More On MBTI use, statistics, validity and astrology
Below is part of a discussion on MBTI, learning instruments, assessments and so on.
Someone wrote:
> I’m not sure what was “proved” or “disproved” here other than a personal
> disapproval of learning instruments. It seems that a debate over the
> meaning of the terms “validity” and “reliability” was suddenly turned into
> a conclusion that instruments have little value. Regardless of the
> statistical arguments….don’t forget to consider reality — the real
> world.
>
> Here are few statistics to consider…
>
> Carlson Learning Company, a leader in the “learning instrument” industry
> reports over 30 million people worldwide using their tools. Is this “bad
> data”.
There are far more people who believe astrology has something to contribute to their lives. Does that mean we should use astrological signs to foster self-awareness?
Here is a list of companies who use and continue to use Carlson’s
> instruments in helping them achieve their business results… is this “bad
> logic” or “bad statistics”….go figure….or, perhaps the world is crazy
> on this one.
Actually, I can explain the wide-spread use, and it has nothing to do with whether the things measure what they purport to. They are perceived as useful for a number of reasons. 1) they have a purported scientific underpinning (astrology doesnt”); 2) the marketing investment is huge (not the case with astrology). 3) they
appeal to a strange western desire to find out about oneself from the outside in. That’s a few of the reasons…there are more.
As to useful…well, as I’ve said, many people on this list could make up something as “useful” that would mean nothing. Heck, it goes on in the popular magazines all the time, I understand — you know…those cute little tests about dating, etc.
…and of course at one time most people thought the world was flat, and that was “useful” and self-evident to them also (up to a point). That didn’t make it right or accurate.
In any event, people do what they do. If people want to spend money on this stuff, that’s fine with me. If trainers want to use them, that’s a little less fine, because most of them don’t understand the limitations, but go back to the “heeyyy…it’s “useful”.
…but the money, the desire to believe in something, etc has made this the astrological sign of the 90’s and 2000’s. A quick guide to knowing thyself, without the muss and fuss.