Scientific Background

Test Methodology

Understanding the theory and calculation behind your personality type

Last updated: December 17, 2025

About This Test

This test is based on the Open Extended Jungian Type Scales (OEJTS) 1.2, developed by Open Psychometrics. It is an open-source alternative to proprietary personality assessments.

The OEJTS measures personality across four dimensions derived from Carl Jung's theory of psychological types, later popularized by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Our implementation provides a free, transparent, and scientifically-grounded assessment.

Jungian Psychology Foundation

In 1921, Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung published "Psychological Types", introducing a framework for understanding personality differences. Jung proposed that people have innate preferences in how they:

  • Direct their energy — toward the outer world (Extroversion) or inner world (Introversion)
  • Take in information — through concrete senses (Sensing) or abstract patterns (Intuition)
  • Make decisions — based on logic (Thinking) or values (Feeling)
  • Organize their lives — through structure (Judging) or flexibility (Perceiving)

These preferences combine to form 16 distinct personality types, each with characteristic patterns of behavior, motivation, and interaction.

The Four Dimensions

Extroversion — Introversion

How you direct and receive energy

Extroversion (E)

  • Energized by social interaction
  • Think out loud, process externally
  • Prefer breadth of experiences
  • Action-oriented approach

Introversion (I)

  • Energized by solitude and reflection
  • Think before speaking, process internally
  • Prefer depth of experiences
  • Reflection-oriented approach

Sensing — Intuition

How you take in information

Sensing (S)

  • Focus on concrete facts and details
  • Trust direct experience
  • Practical and realistic
  • Present-focused

Intuition (N)

  • Focus on patterns and possibilities
  • Trust insights and hunches
  • Imaginative and conceptual
  • Future-focused

Thinking — Feeling

How you make decisions

Thinking (T)

  • Decide based on logic and analysis
  • Value fairness and consistency
  • Objective and impersonal criteria
  • Focus on cause and effect

Feeling (F)

  • Decide based on values and impact
  • Value harmony and compassion
  • Subjective and personal criteria
  • Focus on relationships

Judging — Perceiving

How you organize your world

Judging (J)

  • Prefer structure and planning
  • Like decisions to be made
  • Organized and methodical
  • Goal-oriented

Perceiving (P)

  • Prefer flexibility and spontaneity
  • Like options to stay open
  • Adaptable and casual
  • Process-oriented

Question Structure

The test consists of 32 questions, with 8 questions measuring each dimension. Each question presents a bipolar trait pair — two contrasting behavioral tendencies.

Example question (JP dimension):

"Makes lists" ←→ "Relies on memory"

You respond on a 5-point scale:

Score Meaning
1 Strongly agree with left trait
2 Somewhat agree with left trait
3 Neutral / No preference
4 Somewhat agree with right trait
5 Strongly agree with right trait

Scoring Calculation

Step 1: Raw Score Calculation

For each dimension, we sum the answers to all 8 questions. Since each answer ranges from 1-5, the raw score for each dimension ranges from 8 to 40.

Raw Score = Sum of 8 answers (range: 8-40)

Step 2: Type Determination

The midpoint of the scale is 24 (8 questions × 3 neutral). Scores above or below this threshold determine your preference:

Dimension Score ≤ 24 Score > 24
EI Extroversion Introversion
SN Sensing Intuition
TF Feeling Thinking
JP Judging Perceiving

Step 3: Percentage Calculation

Raw scores are converted to percentages to show the strength of each preference:

Percentage = ((Raw Score - 8) / 32) × 100

For example, a raw EI score of 18 gives: ((18-8)/32)×100 = 31% Introversion and 69% Extroversion.

Example Calculation

Let's walk through a complete example:

Raw Scores:

  • EI: 18 (≤24 → E)
  • SN: 30 (>24 → N)
  • TF: 16 (≤24 → F)
  • JP: 32 (>24 → P)

Result:

Type: ENFP

Percentages:

  • E: 69% / I: 31%
  • S: 31% / N: 69%
  • F: 75% / T: 25%
  • J: 25% / P: 75%

Limitations & Considerations

  • Not a diagnostic tool: This test is for educational and self-reflection purposes only. It should not be used for clinical diagnosis or high-stakes decisions.
  • Preferences, not abilities: Your type reflects natural preferences, not fixed abilities. People can and do act outside their preferences.
  • Context matters: Responses may vary based on mood, life circumstances, and how questions are interpreted.
  • Not a complete picture: Personality is complex and multidimensional. No test captures its full richness.
  • Cultural considerations: Personality expression varies across cultures. The test was developed in a Western context.

References

  • Jung, C.G. (1921). Psychological Types. Princeton University Press.
  • Myers, I.B. & Myers, P.B. (1995). Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Type. Davies-Black Publishing.
  • Open Extended Jungian Type Scales (OEJTS) — Open Psychometrics