How the MBTI Really Works, Part II: The Four Dichotomies and the Cognitive Functions

To continue our overview of how the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator works, we’ll examine the theory itself, what the four dichotomies mean, and what the cognitive functions mean.

Basics: The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a system of personality type classification. It uses an arrangement of four preferences (abbreviated E/I, S/N, T/F, J/P) to make up one’s personality type (e.g. ENFP, ISTJ). Each type also uses a series of four cognitive functions arranged in order of strength.

So, to make up your type, you have four sets of alternatives—Extroversion/Introversion, Sensing/iNtuition (abbreviated with an N to avoid confusion with Introversion), Thinking/Feeling, Judging/Perceiving. Since I prefer Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging, this means my type is ISFJ. Someone who uses the opposite preferences would be an ENTP. There are sixteen possible combinations of these preferences and therefore sixteen types, which are:

ENFP, INFP, ENFJ, INFJ

ESTJ, ISTJ, ESFJ, ISFJ

ENTP, INTP, ENTJ, INTJ

ESTP, ISTP, ESFP, ISFP

We call these sets of options between preferences the four dichotomies, which means they’re an either-or decision. There is no such thing as being borderline between two preferences; either you are or you aren’t. Often people (Introverts in particular) have learned to adopt behavior associated with preferences other than their own in order to survive in society, but the MBTI is not concerned with learned behavior. It is a matter of what your natural preference is, what comes most easily to you.

Extroversion/Introversion determines one’s source of energy—being around other people or being in one’s own head.

Extroversion

• Energized by people, the outer world, socialization
• Outgoing, “people person”
• Vocal, more talkative
• Speak first, then think
• Open with information, easy to get to know
• Many friends
• Would rather work with other people, like group activity
• Often think aloud

Introversion

• Energized by their own thoughts and inner world, need some time alone
• Tend to be reserved and often labeled “shy” regardless of whether they actually are
• Quieter
• Need time to think before communicating
• Keep to themselves, more hesitant to share information
• A few close friends
• Would rather work alone or in small, trusted groups
• Internalize ideas and spend a lot of time in their heads

Note: Society tends to be prejudiced against Introverts. I’ve heard them accusing of being everything from self-centered to antisocial to mentally ill. But there’s no shame in being an Introvert. Just because someone is more reflective and needs time alone to recharge is no indication that one hates people or has a problem. It just means one energizes differently. So, humanity in general, don’t ridicule people for being quiet. Don’t call attention to it as if it’s their own personality trait. Be polite and treat them like any other human being.

Sensing/iNtuition determines how one takes in information—concretely or abstractly.

Sensing

• The here-and-now
• Concrete and physical
• Facts
• Details
• Practical use before theory
• Learn through doing/experience
• Use their five senses
• Realistic, more concerned with “what is”
• See what is directly in front of them
• Traditional

iNtuition

• The future
• Abstract and mental (as in, “dealing with the mind”)
• Patterns, possibilities
• Symbols, impressions
• Theoretical
• Learn through thinking or reading
• Use their impressions and read between the lines
• Visionary, more concerned with “what could be”
• See the big picture, underlying meanings
• Innovative

Note: Sensing/iNtuition has nothing to do with whether one follows the rules or not. SJs are indeed very concerned with adhering to establishing procedures, but SPs are more carefree. The real difference is a matter of experience versus innovation. Neither does iNtuition necessarily mean that one is “idealistic,” “imaginative” (vague terms), or “understands people/situations intuitively” (which could easily apply to preferences like Feeling). Also, I have observed that some iNtuitives tend to look down on Sensors as more common and less intelligent than they. Remember, all the preferences play an important role in our world, and none are more important or better than another. Sensors are not unintelligent; they just have different gifts than iNtuitives. We need representatives of both preferences to balance each other out, not compete.

Thinking/Feeling determines how one makes decisions—based on logic or values.

Thinking

• Decide based on logic
• Objective
• Concerned with truth
• Rational
• Spot inconsistencies in logic
• Want solutions to make sense
• Head before heart
• Truth before tact
• Justice before mercy
• Impersonal
• Can ignore the human side of problems
• Can come across as cold and heartless

Feeling

• Decide based on values
• Subjective
• Concerned with harmony
• In touch with emotions
• Spot potentials for conflict and disharmony
• Want solutions to be what is best for someone (self or others)
• Heart before head
• Tact before truth
• Mercy before justice
• Personal
• Can ignore reasoning and “hard truth”
• Can come across as over-sensitive and irrational

Note: Thinkers do have emotions, and Feelers are capable of thought. It’s a matter of what takes the higher priority to them. Also, whether or not one readily expresses feelings does not necessarily indicate whether one is a Thinker or Feeler. Feelers who also happen to be Introverts can find it hard to share their emotions. Remember, this is about decision-making.

Judging/Perceiving determines how one orders one’s outer world—with decisiveness and control or adaptability and spontaneity.

Judging

• Planning and order
• Organization
• Like things settled definitely
• Feels better when their mind is made up
• Like to keep life under control
• Tend to follow projects through to completion
• Steady worker, no last-minute rushing
• May decide before considering all information
• Like routine and schedules
• Tend to be more serious
• Hard-working
• May not always enjoy surprises
• Responsible
• Stand firmly by their decisions

Perceiving

• Flexibility and spontaneity
• Adapts rather than organizes
• Like to keep options open
• Feels better when taking in new information
• Like to keep life relaxed
• Prefer starting projects to finishing them
• Work in bursts of energy fueled by nearing deadlines
• May put off making a decision for too long
• Prefer to be unpredictable and not plan ahead
• Tend to be more carefree
• Leisurely
• Love surprises and the unexpected
• May be irresponsible
• Can change their mind at the last minute

Note: Being a Judger does not mean that one is judgmental any more than being a Perceiver makes one more perceptive. These are just the terms the MBTI happens to use. Having a goal and focusing a task may not necessarily make one a Judger. It all depends on how one gets there.

Links for further information on the dichotomies:

 

http://webspace.webring.com/people/cl/lifexplore/mbintro.htm

http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/

Beyond the four preferences, types have another, deeper layer, cognitive functions, in which the preferences come together and interact with each other.

These eight possible functions are as follows:

Extroverted Sensing (Se): Taking in sensory information, “here and now” mentality, taking immediate action, interacting with one’s immediate environment, living in the moment, thrill-seeking.

Introverted Sensing (Si): Recalling past experiences, maintaining traditions, storing detailed information, linking and comparing what one knows to situations in the present, following established customs and procedures, valuing stability and the tried-and-true.

Extroverted iNtuition (Ne): Exploring possibilities, developing multiple ideas and trying as many as possible, innovating, being creative, initiating concepts for projects, looking for new options, picking up on hidden meanings and interpreting them, brainstorming and strategizing from here-and-now.

Introverted iNtuition (Ni): Connecting seemingly unrelated ideas, system-building, strategizing toward one definite outcome, reading between the lines, using insight, expressing through symbols/analogies, long-term planning, expecting outcomes not based on external data, having a vision for the future and a plan to get there.

Extroverted Thinking (Te): Making sure procedures are efficient, less concerned with precision than clarity, finding practical/pragmatic solutions, aiming for achievement and success, using external data to prove a point, planning and organizing to achieve a definite goal, using orderly logic in clear steps.

Introverted Thinking (Ti): Developing personal understanding of information, less concerned with whether something works and more concerned with how something works, analyzing, aiming for precision, examining for inconsistency, categorizing, figuring out how and why something functions, checking for adherence to a model/principle.

Extroverted Feeling (Fe): Focusing on group values/emotions, being influenced by the emotional atmosphere, basing decisions on societal norms/others’ feelings, seeking connection and harmony with others, “people pleasing,” anticipating others’ needs/wants and seeking what is best for them, using tact.

Introverted Feeling (Fi): Focusing on personal/individual values, experiencing intense emotions which are not directly expressed and may be concealed, expressing feelings indirectly, understanding and defining personal feelings/values and likes and dislikes, determining what is worthy of being valued and stood up for, balancing peace and conflict, striving for consistency of values.

Each type has four functions, one each of either of the Sensing, iNtuition, Thinking, and Feeling pairs. The first function is dominant, the second auxiliary, the third tertiary, and the fourth inferior.

Dominant: What one is best at, the default setting, what is easiest and most natural for one to use, and what one automatically falls back on.

Auxiliary: Assists and balances the dominant function, used when one helps or mentors someone.

Tertiary: The area where one seeks guidance and accepts help, where one is either childish or childlike, where one is vulnerable, but can be a source of relief, a means of unwinding, or how one expresses creativity.

Inferior: The area one is at one’s weakest in and least comfortable using, something one might aspire to but not be able to use well, can emerge in times of great stress as a negative version of itself.

The functions for each of the types are as follows.

ENFP: Ne, Fi, Te, Si

INFP: Fi, Ne, Si, Te

ENFJ: Fe, Ni, Se, Ti

INFJ: Ni, Fe, Ti, Se

ESTJ: Te, Si, Ne, Fi

ISTJ: Si, Te, Fi, Ne

ESFJ: Fe, Si, Ne, Ti

ISFJ: Si, Fe, Ti, Ne

ENTP: Ne, Ti, Fe, Si

INTP: Ti, Ne, Si, Fe

ENTJ: Te, Ni, Se, Fi

INTJ: Ni, Te, Fi, Se

ESTP: Se, Ti, Fe, Ni

ISTP: Ti, Se, Ni, Fe

ESFP: Se, Fi, Te, Ni

ISFP: Fi, Se, Ni, Te

To determine the functions in one’s type:

• Extroverted types have an Extroverted dominant function, and Introverted types have an Introverted dominant function.
• Extroverted types have an Introverted auxiliary function, and Introverted types have an Extroverted auxiliary function.
• If the dominant function is Sensing or iNtuition, the auxiliary will be Thinking or Feeling, and vice versa.
• The tertiary function is the opposite of the auxiliary.
• The inferior function is the opposite of the dominant.
• If Si or Ni is the dominant or auxiliary function, the type uses Judging.
• If Te or Fe is the dominant or auxiliary function, the type uses Judging.
• If Se or Ne is the dominant or auxiliary function, the type uses Perceiving.
• If Ti or Fi is the dominant or auxiliary function, the type uses Perceiving.

Or you could just use the handy list above and not bother with all this. If it sounds extremely complicated, don’t panic. You don’t need to memorize this. As you become more familiar with the functions, these patterns become easier to remember.

Links for further information on the functions:

 

http://www.cognitiveprocesses.com/Cognitive-Functions/

http://mbtitruths.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-functions-explained.html

http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/understanding-mbti-type-dynamics/the-eight-function-attitudes.asp

http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/understanding-mbti-type-dynamics/the-dominant-function.asp

http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/understanding-mbti-type-dynamics/the-auxiliary-function.asp

http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/understanding-mbti-type-dynamics/the-tertiary-function.asp

http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/understanding-mbti-type-dynamics/the-fourth-or-inferior-function.asp

http://personalityjunkie.com/functional-stack-type-dynamics-theory/

http://personalityjunkie.com/myers-briggs-functions-inferior-function/

If any of this is all confusing or unclear, please, please ask questions. I would be glad to clarify anything.

How the MBTI Really Works, Part I: Often Encountered Misconceptions

Lately I’ve encountered a lot of misconceptions about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Now, I can’t claim to have this entire system thoroughly figured out and to be always right. Because I’m not—there’s always more to learn. But what I do understand I would like to explain so that maybe others can more accurately type themselves and others.

First of all, the question of tests. There are a number of tests out there, which do give fairly accurate results, but not always. Certain questions may be oddly worded, or certain words may bias the test-taker (for instance, many people consider themselves imaginative and therefore are typed as iNtuitives whether they really are or not—when actually most people are Sensors). I have found it more helpful, when I explain the MBTI to people, to show them the information, show them comparisons of the dichotomies and descriptions of the types and functions, and discuss with them what is the best fit. While taking a test is a good starting place for figuring out your type, be sure to also read up on all the types and be open to all possibilities.

Second, I encounter a good deal of people who claim to be two types—“I’m a borderline extrovert” or “sometimes I’m a Judger and sometimes I’m a Perceiver.” The four sets of alternatives in the MBTI are called the Four Dichotomies. A dichotomy, as we learned in my Logic class, is an either-or ultimatum, “a division into two especially mutually exclusive or contradictory groups or entities,” as the dictionary says. So Extroversion v Introversion, Sensing v. iNtuition, etc. are not sliding scales. This is not the “Big Five” personality measurement system. Either you are a Judger or you’re not. It’s that simple.

I think the misconception may occur because some people have had to learn behaviors that are not their natural inclination in order to cope. In our society, Introverts have to learn more Extroverted ways, and Perceivers may have to learn to be more orderly and scheduled at work. But the MBTI is not concerned with what one has learned to become, but with one’s natural inclinations. Sure, you may be able to network and give speeches all day with perfect ease, but when you come home, do you feel drained and need time alone to recharge? Etc.

No one of course always uses only Sensing or only Thinking. The concept of cognitive functions accounts for the many different qualities people have. But the MBTI is a question of what you prefer using, what comes most easily and naturally to you.

Third, the concept of cognitive functions is sometimes scorned, but it really does make sense when you examine it (as we will later). When one understands what each of the functions do and how the hierarchy of functions works, one can easily piece together one’s own type and those of others. (For instance, if you know that someone uses Extroverted Sensing dominantly and Introverted Feeling next, you know he or she is ESFP. Likewise, if you understand someone is ESFP, you can peg his or her cognitive functions as Extroverted Sensing, Introverted Feeling, Extroverted Thinking, and Introverted iNtuition.) And, as always, rely more on the concepts of the functions and your understanding of yourself than on potentially faulty tests.

In the next post, I will discuss the Four Dichotomies (E/I, S/N, T/F, and J/P) and what they actually mean, as well as the cognitive functions (Se, Si, Ne, Ni, Te, Ti, Fe, Fi), what they mean, and what their positions (dominant, auxiliary, etc.) entail.

For further information on the MBTI in general, here are some links that I have found informative.

http://www.personalitypage.com/

http://www.truity.com/view/types

http://typelogic.com/

http://www.bestfittype.com/16Types/index.cfm

More Google Searches and Replies

The monthly list of Google searches!

“isfp control freak”: My other sister is ISFP. She claims she is not a control freak, and we have to take her word for it. So, no, probably not.

“istj unhappy”: ISTJness does not necessarily make someone unhappy, nor are all ISTJs unhappy.

“entj admire isfj”: I wish! I don’t actually know any ENTJs in real life, so I don’t know how we would interact, but going by my experience with INTJs, it is hard to get them to respect an ISFJ as an intellectual equal.

“isfj level headed”: I’d like to think so. At least we are until we’ve reached our limit and then we explode. It’s not pretty.

“isfj lovers”: Um . . . not really my area. Please seek answers elsewhere for this one.

“self centered isfj”: Why do people keep searching this one? Are we developing an undeserved reputation?

“captain wentworth entp”: I wish (ENTPs are cool!), but no, he lacks the spontaneity of the ENTP. Mr. Tilney in Northanger Abbey is, however, ENTP, if you’re looking for an Austen hero of that type.

“isfj pride”: As “ISFJs being full of themselves” or “glad to be ISFJ and don’t care who knows it”? I’d say we need a little more of the latter. All the NFs and NTs post all over the Internet about how fabulous they are; we need some representation too.

“isfj apathetic”: Um . . . I’d tell you how I feel about that, but I really don’t care. Meh.

“isfj criminal investigation career”: Sounds fun! This is not the place for employment advice though.

“college essays on isfj”: Not here, alas. My college never assigned such a thing. Tragic.

“rochester entp entj jane eyre”: I’m fairly certain Rochester isn’t a Perceiver, but I’m currently unsure of his type. Will let you know when I finish rereading Jane Eyre.

“reading novels voice types”: Ooh, reading aloud is fun! The key is not to necessarily use fake voices, but to vary your pitch and tone in order to suggest different characters. No idea why you’re looking for such information on this blog, though.

More Replies to Google Searches, Which Have Not Increased Much in Normality

It’s time again to reply to some Google searches!

“isfj self centered”: While this type is not necessarily identified with this trait, I would have to say ISFJs are self-centered, just the same as every other type if you go down deep enough.

“isfj not loud enough”: I get this all the time, as if not talking incessantly were a bad thing. Apparently many people’s idea of a good conversation starter is “So you’re quiet/shy?” (“Oh, of course, and obviously I would like nothing more than to talk about that fact. And so you’re outgoing? Dear me. Let’s discuss that flaw next.”)

“isfj appearance”: Sorry, dear Googler, but you’re never going to find hard-and-fast information on what all ISFJs look like. We vary greatly. And no, you probably can’t tell people’s types just by looking at them. Unless you’re very clever and have perfected some sort of Sherlock Scan for types. This blog, however, is not yet on that level.

“istj ballet dancers”: No idea, dear Googler. I don’t think I actually know of any outside of Noel Streatfeild’s (fictional) “Shoes” books.

“isfj persuasion”: So either you’re looking for an ISFJ in Jane Austen’s Persuasion or trying to learn how to persuade ISFJs. In the case of the former, Anne Elliot is an ISFJ, and in the case of the latter, it’s actually fairly easy. We’re unfortunately a type that has a hard time saying no, especially if it’s to a plea for help.

“intj cold”: Um, yes, they can be. But not necessarily always. INTJs don’t lack feelings; they just tend not to place great importance on them and don’t express them easily.

“isfj shadow”: As in the concept of shadow cognitive functions? A very complicated subject. Let us assume you already understand how all that works. In that case, an ISFJ’s shadow functions are, in order, Extroverted Sensing, Introverted Feeling, Extroverted Thinking, and Introverted iNtuition. But if you meant literal shadow, I don’t know how to answer you. ISFJs (oddly enough) are human beings and cast shadows just the same as everybody else. Not much significance in it.

“great expectations versus jane eyre”: Ooh, book battle! Jane Eyre all the way!

“joe in little women infp ?”: Well, since there’s no one by that name in Little Women, he can be any type you like, I guess. However, Jo in Little Women is probably not an INFP, more like an ISTP.

“british monarchs mbti personality”: Whoever you are, dear Googler, bless you for looking this up. We may be the only two who are interested in the subject. Just the two of us against the rest of the world!

“mrs abernathy great expectations”: You have stumped me. I have no clue how these two items go together. There is no such character as Mrs. Abernathy in Great Expectations. But if you meant actual, literal great expectations connected with a Mrs. Abernathy, then this is not where you need to be looking for information.

“sense and sensibility wickham isfj”: Yikes, dear Googler, you have committed so many inaccuracies that it’s hard to know where to start with setting you straight. For one thing, Wickham is a character in Pride and Prejudice, not Sense and Sensibility (which features a similar character called Willoughby—is that who you meant?). And there is not much of an argument for Wickham or Willoughby as ISFJs. We have our faults, but we don’t tend to be charming cads.

“ellen dashwood intj”: Come on, people, do. your. research. Unless you don’t mean the heroine of Sense and Sensibility, it’s Elinor Dashwood, who is more likely ISTJ.

“isfj enfp”: ENFP is my youngest sister’s type. We get along very well. The relationship of ISFJ and ENFP (according to http://typelogic.com/pairs.html and http://mbtitruths.blogspot.com/2012/12/type-interactions-in-relationship.html) is Cohort, which means our reversed dominant and inferior functions ensure that one’s routine is the other’s adventure.

“agnes wickfield infj”: I had thought ISFJ, but this is something to consider next time I reread David Copperfield. Thanks for the idea, and for reminding me to always consider all options before jumping to a conclusion. This is a common mistake: seeing a few traits identified with one type and assuming that someone is that type, even though those traits could also indicate something quite different. For instance, yes, ISFJs are quiet, helpful, affectionate, and have trouble asserting themselves, but these are qualities of all the IxF types. This does not automatically indicate ISFJ any more than, say, “coldness” and impatience for stupidity necessarily indicate INTJ (this could apply to almost any Thinking type, and especially all the NTs).

Continue to Google away, everyone, and feel free to comment. Not sure exactly what upcoming posts will be, but I would eventually like to overhaul the type conclusions for the Oz characters and the Psmith series (including other characters besides the two leads). And maybe I should do an informative post reviewing what the four dichotomies (E v. I, S v. N, etc.) mean and explaining the cognitive functions, which is a relatively new discovery for me but has given one a deeper perspective on how types work. Anyway, we’ll see. Can’t guarantee anything.