The descriptions below (except for the physical attributes) are similar to the 16 personality types that have been popularized and expanded in recent years from the early 20th century typological findings of Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung. Unlike Jung’s oft-errant psychological theories, his personality evaluations were insightful and based upon observing “normal” behavior in thousands of people over the course of his lifetime.
BTI's independent studies and experiences have led us to concur that there are sixteen “types.” However, our belief concerning the various types is quite different from the norm. We distinguish these differing designs as Brain Types—found in all people the world over—each with unique cerebral/cognitive, physical/motor and visual/spatial skill proficiencies. The short definitions below of each Brain Type are only simple summaries—generic descriptions for the majority within each category. Though personas can vary significantly within individuals of each Brain Type (due to
nurture: parenting, upbringing, etc., and nature: genetic variances), we believe that differing inborn neural circuits in each BT affect specific cognitive, physical, and spatial skills and that these similarities within each design are due to genetic hardwiring—
nature.
BTI has built upon the empirical data collected by Jung and subsequent protagonists of his by applying neuroscientific, genetic, and biomechanical studies implemented by others and us. Our attempt has been to take Jung’s “soft’ typological findings into the 21st century “hard” sciences for verification. Our efforts have convinced us that Jung, including his modern-day devotees, was (and are) on the right track—though we believe they are far removed from the accuracy and scientific understanding now available for evaluating human behavior (cognitive, physical, and spatial).
Not only do we believe that Jung’s original “type” preferences and functions can be attributed to specific regions of the brain, but that they can be directly linked to specific motor (via the brain’s motor cortex) and spatial skills. Whereas Jung’s followers have devoted their attentions to outward personality characteristics, BTI’s studies and experience have led us to minimize outward persona and fixate on internal biological and physical characteristics that dictate cognitive, physical, and spatial behaviors. We are not interested in the typical “psychological” aspects of mankind but rather the quantifiable and verifiable biological behavioral dimensions—to be applied pragmatically to living life. We are not psychologists nor do we practice psychology. We are attempting to bring about a new and verifiable science--which we call Brain Typing. We are not there yet, but we believe we aren't far away.
BTI has recently released new terminology and nomenclature for our Brain Types, distinct from the 8 letters espoused by Jungian enthusiasts. Though we find no fault in Jung’s 8 terms, we believe there is a much more accurate and scientific way to describe man’s inborn skills. Though we have privately used these descriptions for years, we now believe the time is better for sharing some of this information with the public—which is generally disinterested in technical terms. Nonetheless, we believe it is necessary to assist others in going deeper into Brain Types and how the brain directs our various inborn "behaviors".
We believe that Brain Typing is the most accurate methodology for evaluating and describing man’s inborn “normal” behavior—cerebrally and physically. Each of the 16 Brain Types have sub-classifications (which we hold in confidence at this time)—based upon other genetic variables. BTI has recently finished collaboration on another genetic study regarding a particular brain neurotransmitter. As other outside studies have already demonstrated that various neurotransmitter polymorphisms affect personality and behavior, BTI has pursued this course as well since 1996—examining the different Brain Types. Though we still believe that all people the world over fall into only one of the 16 designs, we clearly realize that each BT has other genetic variances that create sub categories within it. This helps explain further the minor differences within each inborn design.
We encourage you to keep abreast of not only what BTI is espousing and bringing about, but to notice published genetic studies that are strongly suggesting and proving that man’s “normal” behavior is more than 50% genetically based.
Further Reading ...
The 16 Brain Types can be categorized in broader terms. Below they are listed as SJs, SPs, NFs, and NTs.
ELs / SJs
BEIL / ISTJ "Investigator"
gatherer of data; compelled to identify reality and bring order; stable, conservative, dependable, reserved, logical, fastidious, systematic, painstaking, thorough, dutiful;
fine motor skilled.
FEIL / ESTJ "Supervisor"
excels at organizing and running activities and orderly procedures; matter-of-fact; consistent, efficient, energetic, pragmatic, critiquing; likes rules and laws; values traditions; commerce-oriented;
fine motor skilled.
BEAL / ISFJ "Assistant"
concerned with others’ welfare; responsible, reserved, patient, practical, friendly, orderly, inquisitive regarding people, harm-avoiding; conscientious, thorough, loyal; service-oriented;
gross motor skilled.
FEAL / ESFJ "Facilitator"
hospitable, focuses on usefulness; energetic, realistic; develops and nurtures relationships; sensitive to praise and criticism; expresses feelings; conscientious; orderly; friendly promoter, commerce- oriented,
gross motor skilled.
ERs / SPs
BEIR / ISTP "Athlete"
artful with machines, tools, and hands; seeks action and excitement; superb tactician—seizing the moment; athletic, competitive, witty but usually not wordy; street smart; ever-thinking; can be intense with deep convictions; adaptive;
fine motor skilled.
FEIR / ESTP "Opportunist"
"smooth operator," deal-maker; tactical, enterprising; adaptable, persuasive, energetic; seeks fun and excitement; athletic; enjoys the moment; realistic, good natured, self-focused; body- and clothes-conscious; entrepreneur; negotiator; promoter;
fine motor skilled.
BEAR / ISFP "Artisan"
appreciates beauty and texture; artistic, athletic and graceful; reticent, not verbally expressive; realistic; sensitive, modest, kind; sympathetic; impulsive, enjoys freedom; service-oriented;
gross motor skilled.
FEAR / ESFP "Entertainer"
performs to entertain others; enjoys creating party-like atmosphere; spender—not a saver; expressive; down-to-earth; radiates warmth and optimism; impulsive, enjoys promoting and business; rhythmical and athletic;
gross motor skilled.
CAs / NFs
BCAR / INFP "Idealist"
deep internal values; idealistic, romantic, appears calm; generally reticent; creative, avoids conflict, sensitive, aware of others’ feelings; sacrificial, welcomes new ideas; flexible, interested in learning and writing; composer;
language skilled.
FCAR / ENFP "Motivator"
highly energetic; enthusiastic, charming, imaginative, improvisational; sees possibilities; spontaneous; easily bored with repetition; enjoys solving people’s problems; catalyst, marketer,
language skilled.
BCAL / INFJ "Wordsmith"
potential gifted writer; imaginative, conscientious; has concern for the needs and development of others; empathetic; enjoys enriching inner life; methodical; quietly forceful; counselor;
language skilled.
FCAL / ENFJ "Educator"
teacher/pastor; socially sophisticated; expressive, ambitious, catalyst, cooperative, devoted, fluent, imaginative, emotional; opinionated; interested in ideas and possibilities; seeks order, language skilled.
CIs / NTs
BCIR / INTP "Logician"
master of conceptual logic; problem-solver; scientific—desires understanding of universe; designs logical models; seeks precision; introspective; adaptable; tends to excel in theoretical, philosophical subjects;
logical abstraction skilled.
FCIR / ENTP "Strategizer"
"precocious planner," imaginative, alert to possibilities; quick thinking; likes complexity; computer proficient; enjoys one-up-manship; enthusiastic, outspoken, artistic, comedic, manipulative, spontaneous, entrepreneurial;
logical abstraction skilled.
BCIL / INTJ "Inventor"
applicator of ideas; builder of theoretical systems; self-confident; independent, reserved, single-minded, conceptual; seeks knowledge; not impressed with authority; determined, analytic, stubborn, skeptical, scientific;
logical abstraction skilled.
FCIL / ENTJ "Chief Executive Officer"
born "CEO," driven, takes charge; harnesses people to a distant goal; strategic; expressive; potential good debater and public speaker; seeks vision and purpose; political; self-focused; structured;
logical abstraction skilled.
