Character & Cognitive Collection

A piece my former professor published on MBTI, cognitive functions, and his study I participated in 10 years ago.

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By Dario Nardi

This is based on the blue “Brain Basics” foldout by Radiance House. (Www.RadianceHouse.com)

In his seminal work, Psychological Types, Dr. C.G. Jung described 2 attitudes (Extraverting and Introverting) and 4 “mental functions”: Sensing, Intuiting, Thinking, and Feeling. Together, they give what he called 8 “Types”. Today, we can use more appropriate terms like functional patterns or cognitive processes. Notice the terms are verbs. His is a process model, not a trait model. Since then, people have offered many variant definitions and created assessments, most of which are peculiar to the creator, speculative, and not research based. In my own work since 2006, I have correlated the Jungian processes to biases and patterns in neocortical (brain) activity using EEG technology. Subjects complete a 1-hour protocol of 20 diverse tasks (meditating, math, memory, etc) while monitored by EEG. And of course, we do our best to confirm their best-fit personality profile using common definitions. Here is an overview of the neocortex and definitions of the 8 cognitive processes.

BRAIN BASICS

Your brain consists of many small modules linked in networks. Each module is a neural circuit that helps you do a task. Some tasks are concrete, such as recognizing faces, hearing voice tone, and moving a hand. Other tasks are abstract, such as evaluating ethics, adjusting to others’ feedback, and mentally rehearsing a future action. There are easily five-dozen modules just in the neocortex, which is the brain’s outermost, thick layer and seat of consciousness. The big figure below is a bird’s eye view of the neocortex. It highlights key modules. We each prefer some modules over others. We differ by the tasks we enjoy and how well we do them. You might take a moment to explore the big figure to identify aspects of yourself.

We enjoy different competencies. For each of us, modules activate with a different degree of stimulus, competence, motivation, and energy level. If we look at the average brain activity of two people over an hour, you may see that their favorite modules are similar, near opposites, or somewhere in between! When different, those people’s personality profile, behaviors, and self-experience differ greatly too. In fact, we can dig deeper to look at underlying brain networks (using computer-aided analysis of EEG data), and confirm the biases are longterm rather than a result of just a 1-hour protocol.

In addition to favorite brain regions and networks, there are whole-brain patterns. For example, the brain can get into a state of “flow” where all modules are in synch. Or it might show  a chaotic brainstorm. There are more patterns, and we human beings are pretty diverse. Situations may prompt everyone’s brain differently. Take a moment to reflect, when do you get into your “zone”? What is it like when you are at your most creative and productive?

To meet our needs, the brain’s elements work in concert. As an analogy, if a module is a musical instrument, then the brain is a symphony orchestra that affords complex performances. Research suggests eight ways the brain (specifically, the neocortex) works in concert. These eight are highly effective and sustainable, though we necessarily come to rely on some more than others. You will find descriptions of these 8 below.

FOUR EXECUTIVE STYLES

Before we get into details about all 8 cognitive processes, let’s break things down more simply into 4 executive styles. 

Two Processing Circuits: To start, there are 2 circuits in the brain to process incoming stimuli. One circuit is faster. It sends sensory data directly to the front of the brain, our executive centers, to quickly act on the data. This is a more extroverted style. A second circuit is slower. It sends sensory data to the back of the brain, to link with memory and information processing centers, to compare, contemplate, and collate the data before moving it on to the executives. This is a more introverted style. There are other ways extroverts and introverts different, such as high versus low gain: Given a certain environment, an extrovert may easily find it too quiet and want to “dial up” the stimuli, whereas an introvert may easily find it too noisy and want to “dial down” the stimuli. Suffice to say, everyone uses both fast and slow circuits, and Jung himself described each person has having 2 functions in awareness, one for extroverting and a second for introverting, to make a well-rounded adult.

Two Executive Centers: We have 2 main executive centers: a “goal-focused” left pre-frontal cortex and an “open-ended” right pre-frontal cortex. Different activities light up these regions. For example, when you make a decision, craft an explanation, or focus to shut out distractions, the left goal-focused executive gets active. Or, when you engage in brainstorming, monitor a process, or reflect on yourself, the right open-ended executive gets active. Very nicely, these two executives correlate well to Jung’s functions. Jung described Thinking and Feeling as “rational” or “judging” functions, which definitionally fit well with our left goal-focused executive. And Jung described Sensing and Intuiting (aka “iNtuiting”) as “a-rational” or “perceiving” functions that definitionally fit well with our right open-ended executive. In his framework, Jung viewed balanced adults as having both kinds of functions, just as all people use both their left and right pre-frontal cortex, and their left and right hands, but invariably with some bias for one over the other.

Now we can bring together Extraverting-Introverting and Left-Right pre-frontal bias to get 4 executive styles:

Expedite Decision-making: Proactively meet goals. Often look sure and confident. Organize and fix to get positive results soon. (More goal-focused, more extraverting.)

Refine Decision-making: Clarify what’s universal, true or worthwhile. Often look quietly receptive. Trust their own judgments. (More goal-focused, more introverting.)

Energize the Process: Seek out stimuli. Often look random, emergent, and enthusiastic. Attend to the here and now. (More open-ended, more extraverting.)

Monitor the Process: Reflect on data and perceptions. Often look focused and preoccupied. Attend to reference points. (More open-ended, more introverting.)

You might take a moment to consider which style is more like you, and more like a spouse, colleague, or boss. Remember these are about habitual biases, not boxes, so feel free RANK the styles 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rather than pick one.

EIGHT COGNITIVE PROCESSES

We can get more detailed. People’s brains tend to differ in two more ways: people versus thing preference, and abstract versus concrete preference. These are not absolute, simply biases.

For example, there is a module that aids us in identifying stuff in our environment. Some people invest more in identifying lots of people’s faces and emotional expressions, whereas other people invest more in identifying makes and models of cars, computers, or other objects. Of course, everyone does both. But like handedness, where we use both hands, there is bias and have a preferred hand that plays a lead role in many activities like writing.

For as a second example, there is a module that is home to lots of “mirror neurons”. This module tends to get active when we do something concrete like observe and mimic a person’s actions, perhaps to learn a skill. It also can get active when we do get abstract and imagine if we were another creature in a galaxy far far away. Everyone can do both, but we have biases that are likely do due a combination of genetic tendency and habits from culture and physical environment.

There are many other examples. We don’t need to go into them here. Suffice to say, there is evidence to support the kinds of variations and biases that Jung observed among people. 

Without further ado, let’s look at the 8 processes. As you explore, keep in mind you likely have preferred one or two from an early age, and may now be reasonably proficient with as many as 5 or 6 as an adult, at least enough to keep up in society, in relationships, and on the job. I have numbered the processes for convenient reference. They do not actually come in any particular order! Each comes with a name like “Active Adapting” and a broad cognitive process such as “Immersing in the present context”. Finally, each comes with a code such as “Se” (meaning extroverted Sensing) that links to Jung’s framework in Psychological Types.

1. Active Adapting (“Se”): Immerse in the present context.

Act quickly and smoothly to handle whatever comes up in the moment. Excited by motion, action, and nature. Adept at physical multitasking with a video game-like mind primed for action. Often in touch with body sensations. Trust your senses and gut instincts. Bored when sitting with a mental/rote task. Good memory for relevant details. Tend to be relaxed, varying things a little and scanning the environment, until an urgent situation or exciting option pops up. Then you quickly get “in the zone” and use your whole mind to handle whatever is happening. Tend to test limits and take risks for big rewards. May be impatient to finish.

2. Cautious Protecting (“Si”): Stabilize with a predictable standard.

Review and practice to specialize and meet group needs. Constant practice “burns in” how-to knowledge and helps build your storehouse. Specialization helps you reliably fill roles and tasks. Improve when following a role-model or example. Easily track where you are in a task. Often review the past and can relive events as if you are there again. Carefully compare a situation to the customary ways you’ve come to rely. In touch with body sensations. Strong memory for kinship and details. Rely on repetition. Check what’s familiar, comforting, and useful. Tend to stabilize a situation and invest for future security. May over-rely on authority for guidance.

3. Timely Building (“Te”): Measure and construct for progress.

Make decisions objectively based on measures and the evidence before you. Focus on word content, figures, clock units, and visual data. Find that “facts speak for themselves”. Tend to check whether things are functioning properly. Can usually provide convincing, decisive explanations. Value time, and highly efficient at managing resources. Tend to utilize mental resources only when extra thinking is truly demanded. Otherwise, use what’s at hand for a “good enough” result that works. Easily compartmentalize problems. Like to apply procedures to control events and achieve goals. May display high confidence even when wrong.

4. Skillful Sleuthing (“Ti”): Gain leverage using a framework.

Study a situation from different angles and fit it to a theory, framework, or principle. This often involves reasoning multiple ways to objectively and accurately analyze problems. Rely on complex/subtle logical reasoning. Adept at deductive thinking, defining and categorizing, weighing odds and risks, and/or naming and navigating. Notice points to apply leverage and subtle influence. Value consistency of thought. Can shut out the senses and “go deep” to think, and separate body from mind to become objective when arguing or analyzing. Tend to backtrack to clarify thoughts and withhold deciding in favor of thorough examination. May quickly stop listening.

5. Friendly Hosting (“Fe”): Nurture trust in giving relationships.

Evaluate and communicate values to build trust and enhance relationships. Like to promote social / interpersonal cohesion. Attend keenly to how others judge you. Quickly adjust your behavior for social harmony. Often rely on a favorite way to reason, with an emphasis on words. Prefer to stay positive, supportive, and optimistic. Empathically respond to others’ needs and feelings, and may take on others’ needs as your own. Need respect and trust. Easily embarrassed. Like using adjectives to convey values. Enjoy hosting. May hold back the true degree of your emotional response about morals/ethics, regarding talk as more effective. May try too hard to please.

6. Quiet Crusading (“Fi”): Stay true to who you really are.

Listen with your whole self to locate and support what’s important. Often evaluate importance along a spectrum from love/like to dislike/hate. Patient and good at listening for identity, values, and what resonates, though may tune out when “done” listening. Value loyalty and belief in oneself and others. Attentive and curious for what is not said. Focus on word choice, voice tone, and facial expressions to detect intent. Check with your conscience before acting. Choose behavior congruent with what’s important, your personal identity, and beliefs. Hard to embarrass. Can respond strongly to specific, high-value words or false data. May not utilize feedback.

7. Excited Brainstorming (“Ne”): Explore the emerging patterns.

Perceive and play with ideas and relationships. Wonder about patterns of interaction across various situations. Keep up a high-energy mode that helps you notice and engage potential possibilities. Think analogically: Stimuli are springboards to generate inferences, analogies, metaphors, jokes, and more new ideas. Easily guess details. Adept at “what if?” scenarios, mirroring others, and even role-playing. Can shift a situation’s dynamics and trust what emerges. Mental activity tends to feel chaotic, with many highs and lows at once, like an ever-changing “Christmas tree” of flashing lights. Often entertain multiple meanings at once. May find it hard to stay on-task.

8. Keen Foreseeing (Ni): Transform with a meta-perspective.

Withdraw from the world and tap your whole mind to receive an insight. Can enter a brief trance to respond to a challenge, foresee the future, or answer a philosophical issue. Avoid specializing and rely instead on timely “ah-ha” moments or a holistic “zen state” to tackle novel tasks, which may look like creative expertise. Manage your own mental processes and stay aware of where you are in an open-ended task. May use an action or symbol to focus. Sensitive to the unknown. Ruminate on ways to improve. Look for synergy. Might try out a realization to transform yourself or how you think. May over-rely on the unconscious.

Further Exploration

You can read more in the following references: “Neuroscience of Personality: Brain-Savvy Insights for All Types of People”, “Our Brains in Color”, and “8 Keys to Self-Leadership”. Or if you prefer a free online 1-hour video, you can find it here:

https://vimeo.com/user40810588/review/143815719/c69a1060ef

Here is an assessment built around the Jungian functions, validated on 3000 people:

http://www.keys2cognition.com/explore.htm

You can find a complete list of references to my neuroscience of personality work here:

source: Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type, by Paul D. Tieger, Barbara Barron, and Kelly Tieger (Completely Revised and Updated 2014)

By Karkino.

How the combinations interact and/or amplify each other.

1 + 2 Node (125, 126, 127) The Guide • Enhance the natural wings of 1 and 2; • Double compliant; • May secretly feel as if they are better than others; • Feel that they must help people grow; • Mix of warmth and cold attitude; • May push people too much; "I know you can do better"; • Easily frustrated with laziness, inattentive behavior; • Strong internal critic; "I must show the example, I must be nice and accepting, etc." • Extremely sensitive to ungratefulness.

1 + 3 Line (135, 136, 137) The Super Achiever • Double competent; • Strong work ethics and desire to perform; • Internal critic : "I must deliver and be the best yet be humble about it"; • Internal struggle between the needs to be correct/fair and to be praised/admired; • On of the most productive and efficient combinations; • Perfectionist and Critical about their work and image; • Very sensitive to social recognition, even if not dominant social instinct; • Can become workaholic; "My work is my worth" • Very cold, rigid personality. May be a bit less strong with a 2 wing.

1 + 4 Line (145, 146, 147) The Humanist • Enhances the natural line of 1/4; • Double frustration; • Ethical and spiritual traits of the 1 is highlighted; • Hard to please, critical of self and others; • "There's always something missing ; You don't understand"; • Conflicting relationship with their emotions : refrain from feeling, then let go; • May have religious/spiritual tendencies; • Can become a highly refined individual, with unique tastes and values; • Can look very NF (MBTI) even if not.

1 + 5 Line (154, 153, 152) The Rational • Highly cerebral; • Usually displays intellectual tastes and hunger for knowledge; • Not easily satisfied with the superficial answers; knows what and how to search for them; • Very structured mind; likes to organize information (MBTI can modify that); • Attentive and focused; Can easily dive into its mind; • Very curious; always want to know why you think this or that; • Very aloof and distant, even with a 2 wing or fix; • Can give extremely detailed and structured information; • May be awkward in social settings, not known for its spontaneity.

1 + 6 Line (162, 163, 164) The Guardian • Double Compliant; • Most structured-oriented of all combinations; • Usually likes to plan ahead and know where they going; • Trust is not only a concept, but a vital line of conduct; • May be a bit intolerant of innovative and counterculture ideas; • Can often take a leadership role and be sensitive to the underdog cause; • Can look very SJ (MBTI) even if not; • Critical outlook but still can be congenial and understanding (especially if dominant self-preservation instinct).

1 + 7 Line (127, 137, 147) The Catalyst • Enhances the natural line of 1/7; • Very internally conflicted : wants structure and freedom; • May let go of the pressure of the internal critic more easily than the other 1 combinations; • Can look serious and enthusiastic at the same time; • Can implement order and morals in a fun and colorful way; • Perfectionist, even in their creative side; • May be hard to follow with their high ideals; • Unpredictable emotional demonstrations, mostly anger and frustration (especially if dominant sexual instinct); • Often a strong connection to their intuitive function (MBTI).

2 + 5 Line (125, 258, 259) The Advisor • Double rejection; • Emotionally guarded but appears amiable; • Often strong observational skills, especially for people; • Good listeners; • Sociable, but need time for themselves; • Help people by giving out advice, tips and personal knowledge; • Often express their anger in an indirect fashion, even if core 8; • Can spend a long time of their day observing and analyzing people; • Often hidden intentions, not truly open with what they want.

2 + 6 Line (126, 268, 269) The Helper • Double compliant; • Most service-oriented combination; • Attentive to others' needs; • Likes to be part of a team or be with people in general; • Values comes from being helpful and trustworthy; • Both energies combine well : 2's pride with 6's fear makes an overall great friend; • Fear to be excluded, outside of the social circle, even if not dominant social instinct; • Anxious to be of service, may create opportunities to help; • May be clingy and dependent.

2 + 7 Line (127, 278, 279) The Jovialist • Double positive outlook; • Very sociable and gregarious; • Natural entertainer, likes to laugh; • Possess natural charm and humor to entice people; • Bored and anxious when alone, needs the crowd to be stimulated; • 2w3 are often paired with this fix; • Looks SP or Extroverted Feeling (MBTI) even if not; • Doesn't like negativity at all; • Could help being a little more realistic about facing their problems.

2 + 8 Line (258, 268, 278) The Protector • Enhances the natural 2/8 line; • Double rejection; • Help people in a forceful, direct approach; • Very sensitive to being ignored or rejected; • "I know what's better for you than you do, so lemme help!"; • Most protective combination of all; • Can get very angry quickly, then apologize in fear of being unloved; • Mama/papa bear archetype.

2 + 9 Line (259, 269, 279) The Benevolent • Double positive outlook; • Soft, healing quality; • Dreamy, yet also focused on others; • Quiet presence but often ready to comfort with positive words; • Unassertive, may not know how to deal with negativity; • If core 2, softens a lot of the pride edges and may be blind to it; • If self-preservation dominant, may show their love with practical tasks (cooking, chores, etc.); • Very humble combination; • If sexual dominant, may become the supportive wife or husband, fusing with their mate.

3 + 5 Line (135, 358, 359) The Professional • Double competent; • Like to be known for their technical expertise; • Assumed image of a know-it-all, the game trivia nightmare; • Gives a core 5 more versatility and confidence to show what they're made of; • Productive, yet work at their own pace, may be procrastinator (especially with 359); • May run the risk of becoming robotic and unemotional; • See feelings ask inconsequential and a lack of time (less apparent with dominant sexual instinct or 4 wing); • Conceal their true identity, shapeshifters; • Very often Thinking types in MBTI.

3 + 6 Line (136, 368, 369) The Dutiful • Enhances the natural 3/6 line; • Double Attachment; • Very loyal and productive; • They often act for the greater good of their community or partner(s); • Like to show their loyalty and love through concrete actions; • Anxious if the authority question their value or their work; • Can become competitive in order to please the thing that gives them security (bosses, parents, partners, etc.); • Can adapt their speech and mannerism in order to conform better to their surroundings; • May question authority behind its back but support and perform in front of them.

3 + 7 Line (137, 378, 379) The Persuader • Double assertive; • Very positive combination; • Charming but a bit pushy in their demeanor; • Combine efficiency with entertainment : life is a game; • Like to promote the image of a successful, happy person; • May look fake and trying too much; • Like to submit innovative and original ideas to problems; • May follow rules, but prefer to make a colorful impact; • Don't have time for negativity or dealing with psychological problems.

3 + 8 Line (358, 368, 378) The Challenger • Double assertive; • Very competitive and aggressive; • "There's nothing I can't do, just watch me" • A Fighter archetype, don't give up easily; • May show an image of invulnerability at all times; • "No, you got a problem, no me!" • Hard to let things go and let their emotions speak; • May have an overwhelming presence; • Absolutely hates to lose; very strong egotistical stance.

3 + 9 Line (359, 369, 379) The Stabilizer • Enhances the natural 3/9 line; • Double attachment; • "Yeah, no worries, I can do that"; "Let me handle this"; • Steady, productive presence; • Very adaptable and accommodating; • Are efficient but don't usually push themselves further than what's expected of them; • Can pride themselves in being tolerant, uncomplicated and agreeable; • Unemotional, dry personality; • Hide their stubbornness by only adapting in surface and doing superficial changes.

4 + 5 Node (145, 458, 459) The Introspective • Enhances the natural wings of 4 and 5; • Deep thinker and feeler; • Very introverted and private; • Feel tired quickly when they in unfamiliar events; low energy overall; • Slow to commit to new habits and persons; • Generally prefer written communication to spoken one; • Great capacity to pursue their passions and interests; • Dislike changes in environment; • They have a hard time communicating their feelings to people (a little less if dominant social instinct);

4 + 6 Line (146, 468, 469) The Sensitive Soul • Double reactive; • Take a great deal of time analyzing and sorting out their feelings and thoughts; • Anxious about their identity, about what to trust; • Most emotionally sensitive and reactive combination; • Conflict between external security and maintaining personal identity; • "Can I trust him/her?"; "I feel so vulnerable"; • When they engage into something, they always have doubts ("Is this for me?", "Will I be able to do it?") • Creative, but need reassurance in their abilities and support from others; • Can be very volatile and explosive is they feel threatened.

4 + 7 Line (147, 478, 479) The Whimsical • Double frustration; • Very idealistic but with unstable energy; • Want significance and playfulness in their work; • Very creative and imaginative, dreamy personality; • Capricious and a bit of a brat; wants this done their way; • Sadness in hidden behind impish or childlike behavior; • Bipolar/dysthymic mind; oscillate between sadness and joy; • Often easily bored; • See things that are missing in order for the situation to be magical and original.

4 + 8 Line (458, 468, 478) The Maskless • Double reactive; • Very intense character regardless of the dominant instinct; • Reject inauthentic behavior; • Feel things strongly and express them in a powerful way (especially 468); • Protect the vulnerable, the rejected, the abandoned (especially with dominant social instinct); • Often provocative and defying taboos; • Likes to dig deep into emotional traumas (especially 458); • With core 8, gives an incentive to look into their vulnerable side; • With core 4, pushes them to act upon what they believe.

4 + 9 Line (459, 469, 479) The Receptive • Double withdrawn; • Hide their sadness with a smile; • The 9 fix erodes the melancholic side of 4, making it less jarring; • The 4 fix encourages the core 9 to look into their emotional side; • Ghostly, wispy demeanor; • Very passive and often unassuming; • Good listener, but may focus too much on the sad/emotional part of the conversation; • Very sensitive to painful experiences, retreat when feeling hurt; • Can be critical, but hide their comments from the public eye.

5 + 8 Line (258, 358, 458) The Independent • Double rejection; • Enhances the natural 5/8 line; • Strategic thinking; • Can act behind-the-scenes in a surprising way; Almost ninja-like; • Silently watchful and ready to act in accordance to plan; • Mix of hot and cold energy; may be hard to follow and hard to know; • Often have a razor-sharp mind and are very good at problem-solving; • Have a difficult time connecting with others in a casual, superficial way; • Menacing presence even if unintentional (especially with core 8).

5 + 9 Line (259, 359, 459) The Observer • Double withdrawn; • Aloof and detached personality; • Like to take their time to understand things their own way; • Like their peace and quiet time in order to recharge; • Usually very intelligent, may have a hard time voicing up their opinions; • Can be very quiet, but also very talkative when talking about something they like; • When they not agree with something, they may become argumentative but often give up; • Very observant and curious about a plethora of things; • Almost always introverted MBTI type.

6 + 8 Line (268, 368, 468) The Fighter • Double reactive; • Most confrontational combination (most aggressive tritype is 368); • Want to see the truth in all situation; • Often smell something fishy that others might not detect; • Very sensitive to power dynamics (personal and social); • Argumentative and emotional even in less dramatic situations; • May see problems where they aren't, a bit paranoiac; • Very protective about what they trust and believe into; • Like to know what they're going into.

6 + 9 Line (269, 369, 469) The Follower • Double attachment; • Often unassuming when alone, feel better in groups; • Feel harmony and contentment when in a familiar environment with their peers; • Unsure about their capacity to act alone, so they side with security; • Loyal and gentle with who they know and love; Aloof and anxious about the unknown; • The 9 fix helps the core 6 relax and being more tolerant and accepting of difference; • The 6 fix helps the core 9 being less indolent and more proactive when helping others; • Usually gentle and amiable, but can become secretive and anxious if they feel threatened; • Their biggest weakness is to act and think by themselves when necessary.

7 + 8 Node (278, 378, 478) The Conqueror • Double assertive; • Enhances the natural wings of 7 and 8; • Life is a playground; "I take what I want"; • Natural hedonistic and realistic approach to life; • May take for granted what others find offensive and obnoxious; • Good negotiator; Always find a way to win something; • Quick thinker and smooth talker; direct speech but in a funny, original way; • Hate limits and regulations, to the point of circumventing or breaking rules in order to get what they want; • Have a hard time to slow down and think about the consequences at first.

ESP: what if I never find the reason why I'm here, my life's purpose??

ISJ: what if everything changes all at once and I can't cope with it??

ENP: what if my life never changes or I get stuck here forever??

INJ: what if I can't cope in the loud, busy, scary outside world??

IFP: what if I can never make money at what I love doing??

EFJ: what if I'm not smart enough to do this and can't figure it out??

ITP: what if they expect me to be super good with people??

1: get angry about it and work on fixing the problem

2: over-focus on other people and their needs as a distraction

3: over-focus on the image they are projecting and look confident even if they are insecure

4: pull into themselves, away from others, and assume any failures are because others don’t understand them

5: arm themselves with preventative knowledge / expertise so as to combat their fear (also by avoiding confronting it)

6: attaching themselves to others/something that makes them feel more secure (either avoiding what scares them or attacking it)

7: by actively chasing distractions so they don’t slow down long enough to feel the fear deeply

8: by going after what they want or making a preemptive strike

Not a ____ if they ...

1 <- need your approval to go forward

2 <- won't justify their actions from a place of right/wrong thinking

3 <- isn't managing their image and remaining 'polished' at all times

4 <- isn't drawing attention to negativity, corrections, 'this is me, deal with it' image management

5 <- identify as a 5, cuz they love books :P

6 <- are all about love and/or lacks self-deprecating warmth

7 <- are not assertive in pursuing their own agenda / desires

8 <- concern for the common good, instead of 'you are in my arena now'

Fi - "me" / my thoughts and feelings about this

Fe - connecting to you, making you feel included

Ti - clarifying terms / correcting inaccuracies

Te - to the point / factual / pointing out the obvious / tasks

Si - "my detailed thoughts about this"

Se - being present, engaging with the interviewer, quick to respond

Ni - specific forward thinking / behind what I see / the non-obvious

Random differentiating statements about the subtypes out of John Lucovich’s book; buy it for the in-depth profiles. It’s worth it, he writes extensively about each of them, their ego structure, healthy and unhealthy habits, and then has in-depth profiles for how this “looks” within each individual type, plus growth instructions.

Self-Preservation Dominants:

Seek experiences and circumstances that support a full, robust life. Are interested in maintaining independence and making sure they are dependent on no one else, and are keen to help others become self-sufficient. Tend to focus on the body and its direct feedback, out of a desire to maintain it properly. When healthy, skilled in balancing activity and relaxation. Gives themselves permission to be as they are—to relax when they are tired, to eat when they are hungry, or to treat themselves to something restorative. If imbalanced, they become a workaholic or over-focus on comfort.

Self-Preservation Types gravitate toward what sustains and substantiates their experiences and cultivates their values. They often express their love and affection through offering care for physical needs and lending assistance in practical endeavors. Their pragmatic outlook brings an intuitive understanding of how to be supportive at each step in a process, though they may not appreciate being continually “on call” for others. They find a deep satisfaction in being useful. They may spend a disproportionate amount of time looking for a “sure thing,” financially or otherwise. They prioritize comfort, but with an industrious streak.

Good at lending practical assistance in a crisis. Grounded, salt of the earth, realistic people. Finds it easier to achieve balance when they are responsible for someone else (or a pet). They acquire practical skills, and stick with things long enough to become proficient in them. May over-save or be frugal, or be wasteful and extravagant out of a desire to live “their best life.”

Give considerable care and personalization to their living space (I want to arrange it how it best suits me; organization, de-cluttering, aesthetics). Sensitive to their levels of comfort, sensory stimulation, and the emotional associations of food; may comfort-eat. Can go to an extreme in either direction; hoarding or living as a minimalist.

They value consistency and stability, but also may be dare-devils and risk-takers, who don’t want to miss out on life’s experiences. They approach intense experiences with preparation and focus. A strong capacity for staying focused and directing their energies in a specific direction. They have persistent, enduring energy useful for long-term projects, but when young, may not know where to direct it and wind up locked into a life path that doesn’t fulfill them. Some excessively prepare, save, and remain in stasis without moving forward.

They may resist developing their sexual or social function, because it seems too destabilizing and threatening to their sense of self.

Sexual Dominants:

Are identified with the need to elicit the sexual choice of potential mates. They arrange their identity around ensuring they can win out over sexual competition. They focus on distinguishing themselves from others with a personal “flavor” intended to attract some and repulse others. Being “edgy” works as a filter to only draw people to them that are exciting.

Sexuality, sexual identity, virility, and vitality are at the forefront of their focus. Being desirable is more important to them than how often they have sex or how many partners they’ve had. They care more about whether someone may choose them than whether that attraction will lead to a sexual act.

They focus on what “turns them on”; pursuing attraction is the guiding influence of their life. They may find themselves in a series of infatuations just to unconsciously keep themselves in a state of desire. Their energy galvanizes when interested and contracts when uninterested; abruptly shifting from intense urgency, activation, and focus, or preoccupation on a certain individual or activity, to hastily veering away their attention or cooling off.

They become locked onto a person, but unlike Socials, they want to create interpersonal tension rather than ease, to keep it exciting. Tension invites repulsion or attraction. When magnetized by something or someone, Sexuals drop everything else to pursue it, often making quick and drastic changes in the process of their pursuit of the object. They are willing to abandon their current course and follow a new path to the object of their desire, going much further than other have the fire to go. They trust the pull of attraction without knowing how things will work out, and follow the flow of energy at all costs; they are willing to abandon stability or push past obstacles.

When healthy, these pursuits can become genuinely creative. When unhealthy, a Sexual type can become slavishly devoted to something or someone they are attracted to, no matter how toxic the dynamic might be. They can be serial monogamists, abruptly ending one relationship and impulsively starting new ones. They are always trying to find the “edges” in themselves and push things into intense territory, through provocation. When a relationship stagnates, their tendency is to cause friction in it so it has more intensity.

Social Dominants:

Are attuned to the emotional atmosphere, attention, and agendas of other people, and possess a strong desire to be involved in the lives of others in some meaningful way. They want to leave an impact, large or small, and develop the talents necessary to do this, by looking for a niche to fill (whether that is to be the family comedian or to assume the role of a caregiver). Many of their gifts and talents directly stem from how they grow and cultivate relationships. Socials can be better at noticing others’ talents and gifts than their own.

They are not necessarily more outgoing or extroverted than other people, nor do they all have a wide network of friends. Many of them prefer one-on-one time and have a preference for personal relating, rather than are interested in groups. But they want to be involved with others, and need way more interaction and involvement in others’ lives than Sexual or Self-Pres types. Belonging is of vital importance to them; with a group or another individual. They have a visceral need to feel that they matter, to share a common aim, and to feel a part of someone or something even when separated by a distance.

Being engaged and impacting others in a meaningful way can be in person, online, or in a more distant format, but they gravitate toward interests that are both personally enjoyable and have a larger impact in the culture. While they nurture their individual passions, they feel their pursuits and interests are enhanced when appreciated by others or relevant to the culture.

Their sensitivity to others’ states makes them interested in what they are up to, in staying in touch with them, and in fostering communication between themselves and those who draw their interest; they are highly discerning about whom they interact with on a deeper level, but are willing to put aside certain prejudices about people to find common ground. Some even believe themselves to be anti-social, cynical about relationships, or fed up with people. This disdain is a reaction to heartbreak at having been let down by them, or having their need to connect unmet. Their attention toward others, however, persists.

They are curious and fascinated by other people and cultures. When healthy, this means caring for others and selflessness in the face of others’ needs. If unhealthy, it develops into an unnatural preoccupation with what others are thinking and feeling about them. They are often charismatic, and talented communicators. They find it easier to mobilize others than themselves, which can cause them to not recognize that despite feeling genuine concern for others, they desperately need their status, value, and goodwill to be acknowledged.

Nah, I'd say it's tied to their dominant.

ETJ - being irrelevant in the world.

EFJ - unwanted by others.

ESP - not allowed to act.

ENP - not allowed to dream.

ISJ - forced to uproot without warning

INJ - can't pursue their vision.

ITP - can't analyze for consistency.

MBTI Terms v.s. Conventional Meaning

One of the main problems with MBTI is that this theory uses rather common words to indicate types, but these MBTI “jargon” actually have completely different meanings from their conventional usage. This leads to misunderstandings of what the actual MBTI theory is about.

Moreover, most MBTI tests give you results based on percentages of I vs E, S vs N, T vs F, and J vs P. This creates a misunderstanding that the theory is based on the dichotomies between each letter pair, and that someone can be half J and half P, for example.

Let’s explore what MBTI terms really mean, and how they differ from the conventional meanings of these words, and the misinterpreted stereotypical/dichotomous “MBTI” meanings.

Introvert (I)

Introvert (conventional & MBTI stereotypes/dichotomy)

Someone who likes to spend time alone, preferring to be in their own room reading books

Someone who dislikes parties or any kinds of social gatherings

Probably shy and doesn’t talk much, may have social anxiety

Has a few close friends, or, no real life friends

Has low energy

Introvert (actual MBTI based on cognitive function)

Having a dominant introverted function (Ti, Fi, Ni, or Si)

A preference for focusing their energy inward e.g. tending to their own thoughts alone, analyzing themselves and their environment

A preference for formulating complete thoughts or theories on their own first before sharing them with other people

An MBTI introvert can be outgoing and sociable, but they still feel more at home being with their own thoughts and get worn out faster when interacting with people than extraverts

Extravert (E)

Extravert (conventional & MBTI stereotypes/dichotomy)

Someone who’s outgoing and a social butterfly

Loves parties

Has a large group of friends and a large network of acquaintances

Great at networking and making new friends

Talkative and socially confident

Energetic

Extravert (actual MBTI based on cognitive function)

Having a dominant extraverted function (Te, Fe, Ne, or Se)

A preference for focusing their energy outward e.g. interacting with the outside world by talking to others or taking actions and interacting with their surroundings

A preference for formulating their thoughts as they talk out loud to other people without having completely polished thoughts beforehand

An MBTI extravert can have social anxiety and dislike spending time with a large group of people, but they still have a preference for interacting with the outside world. An MBTI extravert may only prefer spending time with their few close friends, but they need to interact with those few close friends a lot to feel fulfilled and balanced.

Ambivert

Ambivert (conventional)

Someone who has both qualities of the conventional introvert and the conventional extravert in a moderate amount

i.e. pretty much everyone on earth

Ambivert (MBTI stereotypes/dichotomy)

Someone who gets 50% E and 50% I on MBTI tests

Ambivert (actual MBTI based on cognitive function)

This is a trick. It doesn’t exist in this theory.

Why? Because of each type’s thought process works based on 4 cognitive functions (out of 8). You can’t be half this type and half the other type because you’d have conflicting cognitive functions - i.e. constant cognitive dissonance with every single living thought, so you’d not be a functioning human (get the pun?).

For the more advanced MBTI enthusiasts: Yes, introverts and extraverts with the same last 3 letters have the same functions (e.g. INTP and ENTP), but you still can’t really be half-half because Ti-Ne and Ne-Ti approach the world differently. They experience different problems and stress factors (Ti-Si loop and Fe grip v.s. Ne-Fe loop and Si-grip).

If you don’t know what cognitive functions are, start with this.

Intuitive (N)

Intuitive (conventional)

Knowing something to be true without conscious reasoning or the need to go through information

“Women’s intuition”

Having an almost psychic ability to “get” people

Fluid intelligence (e.g. an intuitive learner)

Intuitive (MBTI stereotypes/dichotomy)

An intelligent, interesting person who gets all the funny jokes and subtle hints that people give

Imaginative, creative, artistic, explorative

Intuitive (actual MBTI based on cognitive function)

Someone who prefers to use interpretations of information they receive from the 5 senses - e.g. possibilities of what these things could be, their theoretical usage, and what they relate to (Ne), or what these things symbolically represent and will become in the future (Ni)

A preference for discussing theoretical, abstract, symbolic topics

A preference to understand the global, overall picture before getting into details

Being an Intuitive does not equate being intelligent. There are plenty of boring Intuitives around. It depends on how you develop yourself.

Sensing (S)

Sensing (conventional)

Quite similar to the conventional meaning of intuition - having a feeling that there’s something going on beneath the surface (e.g. “I’m sensing something wrong here”)

Perceiving or becoming aware of something

Sensing (MBTI stereotypes/dichotomy)

An unintelligent, boring person who always misses hints and has no sense of humor

Bland, boring, dull, mediocre

Sensing (actual MBTI based on cognitive function)

Someone who prefers to use the direct information they receive from the 5 senses - e.g. what these things are and what I can use them for right now (Se), or what these things are and how they have been used effectively in the past (Si)

A preference for discussing practical, applicable, immediately relevant topics

A preference for learning details first, then building those details up to an overall picture

Sensors can be intelligent, creative, and artistic (yes, even SJs)

Thinking (T)

Thinking (conventional)

The process of considering or reasoning about something

Directing one’s mind towards something or someone

Thinking (MBTI stereotypes/dichotomy)

Someone who thinks a lot

Making decisions based on logic and rationality

Someone who is calm and intelligent

Someone who is robotic and stoic, and doesn’t have any emotions

Someone who is doing something technical like hard sciences and maths

Like a stereotypical man

Thinking (actual MBTI based on cognitive function)

A preference for making decisions based on facts, truth and logical analysis (Ti), rationality and empirical evidence (Te)

MBTI Thinkers can learn to be considerate and not offensive to others, especially if their feeling function is in the tertiary position.

MBTI Thinkers have emotions and can act emotionally/irrationally, especially in times of stress or if immature

MBTI Thinkers are not automatically good at science and math, and may not even like those subjects. They can be amazing artists and musicians.

Feeling (F)

Feeling (conventional)

An emotional state or reaction

Experiencing an emotion or sensation

Feeling (MBTI stereotypes/dichotomy)

Someone who feels a lot and doesn’t think a lot

Making decisions based on emotions

An emotional person; someone who’s dramatic, may be animated, sweet, and nice

Most likely unintelligent, not academic, and incapable of logical thinking

Someone who is doing something involving arts, languages, or humanities

Like a stereotypical woman

Feeling (actual MBTI based on cognitive function)

A preference for making decisions based on what is morally just, personal ethics (Fi) or keeping social harmony (Fe)

MBTI Feelers can be logical, think empirically, good at science and math, and do not act emotionally

MBTI Feelers can be bashful and inconsiderate, especially if immature or under stress

Judging (J)

Judging (conventional)

Forming an opinion or conclusion about something

Being judgmental; determining whether qualities someone or something has are correct or desirable

Judging (MBTI stereotypes/dichotomy)

Someone who is organized, responsible, structured, neat, clean, tidy

Someone who is always on time

Someone who loves schedules and needs to plan ahead

Judging (actual MBTI based on cognitive function)

Having a dominant (if extraverted) or auxiliary (if introverted) extraverted judging functions (Je) - Te, Fe

Judgers can be messy, spontaneous, and always late (especially in leisure). These are learned behaviors/habits. Their external behaviors do not dictate their MBTI (i.e. thought process).

Perceiving (P)

Perceiving (conventional)

The way the brain processes external information through the 5 senses

Becoming aware of something

Interpreting something in a particular way

Perceiving (MBTI stereotypes/dichotomy)

Someone who is messy, scattered, disorganized, lazy, unreliable

Someone who is always late

Someone who is easy going and always go with the flow

Someone who is spontaneous and loves surprises

Perceiving (actual MBTI based on cognitive function)

Having a dominant (if extraverted) or auxiliary (if introverted) extraverted perceiving functions (Pe) - Ne, Se

Perceivers can be outwardly organized, tidy, and always on time (especially in the workplace or if they grew up in that environment). These are learned behaviors/habits. Their external behaviors do not dictate their MBTI (i.e. thought process).

If you want to know more about MBTI, visit MBTI Resources - a compilation of the well-written, informative, and accurate articles on the web.

-eilamona

[ 🎁MBTI Merch—show off your type on stickers, mugs, shirts ]

INTP - wizard or warlock (in an MMORPG)

ENTP - troll meme guy

ENTJ - fascist dictator

INTJ - tiny devil guy on your shoulder

ENFP - carnival clown

INFP - angst artist

INFJ - conspiracy theorist

ENFJ - fairy godmother

ISTJ - picture frame straightener

ESTJ - sociopathic police officer

ISFJ - confession booth priest

ESFJ - gossip columnist

ESTP - pickup artist

ISTP - kool aid guy

ESFP - porn star

ISFP - hippie peace rally demonstrator

-eilamona

INTP - Having many interests isn’t an excuse not to master anything. INTJ - Take time off from work to explore new things once in a while. ENTP - Just because you can get away with it, doesn’t mean you should. ENTJ - There’s more to learn from “stupid people” than you think. INFP - Just act on your passion, nothing is an excuse unless you make them so. INFJ - What you think is good for someone isn’t necessarily what they truly need. ENFP - There’s a line between being charming and emotionally manipulative. ENFJ - Don’t base your advice on the presumption that you know someone well. ISTP - People skills are useful and will get you places. ISTJ - Try to understand people who are drastically different from you. ESTP - Keep your promises or don’t make them at all. ESTJ - You can’t fit individual differences into the same model (i.e. yours). ISFP - Figure out what your needs are and be clear about them. ISFJ - There’s a line between being nice and being a doormat. ESFP - Don’t fall for sweet words, look for action. ESFJ - What you say about other people is a reflection of who you are.

Note: This is based on one person’s observation and opinion i.e. mine.

-eilamona

Te - (Alpha) Wolf

“Wolves are highly social, highly intelligent, cooperative in achieving goals and highly vocal. Wolves exhibit visible signs of the strength of their pack behavior through unique body language. You can tell a wolf’s rank in the pack simply by looking at how it holds its body. The alpha wolves are dominant to all others and direct the pack’s activities. They decide when the pack will travel and hunt, and normally are the first to eat at a kill.” (Read more)

Ti - Octopus

“Cephalopod brains are certainly impressive. Mischief and craft are plainly seen to be characteristics of this creature. Captive octopuses give full rein to that mischievous temperament, learning to pop light bulbs with jetted water, block the outflow of their tanks so they overflow and recognize individual people, squirting those they dislike with water (or perhaps water jets are an aquatic sign of friendship?).

Cephalopods are the ultimate color-changers, able to match their backgrounds in an instant so perfectly that even a keen observer can lose them. As invisibility cloaks go, theirs are close to perfect.” (Read more)

Fe - Penguin

“These tightly packed penguins shuffle en mass every 30 to 60 seconds, reordering themselves so every individual gets to cycle through the warm, central part of the huddle. Individual penguins don’t change their position relative to their neighbors, nor do they force their way into or out of a huddle. The small steps the birds take are sufficient to move everyone around in a coordinated fashion.” (Read more)

Fi - Elephant

“Elephants behave empathetically—recognizing and responding to another elephant’s pain or problem. Often, they even make heroic efforts to assist one another. Scientists have spotted elephants assisting others that are injured, plucking out tranquilizing darts from their fellows, and spraying dust on others’ wounds.” (Read more)

Se - Hummingbird

Neurons in the hummingbirds’ motion-sensing brain area appear to be tuned to prefer motion from all different directions fairly equally. They have to be aware of their surroundings in a different way than other animals. Being able to sense motion equally in all directions gives hummingbirds an advantage when they’re flying at high speeds, evading predators and doing intense mating dives to impress females. (Read More)

Si - Ant

“Give a colony of garden ants a week and a pile of dirt, and they’ll transform it into an underground edifice about the height of a skyscraper in an ant-scaled city. They work tirelessly and patiently through a repetitive process to build something one tiny speck of dirt at a time.

These ants can create a complex, sponge-like structure with parallel levels connected by a network of tunnels. Some ant species even build living structures out of their bodies: Army ants and fire ants in Central and South America assemble themselves into bridges that smooth their path on foraging expeditions, and certain types of fire ants cluster into makeshift rafts to escape floods.” (Read more)

Ne - Dolphin

“Dolphins are very curious and enjoy playing with objects and other dolphins. They jump up to 4.9 meters above the surface of the water falling on their backs or with their belly down. Most dolphins play chasing one another, using objects and passing them on to others for attention. They commonly make bubbles in the water and take the time to recreate themselves in the ocean.” (Read more)

Ni - Cat

“Cats are opportunistic ambush predators. They take cover, waiting patiently for their favorite food to appear. Stealthily tracking prey is an essential step in a cat’s pursuit of food, and they are masterful at it. With their silent gait, laser-like focus, keen senses, and flexible body structure, cats are natural stalkers. By combining these abilities, felines can predict where possible prey hides, and how to hunt it down.” (Read more & more)

-eilamona

Only judging functions make decisions. Perceiving functions just take in information, to feed the process.

Si asks, what do I know about this already (what's my experience with it and what has worked before)?

Se asks, what immediate action can I take to make something happen (what are the real-world consequences)?

Ni asks, what pattern will this follow as it moves forward (what do I see this evolving into over time)?

Ne asks, how many different ways could this scenario play out (and which ones hold the most potential)?

They then pass this information to the judging functions:

Ti - do I understand this, is it consistent?

Te - how do I implement this, does it work?

Fi - how do I feel about this, is it against my values?

N: to see the big picture rather than the details

Ni: to be singular in my focus and predict ahead specifically

Ne: to be broad in my focus and change with the flow of ideas

S: to see the details rather than the big picture

Se: to experience all life has to offer in a physical way

Si: to carefully record and repeat what I most care about

F: to focus on relationships

Fi: to discover who I am and what I will/won't tolerate

Fe: to level the playing field for the comfort of all involved

T: to focus on impersonal facts and logical understanding

Ti: to understand how everything works to create logic

Found this. It discusses the functions in isolation. You should recognize elements of all four of your functions in your stack.

Fi: Behaviorism & Mythology

Fe: Behaviorism & Mythology

Ti: Behaviorism & Mythology

Te: Behaviorism & Mythology

Si: Behaviorism & Mythology

Se: Behaviorism & Mythology

Ni: Behaviorism & Mythology

I’m focusing on the head centers next in my updated profiles. Enjoy!

“I’m not too good when exposed to people.” - Bernadette

The title character in the novel and film Where’d You Go, Bernadette? is an eccentric shut-in architect, who bought an old religious school to live in and renovate, though she hasn’t quite gotten around to it. Known for her avoidance of the other moms in the neighborhood, her disdain for being recognized in public (thus she wears sunglasses and large scarves, and is visibly uncomfortable when recognized for her architectural achievements), Bernadette would rather dictate her needs and wishes to an invisible assistant on the phone than go to the actual store or…