#perception functions

In Myers-Briggs “theory” or typology, intuition or sensation are two of the possible modes of perceiving. A cursory understanding of Myers-Briggs would lead many people to come up with very superficial descriptions for either the intuitive or sensory types. 

The four actual perception functions for any given type are defined by their direction, introverted (inward) or extroverted (outward), and their mode, intuition or sensory. Depending on the specific type, people are inclined to follow one of two possible cognitive axes premised on the opposing directions and mode of function.

The chart above contains a quick overview of the four cognitive perception functions and their common characteristics as well as their dominant and auxiliary positions within each of the 16 types. Before elaborating on the specific cognitive functions, intuition and sensation should first be compared, because the stereotypical behaviors associated with the misunderstood S/N can help lay a groundwork for their more nuanced cognitive roles.

Intuitives (n.) are best encapsulated by the phrase “being in their head” while sensors are best described as “being in their body.” Intuition, defined in Jungian psychology, is an unconscious perception, i.e. knowing without knowing. Sensation, defined in Jungian terms, is a subconscious-conscious perception. Because of these differences, intuition functions through “impressions” from the noumenon whereas sensation functions through “feelings” from the phenomena. Although both are functions of interpretation, one works through an underlying mental filter whereas the other occurs with an overlaying physical filter. 

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Although the functions are opposite and each type has either “S” or “N” in the name, it must be emphatically stated that all sixteen types use both sensation and intuition to varying degrees.

The difference among the types is how intuition and sensation manifest and to the level of importance they play in the nature of each personality. INTJs and ENTPs belong in the same Keirsey group (Rationals) and share the same “NT” moniker as well as the same functional stack, but their functions are entirely different: INTJs prefer introverted intuition and extroverted thinking; ENTPs prefer extroverted intuition and introverted thinking. Thus, the cognitive mode of thinking is very different between these two types, despite their presumed similarities. 

Both intuition and sensation can be further broken down into either being introverted or extroverted.

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Introverted intuition (Ni) is future-oriented and telescopic. It makes predictions relying on probability using data from the present. It is introverted in the sense that the impressions all amalgamate to unifying themes and principles or at least a clear trajectory of thought. This function is best associated with hunches and visceral impressions at its base level and strongly associated with foresight and forecasting at its more advanced levels. Unfortunately, this function is prone to tunnel vision if given too much emphasis without input from other functions or is also prone to self-fulfilling prophecies if maladaptively developed.

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Introverted Sensation (Si) is past-oriented and retrospective. This function predicts possibilities based on data from the past. It is introverted in the sense that details and personal experiences or senses are retained in a archive of templates to inform decision-making and expectations. This function amasses a repertoire of experiences, details, and information from which it assigns factual, sensory detail to new data. At its most basic level, this function roots itself in tradition and established protocols and at its most advanced level this function relies on personal experience in assigning information to judgment. Weaknesses associated with this function are its inability to adapt quickly and effectively to rapidly-changing environments and can be too rigid when making decisions.

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Extroverted Intuition (Ne) is future-present-oriented and radioscopic. It is less precise than introverted intuition, but it makes prediction relying on possibilities of data from the past, connecting these data to the future-present. It is extroverted in the sense that it is heavily involved in the external environment, despite being an intuitive function; to elaborate, this function sees many routes and iterations based on the range of all possible options from which it extrapolates using mental filtering of mostly past and some present data. This function is best associated with imaginative spontaneity and expansive creativity at its most basic, and strongly associated with lateral thinking and ideation at its most developed. This function suffers from a lack of clear focus or even being overwhelmed with options (paradox of choice) which can lead to a paralysis of decision-making.

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Extroverted Sensation (Se) is a present-oriented and immediate function. Unlike introverted intuition or sensation, it neither makes impressions nor catalogs details; this function takes in all of the senses then and there first like a radar and lets the transformations happen afterwards. It is extroverted in the sense that it is solely attached to the external world and epitomizes sensation functions in the conventional sense by broadly taking in sensory details as they are. It can be best associated with quick-thinking and engagement at its most basic, while at its most advanced this function can achieve a state of cognitive flow, which is arguably the most productive and fulfilling state of mind possible for completing tasks. Despite the broad range of perceptions and reactionary ability of Se, its weaknesses are apparent in those vary strengths: lack of foresight, can result in improper planning of impulsive reactions. 

To expand further on these ideas, introverted intuition is inherently tied to extroverted sensation and introverted sensation is inherently tied to extroverted intuition. These axes are operationally and functionally opposing. Sensory data feed intuitive interpretation and intuitive impressions direct the attention of the senses.