October 24, 2003

Brain Typing. Who becomes a superstar?: Dr. Jonathan Niednagel says that he can predict athletic success based on which 1 of 16 brain types an athlete has. According to Niednagel, Lebon is an ESFP (Jul 28), the same type as Magic Johnson. So get ready for Magic's penchant for flashy passes and ability to involve teamates but don't expect Michael's thinking assasin persona. You can read about the brain types here and some interesting amateur interpretations here.

posted by Mike McD to general at 06:33 PM - 8 comments

The whole thing has a very Scientology-ish feel to me.

posted by billsaysthis at 10:55 PM on October 24, 2003

Management once brought in someone to give us a personality-profile questionnaire. But it seems this report is basing their data on observations: did they really give a questionnaire to Johnny Cash, Bob Hope, Zimmer, Manny Ramirez, John Ritter, Dennis Rodman? Or did they just observe their job performance from the television? Interesting post.

posted by Philfromhavelock at 11:04 PM on October 25, 2003

Niednagel claims that he can identify which type a person is by watching tape and listening to them speak so I don't think they would need to actually take any tests. They might have though ... I just don't know. Although I'm not convinced that this stuff is legitimate it still fascinates me. Towards the bottom of the last post they say that the Orlando Magic stopped using him because his fee was too expensive (over six figures) so enough people must want his services that his price is a) high and b) going up which makes me think he's done something to create his reputation.

posted by Mike McD at 10:22 AM on October 26, 2003

I've taken this test at work, and its hogwash, in my opinion. When asked whether I prefer analysis or synthesis, I close my eyes and pick an answer. The only thing that is tested is your vocabulary, and how well acquainted you are with concepts that are not generally well understood. But who knows, maybe by trying to fool the test, it fooled me.

posted by garfield at 10:32 AM on October 26, 2003

Eh. I scanned a few pages, and I don't think Niednagel ever referenced Myers-Briggs. At least he didn't claim credit for Jung's theories..... You can google for a type sorter on the web if you'd like (I'm an INTJ). The utility of knowing your personality type in general is dubious, and most of the stuff I've seen on the web does border on the hokey scientology/astrology/predatory "self-help" BS. I personally think this guy is selling snake oil when it comes to typing athletes based on their comments. The introvert/extrovert isn't hard to differentiate, but it would seem hard to draw meaningful conclusions about an athlete's brain when the bulk of their public comments are from cliche-laden fluff interviews.

posted by mbd1 at 12:18 AM on October 27, 2003

Here is a personality sorter. Good addition to the post. Thanks mbd1. Apparently I'm a INTJ as well.

posted by Mike McD at 08:32 AM on October 27, 2003

I prefer Phrenology. Garfield it's no surprise the test fooled you - you have the leveled brainpan typical of an underdeveloped yes man. Suitable for task-response, but not task-generation. My guess is at best you sell insurance.

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 11:01 AM on October 27, 2003

My guess is at best you sell insurance. Not bad for a table-candle making honors Philosophy student. Far Out, Solid and Right On!

posted by garfield at 05:56 PM on October 27, 2003

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