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ABSTRACT
Two rival paradigms compete for acceptance as representing objective reality concerning the structure of the human personality: the Five-Factor (Trait) model and the Myers-Briggs (Type) model. In this review, the common features of the two schemes are identified and the points of difference examined. It is concluded that a harmonised scheme could be achieved if both sides gave some ground. The Type community could relinquish its contention that every individual has a clear either-or preference for (for example) Extraversion or Introversion. It could also acknowledge the speculative nature of Type Dynamics. The Trait community could relinquish the value-judgements inherent in its current scheme and accept that (for example) introversion is not merely a deficit of extraversion but a distinct quality with positive potential. Given the many similarities of the two present paradigms, a unified approach would have a good claim to be the best current portrayal of personality.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1 Type theory uses the term Preference for predisposition. I prefer the latter, as preference could imply a choice rather than an innate quality.