best test?

[timathonia]

although most of the free tests I've found indicate that I am likely INTP, some of them show leanings or near borders with ISTP, while another will be nearer to INTJ or INFP...
I happen to prefer the most to least type of tests rather than the either/or... but which is really more accurate?
I wish I could find descriptions without the types, where one could reason the results themselves. Maybe.

[mr. treat]

if you're thinking about it that much, you're probably an intp.

[Magajy]

It's quite unnvering. I first took the test a few weeks ago, and I was getting all sorts of results. ISTP was the most frequent though. But when I read the descriptions, I always kind of I dentify with the INTP cos all the descriptions I found of ISTP kind of make them sound like constant adrenaline junkies. I posted a thread here (http://forums.intpcentral.com/showthread.php?t=8839) and got this link (http://www.murraystate.edu/secsv/fye/ISTP.htm) which was quite helpful. I ended up settling for ISTP, which kind of contradicts the above post.. ISTP's (ie other types) also think about it if they find it interesting enough.

[Neppy]

Try reading the descriptions and giving it a good think. Don't pick the type that you want to be, pick the one that really does sound most like you. If you're an IXTP this should be easier, as introverted thinking is our dominant function and therefore we're overly introspective and we try to analyse everything. :banghead: Just remember that no description is going to be 100% accurate, but that's because we're all still individuals.

I decided on INTP not just because I got that result 9 times out of 10, but also by reading the profile and thinking about the function order. It became pretty clear it was my type after doing lots of reading/research. But hey, for all I know I could decide I'm actually an INTJ tomorrow. A proper assessment isn't something everyone can afford, so the Internet's the next best way to discerning your type and over time it'll become clearer.

I'd go for the Similarminds test, or the humanmetrics test, or Keirsey's temperament sorter. They're all very good tests as long as you answer the questions honestly.

[dunee]

I agree. Pick what profile resonates best. Although I have never tested ISTP, (only F or J once or twice), I've had times when I would read the ISTP profile and think "gosh, that sounds awfully close... could this be the better fit now??" then go back to read the INTP profile, and see that INTP still fit better.

It could vary with moods/days as well- try reading profiles over at various times and see which stays most constant.
Also, think about environmental factors that could contribute; for instance, I grew up in a very S-artsy, "make or fix it yourself" household, and thus my N was encouraged to grow with more S-ish subjects and hands-on projects. I think it probably explains why I can identify with some the ISTP profile, but still not as well as with INTP.

[timathonia]

There was a place I found where the types are explained like in first person narrative... without the breakdown of stuff like, "this is what you should do with your life"... I tried to be as objective as possible and yes, the ISTP would ring some bells, and so would the INFP - of course all the parts of the descriptions relating to the Introversion aspect will look right.
I first stumbled onto this type theory about two years ago, two and a half, and while I can't remember the very first free test result, I'm almost certain it was INTP or INFP... That started the investigation into all this, but I finally kicked the habit so to speak and barely thought about it for several months. Then lately my wife found these tests (similar minds) and urged me to take some of them, and voila, INTP, pretty consistently - And I've even tried to stretch the truth of my answers... it's the similar minds test that brings the T/F nearer to 50/50. But then I remembered the one at humanmetrics... I like the either or method of the test but I wish there could be someone to ask questions, verification, "what do they mean by 'usually'?" Depending on one's definition many of the responses could go either way. It is this Humanmetrics that tends to retain the I and the T but, depending on how I interpret the questions often comes out to INTP but the N/S being nearer to 50/50, or sometimes the P/J.
And now, thanks to my wife, I'm hooked on this shit again... it is pretty interesting, though. Might as well give in, huh?