alfred Adler, MatchMachine uses easily understandable, classic psychological principles to help you get a broad understanding of the characteristics you likely share with others of your type and why you may or may not be compatible with someone in a close personal relationship.

MatchMachine uses an unofficial, modified version of the official assessment offered through The Myers-Briggs Company.  Though our 4-question quiz, called the Jungian Temperament Indicator (JTI) is designed to be quick and painless while still getting the job done, we recommend you take the official assessment to remove any doubts as to which type you are. 

You are welcome to retake MatchMachine's JTI quiz at any time and change your results in your MatchMachine profile. 

If you want to take more comprehensive (free) tests, see our recommended listing below.

What is the MBTI® and where does it come from?

The MBTI®, or the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®, is a psychological assessment tool that has been administered in 115 countries, is available in 29 languages, and has been used by 88 of the Fortune 100 within the past five years. It is based on the theories of Swiss psychiatrist Dr. Carl Jung and was further developed by Katherine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers in the 1943.

The MBTI® has since become a widely used personality assessment tool in various settings, including business, education, and counseling.  Over 50 million people have taken the MBTI, roughly 2 million per year, according to The Myers-Briggs Company.

How does the MBTI® tool work?

The MBTI® assessment is based on the idea that individuals have innate preferences for certain ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. These preferences are measured across four dimensions:

• Extraversion vs. Introversion: This dimension measures how much an individual tends to focus on the outer world of people and things versus their own inner world of thoughts and ideas.
• Sensing vs. Intuition: This dimension measures how an individual prefers to take in information. Sensing individuals tend to rely on concrete, observable facts, while intuitive individuals tend to focus on patterns and possibilities.
• Thinking vs. Feeling: This dimension measures how an individual makes decisions. Thinking individuals tend to rely on logical analysis and objective criteria, while feeling individuals tend to consider the impact on others and use their personal values as a guide.
• Judging vs. Perceiving: This dimension measures how an individual approaches the outer world. Judging individuals tend to be organized and plan ahead, while perceiving individuals tend to be more spontaneous and adaptable.

Based on their scores on these dimensions, individuals are assigned a four-letter personality type, such as INTJ or ESFP.

It is from these dimensions that many assumptions can be made for how someone perceives information and reacts to their world and how harmonious a romantic relationship with another type can be.  

 How does Birth Order fit in?

Birth Order Theory

Birth Order Theory refers to the order in which a person is born within their family. According to Dr. Alfred Adler, an individual's position within their family can have a significant impact on their personality and behavior.

For example, firstborn children are often treated differently from their siblings due to their status as the first-born. They often receive more attention and resources from their parents and are expected to set an example for their younger siblings. As a result, they are often more responsible and achievement-oriented, and have a strong sense of duty to their family.

In contrast, later-born children often have to compete for attention and resources with their older siblings, leading them to develop a more rebellious and creative personality. They are also more likely to be sociable, as they are exposed to a wider range of experiences and people through their interactions with their siblings and friends.

However, it is important to note that Birth Order is just one factor that can influence personality development, and that other factors, such as gender differences, age differences, parenting styles, family size and individual experiences, also play a role. 

Birth order theory has been widely studied and remains a popular topic in psychology. While some researchers have challenged the validity of birth order theory, many others have found evidence to support it.  For the latest empirical research validating Alder's original theories, please refer to this 2017 whitepaper "An Analysis of Empirical Validity of Alfred Adler’s Theory of Birth Order."

How is the MBTI® tool and Birth Order Theory used in practice?

The MBTI® and birth order theory are mostly used to help individuals better understand their own personalities and how they might interact with others. This understanding can be helpful in a variety of settings, including personal and professional relationships, career development, and team building.

However, it is important to note that these theories are not meant to be used to label or stereotype individuals, and that no one personality type or birth order position is better or worse than another. Humans are far more complex than any one typing system can attempt to describe.  We employ these tools to help you quicky understand the basic nature and characteristics of yourself and others and to add color and perspective for those of whom you may want to engage.

Alternative MBTI Tests (Free)

PersonalityMax (221 Questions: 25 Minutes)

16 Personalities (60 Questions: 10 Mins)

Human Metrics (64 Questions: 10 Mins)

Crystal (32 Questions: 5 Mins)

Practical Psychology (100 Questions: 15 Mins)