Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator as a Measure of Sociability and Impulsivity

This study examined the nature of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) extraversion-introversion (El) and judging-perceiving (JP) subscales. The MBTI, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-5), and the EASI-III were given to 185 subjects. All subscale scores for each instrument were entered into a principal component factor analysis with orthogonal rotation. Results support the MBTI-EI scale as a measure of sociability and the MBTI-JP scale as a measure of impulsivity. Convergent and divergent validity of these scales was provided as expected, although the constructs differ from those cited in the MBTI manual (Myers, 1962). Implications are discussed.