[shaunmikex]

I've consistently tested as an INTJ on nearly every internet-based test. However, upon reading the descriptions of INTP and INTJs, I find that I have a lot of similarities to both. Therefore, I'm not sure which category I would fall under. Here are a list of traits that I'd say are fairly consistent:

• I can be a bit messy to an extent, but I prefer to organize.
• I can appear very "cold"/logical and introverted to unfamiliar people, but I am very "extroverted"and spontaneous with those that I am close/comfortable with.
• I am very abstract and theoretical. I am currently a Chemistry/Applied Math major with concentrations in physics and biology. I have changed my major maybe 4 times before settling...Very Jack of All Trades-like However, I tend to not care too much for theories that I feel cannot be applied in real life (e.g. I'm not big on String Theory/Pure Math).
• I am pretty much equally skilled at verbal and logical tasks. I excel as a speaker despite introversion. I am also very precise in language, and many comment on my vocabulary and computational skills. I am also quick witted with language or so I've been told.
• I am always planning. Everything to me needs to be planned and then executed. I rarely am spur of the moment.
• I can be absent-minded at times, usually when I'm bored or required to do mundane tasks.
• The quality of my work is often related to my level of interest.
• I'm highly artistic. I sing well and am a patron of the arts--very eclectic tastes.
• I don't really like many sports, except martial arts

Any comments?

[Silverity]

In the MBTI subsection I think there are a lot of threads about the differences between INTJs and INTPs, to be honest, you sound like an INTJ to me, but I encourage you to go check out the other threads.

EDIT: here are some I dug up:


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[Aiss]

INTPish and INTJish traits (ones not highlighted are useless in determining type IMO). The usual disclaimer "it's just a tendency, not a rule" applies, of course.

Originally Posted by shaunmikex To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

I can be a bit messy to an extent, but I prefer to organize. - sounds INTJ-ish, but this one is tricky; what exactly do you mean by "prefer"? For example INTP might find it more effective to organize, and try to do it, but they'll often fail (keep changing and perfecting their plans until last moment, to the point of there being a plan becoming meaningless in the end). INTJs don't seem to have this problem. I can appear very "cold"/logical and introverted to unfamiliar people, but I am very "extroverted" and spontaneous with those that I am close/comfortable with. - very INTP-like. I am very abstract and theoretical. I am currently a Chemistry/Applied Math major with concentrations in physics and biology. I have changed my major maybe 4 times before settling...Very Jack of All Trades-like However, I tend to not care too much for theories that I feel cannot be applied in real life (e.g. I'm not big on String Theory/Pure Math). - the first and last part of this point neutralize each other, it could fit both types easily enough. The middle part on the other hand sounds a lot like INTP. I don't know if it applies to INTJs though. I am pretty much equally skilled at verbal and logical tasks. I excel as a speaker despite introversion. I am also very precise in language, and many comment on my vocabulary and computational skills. I am also quick witted with language or so I've been told. - more INTP than INTJ (at least based on xNTPs and xNTJs I know). I am always planning. Everything to me needs to be planned and then executed. I rarely am spur of the moment. - definitely INTJ-like, but INTPs may need to "get used to the thought of doing something" before actually doing it, if the task is unpleasant or uninteresting, or they're afraid they'll fail at it, which may results in disliking spontaneous activities. It doesn't sound as if it was the case though. I can be absent-minded at times, usually when I'm bored or required to do mundane tasks. - applies to both types equally. The quality of my work is often related to my level of interest. - applies to both types equally. I'm highly artistic. I sing well and am a patron of the arts--very eclectic tastes. - not type-related. I don't really like many sports, except martial arts - not type-related.

Very good INTP profile can be found here:
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. If you relate to it, there's a good chance you are an INTP after all.

[Silverity]

Hm. I don’t know.

“I can appear very "cold"/logical and introverted to unfamiliar people, but I am very "extroverted" and spontaneous with those that I am close/comfortable with”

I do this too.

“I have changed my major maybe 4 times before settling...Very Jack of All Trades-like”

This is also something I’ve done, and I enjoy being a Jack of all trades because it strikes me as efficient. Except I push myself to be a Master of All Trades =P

To me the similarities we had made me think he was an INTJ.

[Aiss]

^ These may be insignificant, then.

I'm a bit surprised about the first one though. I know INTPs may seem almost like ENTPs when they're completely comfortable with someone, but INTJs and ENTJs I'm close with (admittedly few) are always more technical/logical. This isn't to say they don't show affection, but they just aren't communicating in the funny/light/spontaneous way I thought of when I read that sentence. I can relate to what I perceive as the distinction between "close" and "comfortable" (any combination is possible) too. I wonder how you, as an INTJ - with the opposite confirmation bias, so to say - understood this point? There's a lot of potential for misunderstanding here.

[Silverity]

Originally Posted by Aiss To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

^ These may be insignificant, then. I'm a bit surprised about the first one though. I know INTPs may seem almost like ENTPs when they're completely comfortable with someone, but INTJs and ENTJs I'm close with (admittedly few) are always more technical/logical. This isn't to say they don't show affection, but they just aren't communicating in the funny/light/spontaneous way I thought of when I read that sentence. I can relate to what I perceive as the distinction between "close" and "comfortable" (any combination is possible) too. I wonder how you, as an INTJ - with the opposite confirmation bias, so to say - understood this point? There's a lot of potential for misunderstanding here.

Hm, are your friends of both genders?

With those I'm close to I am ever the comedian, cuddly, and silly. For people I am comfortable with, but not close, I retain my logical INTJ demeanour but I still joke around and make silly little quips. The difference between close and comfort, for me, is whether or not I'll let myself be touched or reach out and touch someone else. If I'm close with someone I don't mind being squishy, if I'm just comfortable I will keep a professional distance.

[NoStoneUnturned]

Does
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sound like you?

If it does not sound like you then you are likely an INTP, if it does you are likely an INTJ.

[shaunmikex]

Hmmm. RCOEI is my BIG 5 rating with more I. As far as the major changing, I was unsure of what I wanted to do, but they were all related to science.

And my spontaneity is planned in a way. It's odd--I think ahead and see if I can afford to slack off/be lazy if I have the time.

The reason I ask is because many websites depict INTPs as lazy intellectuals and INTJs are routine-addled sticklers. I seem to have more flexibility than the stereotyped INTJ, yet still make long range plans when I foresee an opportunity. I'm happy once a decision is made; however, I'm subject to change it if I feel it is inadequate or not fitting to my overall objective.

::shrug::

[Silverity]

	Originally Posted by shaunmikex To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	I'm subject to change it if I feel it is inadequate or not fitting to my overall objective. ::shrug::

To me this screams INTJ =P

[Blse]

	Originally Posted by shaunmikex To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	I've consistently tested as an INTJ on nearly every internet-based test. However, upon reading the descriptions of INTP and INTJs, I find that I have a lot of similarities to both. Therefore, I'm not sure which category I would fall under. Here are a list of traits that I'd say are fairly consistent: I can be a bit messy to an extent, but I prefer to organize.

• Happens to all types - that you prefer things organized is what counts. Maybe a slight J-indicator.
  

  	Originally Posted by shaunmikex To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
  	I can appear very "cold"/logical and introverted to unfamiliar people, but I am very "extroverted"and spontaneous with those that I am close/comfortable with.

  All types share this too; stranger anxiety to some extend or another is universally shared - some people have more of it than others and that's usually not even related to the I/E divide as much as it has to do with life experiences.
  

  	Originally Posted by shaunmikex To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
  	I am very abstract and theoretical. I am currently a Chemistry/Applied Math major with concentrations in physics and biology. I have changed my major maybe 4 times before settling...Very Jack of All Trades-like However, I tend to not care too much for theories that I feel cannot be applied in real life (e.g. I'm not big on String Theory/Pure Math).

  Yearning for real-life applications sounds J-ish but everyone could share that. Being abstract and theoretical supports the notion that you're an NT, but doesn't deal with the J/P divide.
  

  	Originally Posted by shaunmikex To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
  	I am pretty much equally skilled at verbal and logical tasks. I excel as a speaker despite introversion. I am also very precise in language, and many comment on my vocabulary and computational skills. I am also quick witted with language or so I've been told.

  Again, all types can share this (useful skill though
  To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
  .
  

  	Originally Posted by shaunmikex To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
  	I am always planning. Everything to me needs to be planned and then executed. I rarely am spur of the moment.

  That sounds very J-like.
  

  	Originally Posted by shaunmikex To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
  	I can be absent-minded at times, usually when I'm bored or required to do mundane tasks.

  Again, all types get bored and day-dreaming is very widely shared among different types.
  

  	Originally Posted by shaunmikex To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
  	The quality of my work is often related to my level of interest.

  Sure passion translates into higher quality work; the lack of stamina for boring tasks could be slight indication of being a P, but can also have many, many other sources.
  

  	Originally Posted by shaunmikex To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
  	I'm highly artistic. I sing well and am a patron of the arts--very eclectic tastes.

  Again, all types.
  

  	Originally Posted by shaunmikex To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
  	I don't really like many sports, except martial arts

  And, also non-type related.

	Originally Posted by shaunmikex To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Any comments?

You sounds more like a J... Just my 2 cents...

[Zsych]

@NoStoneUnturned: That sounds more ST than NT.

Personally, I tend to have clear plans, but I'll automatically move towards easy tasks that create a higher probability of success, and postpone other aspects of the plan until the short term things are completed.

I'm probably more INTP than INTJ, for all that I have little interest in anything theoretical that cannot be applied to an objective of mine. It feels like my answers come from roiling chaos. A problem appears and an answer or approach, to match it is created almost instantaneously. Then when I'm working on the problem, more short term enhancements will keep appearing to me and will be added into the plan.

[NoStoneUnturned]

	Originally Posted by Zsych To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	@NoStoneUnturned: That sounds more ST than NT.

It's not suppose to be either. It is suppose to be an isolated dimension of J vs P; the big5 equivalent at least.

[Zsych]

Hmm.. I personally have no interest in the orderliness of my surroundings although an INTP friend of mine likes to keep things really neat to keep his environment more pleasant for his mind. As long as I know where everything is and can find what I need easily - I don't care how things look enough to reorder them in a more pleasant fashion while I have anything at all more important to do... and almost anything is more important than reordering my place for the sake of adding more order. Its always cost vs. benefit.

Hmm... I personally don't care about my bubble either. I see no threat or harm in people being physically close to me, and my logic will usually override feelings that I don't think have merit.

[Aiss]

Originally Posted by Silverity To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Hm, are your friends of both genders? With those I'm close to I am ever the comedian, cuddly, and silly. For people I am comfortable with, but not close, I retain my logical INTJ demeanour but I still joke around and make silly little quips. The difference between close and comfort, for me, is whether or not I'll let myself be touched or reach out and touch someone else. If I'm close with someone I don't mind being squishy, if I'm just comfortable I will keep a professional distance.

You probably have a point here - I was speaking of males only. Come to think of it, another friend of mine who is INTP (and male) doesn't act nearly as extroverted/spontaneous around me, although I really don't know if he was ever comfortable enough with me. I guess it's probably type-independent then, at least I'm one INTP that can relate to what you describe.

	Originally Posted by Silverity To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	To me this screams INTJ =P

And to me, this screams INTP. What I've written in the beginning: we are forming plans, we're just changing them whenever we think of something better. That's actually one of the more stereotypical differences (don't know how true it is about INTJs): INTP will always try to improve upon perfection, while INTJ would only do so if the current version doesn't work. This is a blurry distinction though... when the plan has to be changed is a matter of opinion.

	Originally Posted by NoStoneUnturned To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Does To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. sound like you? If it does not sound like you then you are likely an INTP, if it does you are likely an INTJ.

	Originally Posted by NoStoneUnturned To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	It's not suppose to be either. It is suppose to be an isolated dimension of J vs P; the big5 equivalent at least.

Then it doesn't work for J/P. This is Si, and types with dominant/auxiliary Si are SJs. I suspect INTJs don't do things by the book as a rule, for example.


To the OP: what about functions? I'm not speaking of tests (a lot of them don't differentiate well between Ne and Ni, for example INTPs end up with high Ni score), just what do you think describes your thought process better, Ni/Te or Ne/Ti?

[shaunmikex]

First and foremost, I'd like to thank you all for your thorough inputs.

As far as functions are concerned, I cannot easily discern between Ne/Ni because I think they are either too abstract to be described or are not described well on most sites. I haven't had the chance to read a good book on the topic. I would say that Ne solely based upon "a ha" moments. There are times when I feel I am slow at learning/doing something then suddenly get a blast of connectedness and understanding.

As far as Te/Ti, I have a better understanding of it but it's not that clear either. I would say I use both--I am usually very precise in language, but that's to ensure that I don't get misunderstood. Most of my thinking revolves around planning and organizing...e.g. "What should I do first...If I do that, then I'll have these options later which will mean that I can do XYZ" --insert virtually any situation in there.

I also don't push past certain points. I am fine with understanding a theory/concept so long as it is useful. However, not knowing why/how something works tends to bother me until I figure it out, then it's a closed case so to speak.

Thankx for asking :-) I hope this was a little more clear.

[Aiss]

Originally Posted by shaunmikex To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

First and foremost, I'd like to thank you all for your thorough inputs. As far as functions are concerned, I cannot easily discern between Ne/Ni because I think they are either too abstract to be described or are not described well on most sites. I haven't had the chance to read a good book on the topic. I would say that Ne solely based upon "a ha" moments. There are times when I feel I am slow at learning/doing something then suddenly get a blast of connectedness and understanding. I also don't push past certain points. I am fine with understanding a theory/concept so long as it is useful. However, not knowing why/how something works tends to bother me until I figure it out, then it's a closed case so to speak.

These "a ha" moments aka sudden insight are a Ni thing, not Ne. Losing interest once the concept is understood sounds like an INTP, but if it's only after they're implemented as well, more like an INTJ.

You seem more INTJ than INTP to me, but are you 100% sure you aren't an ISTP? I know a lot of sites describes SP types as enjoying extreme sports, but I think it's hardly defining. ISTPs have strong Ti, are more in touch with reality than INTPs, have tertiary Ni (which would probably fit with you relating to this somehow, but seemingly not to the extent of INTJs) - and weak Fe (like INTPs, open up only when comfortable). The only part that seriously doesn't fit is spontaneity.

As an ISTP, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you deal with things rationally and logically. Your secondary mode is external, where you take things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion. ISTPs have a compelling drive to understand the way things work. They're good at logical analysis, and like to use it on practical concerns. They typically have strong powers of reasoning, although they're not interested in theories or concepts unless they can see a practical application. They like to take things apart and see the way they work. (...)

[shaunmikex]

I wouldn't say I loose interest; I just simply will move on to understanding more and implementing more, but the concept stays with me until I can implement it again.


I recently took a function test. It seemed to point INTJ, but interestly enough my Si was higher than Se. Other than that, it ranked my functions by Te, Fi, Ni. I nornmally test as I(60%) N(50%) T(60+%) and J (30%) .

[NoStoneUnturned]

	Originally Posted by Aiss To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Then it doesn't work for J/P. This is Si, and types with dominant/auxiliary Si are SJs. I suspect INTJs don't do things by the book as a rule, for example. To the OP: what about functions? I'm not speaking of tests (a lot of them don't differentiate well between Ne and Ni, for example INTPs end up with high Ni score), just what do you think describes your thought process better, Ni/Te or Ne/Ti?

1. It does work for J/P. I've read that the two systems are "highly" compatible with one another for this single dimension. (This and the dimension of "extroversion vs. introversion")

2. Just because one or two of the 25 things might not exactly add up to your self-description doesn't mean it's not what you're looking for. For example, an INTJ might be all of the following bold:

systematic, scheduled, planned, prefers structure, disciplined, desires the predictability of routine and habit, responsible, does things by the book, meets obligations on time, uncomfortable with imperfection, hard working, serious, practical, plans ahead, focuses on achieving goals, cautious, more logical than abstract, plays it safe, success driven, achiever, not easily distracted, law abiding, detail oriented and sometimes obsessed, prefers the familiar to the unfamiliar, likes the security of working for a company

In short, more of the them would fit than not.

3. INTJs follow their own book. INTPs are likely to just have no book or little values.

	Originally Posted by shaunmikex To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	I wouldn't say I loose interest; I just simply will move on to understanding more and implementing more, but the concept stays with me until I can implement it again.

That's more INTJ.
The INTP would just like to study the same topic over and over and over and over and over until they find all the hidden meaning. Then they just stop. They care little for implementing.

[Aiss]

Originally Posted by NoStoneUnturned To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

1. It does work for J/P. I've read that the two systems are "highly" compatible with one another for this single dimension. (This and the dimension of "extroversion vs. introversion") 2. Just because one or two of the 25 things might not exactly add up to your self-description doesn't mean it's not what you're looking for. For example, an INTJ might be all of the following: In short, more of the them would fit than not. 3. INTJs follow their own book. INTPs are likely to just have no book or little values.

Self-description, really?

Correlation can be influenced by a lot of factors. Like the fact that over 80% of Js are SJs. It would be enough to determine there's a correlation with J, even if NJs didn't fit in the picture. On the other hand, any correlation between S and Orderliness would be neutralized by numerous SPs (who have Se, not Si). It simply doesn't make sense to look only at dichotomies and ignore underlying functions.

Maybe more of those traits could fit an INTJ than not, but all except one relate to Si. And as to one or two traits that might not exactly add up etc. - I've explicitly stated it's an example. I don't think I could have been any more clear about it.

[shaunmikex]

Again, thankx for the thorough analysis.

I think I'm an INTJ after taking the function analysis test. Aside from that, my INTP friend noted the same cognitive differences that many have already listed. For example, he will continue an idea as far as possible (e.g. ideas in quantum physics); whereas I often will retort "That's all I need to know for X". Even though I love to theorize, chasing theories beyond practicality with no answer can irk me while it seems to entice him.

[PHS Philip]

Originally Posted by shaunmikex To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

I've consistently tested as an INTJ on nearly every internet-based test. However, upon reading the descriptions of INTP and INTJs, I find that I have a lot of similarities to both. Therefore, I'm not sure which category I would fall under. Here are a list of traits that I'd say are fairly consistent: I can be a bit messy to an extent, but I prefer to organize. I can appear very "cold"/logical and introverted to unfamiliar people, but I am very "extroverted"and spontaneous with those that I am close/comfortable with. I am very abstract and theoretical. I am currently a Chemistry/Applied Math major with concentrations in physics and biology. I have changed my major maybe 4 times before settling...Very Jack of All Trades-like However, I tend to not care too much for theories that I feel cannot be applied in real life (e.g. I'm not big on String Theory/Pure Math). I am pretty much equally skilled at verbal and logical tasks. I excel as a speaker despite introversion. I am also very precise in language, and many comment on my vocabulary and computational skills. I am also quick witted with language or so I've been told. I am always planning. Everything to me needs to be planned and then executed. I rarely am spur of the moment. I can be absent-minded at times, usually when I'm bored or required to do mundane tasks. (INTPs are like that...pretty much all the time. Heh) The quality of my work is often related to my level of interest. I'm highly artistic. I sing well and am a patron of the arts--very eclectic tastes. I don't really like many sports, except martial arts Any comments?

The bolded ones seem INTJ to me. The rest could go either way, depending on the reason and the flavor of the type (some flavors of INTJs will be downright playful once you get inside their circle, and some INTPs are argumentative jackasses no matter what, for example)