#47 - Evolution Misconceptions and the Myers Briggs: A Dialogue with Laith Al-Shawaf

Converging Dialogues

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Laith Al-Shawaf about common misconceptions surrounding evolution and the faulty statistical science for the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

Evolution is the first topic. They discuss the common misconceptions of evolution such as randomness, survival of the fittest, purpose and genetic determinism, and just-so stories. They discuss the importance of ethology and evolutionary psychology along with some of the common criticisms of evolutionary psychology.

Next, they discuss the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and provide an overview of the test's history and origins. They give a brief overview of the important statistical concepts of reliability and validity and how the MBTI fails with these basic statistical elements. Specifically, they discuss continuous vs. discrete variables and the arbitrary boundaries imposed with the MBTI. They also talk about why people continue to use the MBTI and if there are better alternatives. They also ponder if personalities are able to change and many other topics.

Laith Al-Shawaf is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. His main areas of focus with his research are in the evolutionary origins of emotions (specifically, disgust, anger, shame, guilt, and hunger), personality, and error management theory. The two popular articles mentioned in this episode are here and here. He is well-published within the scientific journals which you can find links to his articles at his website. Twitter: @laithalshawaf

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