How do you know you're INTP?

[Architect]

I've come to suspect that people frequently mistype themselves - most commonly between the N-S divide. Probably because one of the failings of MBTI is that nobody wants to be a Sensor, the impression it gives is that if you are one you are lacking in imagination and brainpower. In my observations I've been fooled by ESFP's who come off as NF's.

On the INTP, there have been pensive, analytical people who I've worked with who I thought were INTP's, but have since decided were probably the S counterpart. On the online INTP forums (this and others) I'm pretty sure that a substantial proportion are S's, not N's. Some characteristics that distinguish the S instead of the N are ISTP's tend to be tool or sport oriented (snow sports in particular), of course the S attention to detail (one S who I worked with and I thought was an NT was previously an entomologist), and S's have more edge usually than INTP's.

So how do you know? I do through the Paul James profile and other clues, predominantly

• Prefer fantasy/sci fi
• Happy with theory with no practical application
• Preference for architecture & design
• Music/photography/computer predilections
• Detachment, extreme independence
• Other ...

So how do you know? Are you sure?

 

[Words]

Ti+Ne is enough for me.

 

[SpaceYeti]

Mostly, I continually type as one. Every time I take either an unofficial or official test, the result is INTP.

 

[Architect]

Mostly, I continually type as one. Every time I take either an unofficial or official test, the result is INTP.

Interesting, I haven't been on these forums long, but your posts come up frequently and I did check out your blog briefly, forgive me if I'm wrong because of my ignorance, but my initial thought was that you were more likely an ISTP.

Just an initial impression, these reads are easy to get wrong.

 

[Artsu Tharaz]

my initial thought was that you were more likely an ISTP.

lol I'm sure quite a few people on here think the same...

Testing as an INTP doesn't mean you are one.

 

[final-dimension]

Cool then I am an ISTP I think ISTPs are kinda cute.

 

[Latro]

I don't. I've tested as every IXTX. ISTJ was only once, and that test was bad enough that I could actually tell what questions did that, many of which were "well yes, but" rather than "absolutely", but the test was just yes or no. But I've tested as ISTP, INTP, and INTJ on multiple occasions. I've given credence to each at different times. At the moment my INTJ credence is going up a bit, with more Ni-like stuff floating around, but on the other hand that could just point to ISTP with a developing tertiary.

 

[final-dimension]

Are you sure you are an INTP *Mr.thread starter*?

 

[final-dimension]

Yup, now I have got an avatar.

 

[Latro]

Yup, now I have got an avatar.

That's gonna look pretty silly in the archives, since you always did in the archived version of the thread.

 

[WittyUsername]

Your points make it pretty clear to me.

 

[final-dimension]

That's gonna look pretty silly in the archives, since you always did in the archived version of the thread.

I know that is what makes it funny.

 

[final-dimension]

But it would be even funnier when I choosed to not use an avatar again.

 

[Bird]

Personally, I always like to look at
things from a cognitive function
standpoint and if y'all did too you'd
probably feel more secure :P



Words, I think we're always on the
same page.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

Prefer fantasy/sci fi
Happy with theory with no practical application
Preference for architecture & design
Music/photography/computer predilections
Detachment, extreme independence
Other ...


I guess I'm not INTP then.

 

[final-dimension]

It would be really funny if most of the members of this forum found out they were not INTPs after all,because of this thread. I would be completely fine if it turned out I am not an INTP what about you guys?

 

[Architect]

Prefer fantasy/sci fi
Happy with theory with no practical application
Preference for architecture & design
Music/photography/computer predilections
Detachment, extreme independence
Other ...


I guess I'm not INTP then.

Even with a little exposure to your posts I'm pretty sure you are INTP

 

[VroumVroum]

I’m so unaware of my surrounding and myself.
I’m a dreamer.
My theoretical problem solving is one of my stronger abilities.
I had doubts about P and even few about F. But I’ve always intuitively knew that I am an intuitive.

I've often read that N and S make the biggest difference. One must clearly fool himself to have this one wrong. And he might as well pick other letters (like E or T). Why would someone choose to be an intp weirdo?

 

[myexplodingcat]

The secondary function of an INTP is intuition, but the tertiary function is actually sensing. So shouldn't the INTP have a certain measure of sensing?

Ugh. Completely burned out today after a bad night's sleep and nearly got a migraine in even the quieter classes. Even the few people I sit with noticed that I was even more detached than usual, and they don't know me very well.

I gave the idea of being INTP a lot of thought, and I had my doubts. Ironically, I thought that since I had a knack for argument and teaching other people how to do stuff, I thought I was a little ENTP. Then my MyPersonality test came out 5% Extroverted/Extraverted, and with the last paragraph... maybe not. Also, while I was doubting myself, I was arguing with myself and not noticing that I was muttering a lot. It's a good thing I wasn't around my family, but my cat noticed.

I also thought about being INTJ, because of a willingness to present ideas and points, but I've found that this willingness quickly goes away when in the presence of INTJs who are equally or more interested in sharing their opinions.

Sometimes the easiest way to figure out your type is to rule out everything you're definitely not (ESTP, for example... *gag*) and figure out which fits you out of the remainders.

No, tests aren't always accurate, especially if you ARE INTP and your mind is questioning whether you're manipulating the testing system like you tend to manipulate everything else. I think it helps, though. The narrowest margin on my MyPersonality thing was N/P, and it came out 74% N and 26% P, which fits the tertiary function thing.

I'm convinced that I am INTP, whether I've manipulated the test subconsciously or not. Nothing else seems to fit right. I hope this post has helped someone figure out whether they're INTP or not. Probably not, but it's still worth a shot. That rhymed. *inane grin*

<a href="http://myexplodingcat.mypersonality.info" target="_top"><img src="http://badges.mypersonality.info/badge/0/22/225002.png" alt="Click to view my Personality Profile page" border="0" /></a>

 

[SpaceYeti]

Interesting, I haven't been on these forums long, but your posts come up frequently and I did check out your blog briefly, forgive me if I'm wrong because of my ignorance, but my initial thought was that you were more likely an ISTP.

Just an initial impression, these reads are easy to get wrong.

Incidentally, the N/S axis is the one on which I'm the least my type. I'm often close to the center of the axis, but always a tad N. I think what actually happened is the harsh world plus coincidences developed my shadow functions further than that of most other INTPs.

 

[Minuend]

Interesting, I haven't been on these forums long, but your posts come up frequently and I did check out your blog briefly, forgive me if I'm wrong because of my ignorance, but my initial thought was that you were more likely an ISTP.

Just an initial impression, these reads are easy to get wrong.

Well, if you observe how Chewbacca and others present their arguments on this site, I think you should be able to tell whether it's likely he is INTP or not.

I'm either INFJ or INTP. I have Ti and Fe.

 

[SpaceYeti]

Well, if you observe how Chewbacca and others present their arguments on this site, I think you should be able to tell whether it's likely he is INTP or not.

I'm either INFJ or INTP. I have Ti and Fe.

Is it?

 

[final-dimension]

Even with a little exposure to your posts I'm pretty sure you are INTP

So to make sure if I am an INTP or not I have to ask you?
Okay.
Am I an INTP *Mr. Thread starter*?

 

[Dimensional Transition]

So how do you know? I do through the Paul James profile and other clues, predominantly

• Prefer fantasy/sci fi
• Happy with theory with no practical application
• Preference for architecture & design
• Music/photography/computer predilections
• Detachment, extreme independence
• Other ...

So how do you know? Are you sure?

Becuase I fit almost exactly in every INTP description.

• Prefer fantasy/sci fi
• Happy with theory with no practical application
• Preference for architecture & design
• Music/photography/computer predilections
• Detachment, extreme independence
• Other ...

Yeah, such as those.

I haven't really doubted my type... Should I? What do the experts think?

 

[Architect]

So to make sure if I am an INTP or not I have to ask you?

No of course not

Am I an INTP *Mr. Thread starter*?

I have no idea.

 

[Synchro]

It's a difficult question, and now I'm once again stuck in MBTI confusion-land....

For years I was convinced I was an ISTP...but that was only because I CAN sort of switch into ISTP under stress, and I was ALWAYS under stress...

Then life quieted down a bit for long enough for me to retake the test thoughtfully, and I tested INTP...which seemed MUCH more like me...except my Thinking percentage is far lower than most people here...

And then Cadymus got me thinking about INFJ, and I looked that up, and I could ABSOLUTELY see myself as an INFJ,

and...if I were an INFJ, this would explain much better why:
I married an ENFP,
I was devastated by being dumped by an ENFP,
and why I'm having such a devil of a time getting over it....

....the impression I've gotten here is that INTP's don't seem to have a lot of trouble getting over lost love - whereas I'm a year out and STILL a basket-case.

Maybe pod'lair will sort all this out, I dunno, but I'd sure like clarity. (prays without hope)

 

[final-dimension]

Anyways I am sure I am 105094 !

 

[ckm]

The test said so. What further proof could anyone wish for?

 

[Synchro]

CKM: The test said so. What further proof could anyone wish for?

For me, that's the point...the test is flawed. It's a self-evaluation, and there's nothing harder than knowing oneself.

That's why I don't see error when I look back and see how I mistyped myself as an ISTP initially, because I see how that happened, and then when I mistyped myself again as an INTP...and then, I believe, finally got it right - well, as right as it gets in MBTI-land, which is far from perfect-land - that I'm an INFJ....I see growth in self-awareness. Because the only thing I'm REALLY great at is writing poetry...and only an INFJ is truly a poet. It IS a vast relief to finally know...and yet I still feel like I belong in an INTP forum; I think the place probably is crammed with INFJ's who don't know they're INFJ's....

 

[Bird]

There seems to be a common
misconception here that interests
dictate your personality type...
this is not the case as anyone from
any of the sixteen types can share
the same interests and utilize the
cognitive functions in different patterns.
Which is what determines a type,
afterall: how you utilize your functions.

 

[Melkor]

I'm not even sure what I am anymore, in fact I'm beyond caring.
I'll develop my own distinctions for my own mind, and my own systems for those extremely rare humans that I designate as interesting.
Why bother with all this labelling of people when you can't escape your own head? Why the need to clarify and contain the dull, vain and vague boundaries of the human psyche?

WHY?
WHY?
WHY!?
AGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

 

[Synchro]

Bird said: There seems to be a common
misconception here that interests
dictate your personality type...

This is a very good point. I didn't mean to give that impression; I didn't do a very good job of saying what I meant.

What I meant is that because the MBTI is a self-assessment, and because it's so blasted hard to know oneself, that - at least in my personal experience - it appears that errors occur, and errors may even be rampant.

When I retested, after decades, with much better self-awareness, I tested as an INTP rather than the ISTP I previously thought I was...and I was far more comfortable with the designation of INTP.

However, there were parts that still didn't seem to fit - so I still questioned the result; I questioned whether I had sufficiently achieved self-awareness to get the ultimately correct result...because there were many aspects of an INTP that really didn't seem to fit me: INTP's seem emotionally far more stable that I am, far less needy, far more able to handle complicated abstract theories, far less emotionally emotive in poetry - compared to how I actually function in life.

I haven't retaken it yet, but I will...I'm just still thinking about this matter of INTP and INFJ, and seeing better correlations with myself for the INFJ - not for the purpose of trying to skew the results of the test, but rather to really be more accurate in self-awareness, and then see if I indeed test out as INFJ or as an INTP who writes poetry rather like an INFJ...

 

[myexplodingcat]

Because the only thing I'm REALLY great at is writing poetry...and only an INFJ is truly a poet.

I'm INTP, and I can't write poetry to save my life. I tried a poem once and sent it to an INFJ friend, who said it lacked emotion. No surprise there. I was not devastated by this; my writing belongs in normal prose and, specifically, in the fantasy genre.

Normally, though, I can't write any poetry whatsoever, unless it's more of a Roald Dahl-style wit and I'm in a really weird mood, or unless you count iambic pentameter as poetry. That I can do. But the really pretty sonnets and stuff... can't do that at all.

I would like to see some of your poetry, if you're open to sharing a little with us. The creative talents of NFs never fail to astound me. ^.^

 

[SpaceYeti]

I can do haiku
My favorite kind of poem
Five syllables here

 

[pjoa09]

I constantly doubt it. Does that make me INTP? It's extremely confusing.

I wished it was some psychological disease that makes me think about something completely irrelevant and then have difficulty catching up with what is going on.

 

[Meer]

The cognitive functions line up, so it's all good.

 

[Stoic Beverage]

I don't "know" I'm an INTP, I just strongly suspect it. I was typed by a friend as an INTP, and that friend referred me to some tests which have without fail typed me so. I then read up on what exactly the MBTI was, and I felt the profile matched me well enough.

Would I be upset if I wasn't an INTP? Not in the slightest. I don't feel affection for that particular combination of letters. If anything, I'd be glad because I no longer risk looking foolish in saying I'm something that I'm not.

 

[pjoa09]

they know what is what
but they dont know what is what
i like haikus too

 

[Solitaire U.]

Interesting, I haven't been on these forums long, but your posts come up frequently and I did check out your blog briefly, forgive me if I'm wrong because of my ignorance, but my initial thought was that you were more likely an ISTP.

Just an initial impression, these reads are easy to get wrong.

All any of us are to you is virtual text. You asked the question "So how do you know?", and the man gave you a blatantly logical answer..."Mostly, I continually type as one. Every time I take either an unofficial or official test, the result is INTP."

An honorable enough reply, but it's sheer directness makes it all the more stinging of a contradiction to your sensor mistyping hypothesis. Indeed, it was never an honorable question to begin with, but rather an attempt to manipulate an illusion of credibility into this idea you're promoting. Questionably executed at best.

But now you're committed and have to go on the defense. So you...heh...'go check out his blog briefly' and surmise "...my initial thought was that you were more likely an ISTP." Well, what a convenient coincidence! You've discovered that SpaceYeti is just the sort of chronically mis-typed sensor you promoted predicted in your OP. Hence, your hypothesis must be valid! Congratulations!

No. Your hypothesis is actually constructed upon absurd suppositions like this incomprehensible..."Probably because one of the failings of MBTI is that nobody wants to be a Sensor, the impression it gives is that if you are one you are lacking in imagination and brainpower."...not sure what to even call this, but it has no logical basis. Hell, it isn't even plausible until we can confirm that MBTI is used exclusively by people who are intimately familiar with what it measures and are experienced at manipulating whatever results from the test instruments they desire.

Notwithstanding that this all extends from the unprovable and probably flawed notion that Intuitive rationale is superior to Sensory rationale. One is concrete, the other equates to a crystal ball.

I would infer from SpaceYeti's prose that he is a highly adept writer, PERIOD, and he is but one of many here who could easily inject stylistic elements into their writing at will to create whatever stereotype they want you to see.

As it stands, your user-name, avatar, the bullet-list you included in this OP, and the heavily-filtered quality of your dry, neutralized, colorless writing style are only fueling the impression that you're trying very hard (too hard) to adhere to INTP stereotypes. My INTP nature tends to harbor enormous contempt for conformity and I might just be fairly adept at identifying it after years of practice. Might be worth further consideration on your part, but I don't have much interest in a prolonged argument about it. So the tests are as fallible as human intellect itself, and you believe you can accurately extract a personality type from a brief glance at someone's blog. Ok, fly with that assumption. I'm sticking to my belief that I can't even verify the accuracy of my typological assessments of people I've known intimately for my entire life.

 

[Artsu Tharaz]

Definitely not extraverted, or a dominant sensor or feeler. Almost certainly Ti/Fe, and pretty sure that I have fairly high Ne and Si, rather than Ni. I can't quite see myself as a judging type - being an outward perciever -> inward processor in situations, rather than inwardly perceiving -> outwardly processing, and really can't imagine sensing being an auxiliary function.

I usually test as one, albeit with close T/F and P/J scores (some less common tests put me as INFP, but the tests often phrase the questions as "what is your opinion?" rather than "what process do you tend to use?"), I fit the descriptions very well, certainly better than any other type, a lot of characteristics reported by INTPs fit well with me. Given how different I am from pretty much anyone I know, and then how well INTP descriptions fit me... well, it seems hard to believe that I wouldn't be one.

 

[Architect]

All any of us are to you is virtual text. You asked the question "So how do you know?", and the man gave you a blatantly logical answer..."Mostly, I continually type as one. Every time I take either an unofficial or official test, the result is INTP." ...

Not sure if this is a joke or not. If not, you're taking it way too seriously.

 

[Solitaire U.]

Joke? Hmmm....No, I wouldn't exactly call it that, but FWIW I was definitely laughing while I typed it.

 

[Architect]

Copy that.

 

[Chimera]

I don't know what the fuss is about.
There is clearly a brand on the back of everyone's neck marking their MBTI type, and if you do not adhere to it, the chip in your brain will detonate.
​

 

[Polaris]

I don't know what the fuss is about.
There is clearly a brand on the back of everyone's neck marking their MBTI type, and if you do not adhere to it, the chip in your brain will detonate.
​

*holds up mirror trying to read label in the back of neck*

-hmmmmm....I can't see properly......ah, there now, let's see.......oh, shit.......oh no!

 

[Taniwha]

How do I know?

The mental health practitioners that I work with on a regular basis labeled me as an INTP.

 

[17pounder]

As far as I know, we are the only ones with such a drive to know so much. Im emotionally a INTP, but after years of working, Ive begun to become much more interested in useful knowledge, but I still have an intense drive to learn useless crap, like WWII history, or the best way to kill WWII era tanks. I used to barely be able to work or do school, but after years of trying, Im excelling at the technical aspects of both. I had a hell of a time in school, would learn everything ahead of time, and then fail because I was too bored to complete the homework. I always used to get INTP when I was younger, but it ended up changing to INTJ in the last few years. I still know Im an INTP at heart, although I understand INTJs so much, I could forget that Im not one.
Compared to how much I empathize with you guys, no other MBTI type comes close. In the INTJ forum, I was like 75%, but I understand almost every feeling in this forum. There is no way in hell that I am not an INTP.

 

[Jean Paul]

Im in a general scope of believing im a INTP, but when I test I get INTP. ENTP or INTJ.

 

[xbox]

The fact that most of you are thinking outside the box of whether or not the test is flawed/biased/vague, convinces me that you are atleast INT"X".

I myself am pretty sure that I'm INTX. It's just the J/P part that I need help on. The "I" part is what everyone around me has said, answering the questions for that was easy. I know for sure that I am an "N" and a "T".

The tests tell me I am INTJ, but I suspect myself to be INTP. I thought some of the questions they asked were too vague, and I would have a different answer if they were in any way, specific. I took the same test in several ways I thought would be a more accurate way of answering the few of vague questions that I was unsure about, and I got INTJ and INTP.

I hope my stay here on this forum helps me learn more about who I am.

 

[Yet]

answer to OP : you do not because you cannot know whether you're INTP or not because the criteria are not determined properly. They leave too much subjective interpretations.
For me: a testresult told me that my personality matches the INTP type. I know the test does not meet any proper testconstruction criteria (reliability, validity) and it is based on wobbly science.

but
When I read descriptions of the INTP-type & texts put on this forum I recognize a hell of a lot. And recognition is fun. So in a sunjective (hihi typo) sort of way I 'know' I am INTP. In a scientific sort of way I know that knowing involves a lot more proper data.