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agents-of-nothing · 9 years

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Have you ever explained cognitive functions? If not, could you? Or at least give me a link? I'm confused as to what they are

A Comprehensive Explanation of the Myers Briggs Theory

I’m just going to give you a run down of the whole functions and Myers Briggs theory in detail since I should probably make a post about this anyway.

When you first learn about Myers Briggs, it is presented as four choices between letters, from a dichotomy perspective. The first choice is introvert (I) versus extrovert (E), then sensing (S) versus intuition (N), then thinking (T) versus feeling (F), and then judging (J) versus perceiving (P). The first choice has to do with whether interacting with others exhausts you (introvert) or energizes you (extrovert). The second choice has to do with whether you prefer overt and tangible facts and sensations (sensing) or abstract ideas and theories (intuition). The third choice has to do with whether you are more comfortable making emotional (feeling) or logical (thinking) decisions. The last choice has to do with whether you prefer organized structure (judging) or laid-back freedom (perceiving) in your lifestyle. You are told that you must pick one of these choices; you are either an extrovert or an introvert, and that is that. The combination of these four choices give us sixteen different combinations (also known as your types) of four letters (for example, ISTP). Therefore observing an individual and assigning them a type is known as typing, and the study of this overall is known as typology.

In actuality Myers Briggs is a lot more complex than that, and is determined off of a set of something called functions. These eight functions have to do with how we perceive the world around us and take in information (the four perceiving functions) and how we make logical or moral judgments (the four judging functions). There are two sensing functions and two intuition functions that make up the perceiving functions, and there are two thinking functions and two feeling functions that make up the judging functions. Within each of these functions, there is actually an extroverted and introverted version. The are denoted by a lowercase e or i (for example, extroverted intuition is Ne). However, the extrovert or introvert label can be deceiving, since the difference between the two is more complex than that (as I will explain below). Each type has a certain order of the eight functions, in order of what they are most comfortable using in their lives. However, since personality is mainly shaped by the first four, these are often the only ones discussed when talking about Myers Briggs. Therefore, people will refer to types as being a user of a certain function if they have it in their first four functions.

Here is a description of each of the functions: (for a nice chart of this information go here)

Extroverted sensing (Se): This function is primarily concerned with what can be taken in through the five senses, looking at life to experience it and live in the moment. The Se users ask “What is going on right now and how can I experience it?”. They think in the moment, wanting to experience spontaneity and adventure. A lot of Se users enjoy sports, art, sensory experiences, crafting their appearances, driving fast, appreciating sex, and only learn by doing and working with their hands. They are more comfortable implementing plans or working with what is concrete than theorizing or planning in an abstract way. They prefer their facts to be clear and in front of them. They will notice changes in their environment and see that as a cue to act a certain way. They are generally spontaneous, adventurous, reckless, and think about what is going on in the present (instead of learning from the past or envisioning the future). They are thrill seekers, and look for what is novel and exciting in the environment around them.

Introverted sensing (Si): This function has to do with having a clear sense of one’s body (for instance, sensations such as hunger or health), picking up and cataloging little details and facts, and looking back to past memories and traditions for direction for the future. Therefore a lot of Si users tend to be traditional and do things based on what was done in the past, or how similar past experiences went. They like to preserve the past, enjoy having an established routine, and dislike change. They are past oriented, and take pride in preserving tradition. Even when looking at future circumstances, they think of them in an Si view, asking “What will I think of this when it is in the past? Will I regret it?” They may have strong convictions about their beliefs, and dislike the idea of changing societal values or disrupting pre established systems. Si users also tend to be more conservative in their personal style and preferences. They dislike change, and prefer routine of things they usually do. The Si user is very good at picking up and remembering little details and storing them away in their inner catalogue of information. They are also more likely to like to work with more detailed facts that require quiet study; Si-users are probably good with working with numbers and statistics and similar details. They can use these little details and integrate them into the greater plan.

Extroverted intuition (Ne): This function is future oriented, and works to envision possibilities. It looks for new opportunities, wanting to understand all the different ways a situation could unfold. It is a divergent function that creatively presents options without settling on one plan and enjoys the brainstorming stage of processes. It takes a single topic or situation and goes out of it, creatively generate ideas outside of that one reality. Therefore, they may bring up seemingly random ideas, stories, etc. in a conversation, because their mind jumps to other connections. They can see past the facts and details to the inner meaning and connect these different ideas to other ones. Their train of thought may be hard to follow, because they jump from idea to disparate idea so quickly. In addition, being an extroverted function, they will want to conduct this brainstorming verbally with other people.

Introverted intuition (Ni): This function looks for inner meaning, looking to converge on one single truth in a situation. When looking towards the future, they may brainstorm various possibilities, but it is all for the purpose of understanding what will actually come to be (not what could come to be). Therefore, Ni-users are often stereotyped as being “psychic”. In reality, Ni-users are skilled at seeing the underlying themes or realities behind the surface, and can therefore understand situations with great depth (for example, understanding symbolism in a piece of literature). It is a convergent function that takes a singular topic or situation and goes into it, looking to understand its true essence. They see the symbolism behind things and seek out deeper truth than what is present on the surface. Even when they don’t have sufficient proof to back up their claims, they may just “feel” like something is true or right. In addition, being an introverted function, this analysis will mainly go on internally in the person’s head.

Extroverted feeling (Fe): This function has to do with group emotions and morality. Fe-users value the harmony of the group and try to make sure everyone is feeling good. They do not have a very clear view of their own feelings or beliefs outside the context of others. Therefore they often need to talk out their feelings with someone else, evaluate their feelings in the context of a group, or hear other people give their perspectives on a situation. They make emotional decisions based on how the group feels and what they value and feel extremely uncomfortable if there is disagreement in their social group. They see morality as something relatively universal, and therefore may come across as judgmental since they may place their moral judgements onto other peoples’ lives. They conform to group behavior, follow social norms, and understand and respect different societies’ culture and laws. However, this is not to say that all Fe-users are fine abandoning their personal beliefs in order to fit in with others. Merely they prefer to reach a group consensus and like the idea of maintaining harmony. In addition, they are much more dependent on affirmation from others and feel uncomfortable if someone disapproves of their behavior or dislikes them.

Introverted feeling (Fi): This function is characterized by a deep, intense, private experience of emotions; private beliefs and values, and an unwavering allegiance to these ideas. They may come across as private, closed-off emotionally (not in the fact that they are unemotional, but reluctant to share their feelings), and hard to understand. They know what they value and want for their life, and feel happiest when they can follow these. They believe morality is something personal to each and every person, and they know their own sense of right and wrong. This means they are very interested in understanding themselves and cultivating a world of internal tastes, likes and dislikes, emotions, and beliefs. They deal with their emotions very independently and may see external expression of emotions as being unauthentic, and definitely do not require talking to others to understand the way they feel. They are independent and wish to understand themselves as an individual outside of society. They will care less about offending others or making others upset by something that is in line with their moral beliefs.

Extroverted thinking (Te): This function has to do with setting clear goals, working out organized ideas of what needs to be done, and enacting these plans into action. It likes the world (and systems of people) around them to be organized, and may therefore come across as controlling. Te-users often respect structures or hierarchies of authority such as governments or bureaucracies (at least in theory). Te wants to collect facts from the outside world and sort through information and apply them in some practical manner. They believe logic is something universal; facts and overt data point to what is wrong or right logically. They therefore are interested in abstract theories or intellectual pursuits only if they see the purpose for them, and how they can be integrated and understood in the context of projects and purpose. They feel comfortable making decisions and stating their opinions confidently, making them naturals for leading others. They think about how to work details and facts into an over-arching system.

Introverted thinking (Ti): This function seeks to understand the world of ideas, to make rational logic judgements in one’s mind. Ti seeks logic and understanding the world by taking the experiences and facts of the outer world and filtering them: Does this make sense? How can I understand this? It has a complicated internal framework of ideas and concepts that may or may not be utilized for outer plans. Ti is good at focusing on a single problem, figuring out what is wrong and then coming up with a plan to fix it. It constantly seeks understanding, taking ideas apart and playing with theories for the sole purpose of understanding them. They have a strong sense of inner control, like working on independent projects, and are inwardly disciplined. When they approach choices in life, they make decisions based on their independent, internal sense of rational and logic. They may appreciate wit and intellectual humor, like playing with ideas, and may seem to approach life with a more serious outlook. They see life as a series of intellectual and physical challenges to be overcome by their inner discipline and rationality.

The first four functions are named as the dominant function (first function) which is generally the function that the person is most comfortable working with and will tend to gravitate towards whenever faced with a problem. The second function is called the auxiliary function (second function), which should be the next comfortable function (depending on how well developed–a term I will explain later) the individual is. The third is the tertiary function, and the fourth is the inferior function.

When ordering these functions, there are some certain rules that the functions follow for each type. First of all, the two middle letters determine the two first functions. If someone is an ESFP, for example, we know their first two functions must be a feeling function and a sensing function (although we do not know the order or extroversion/introversion characteristics of the functions). If someone is an INTP, we know their first two functions must be an intuition function and a thinking function.

Second, the functions switch on and off for extroversion and introversion for each function. If the first function is extroverted, the second function is introverted, the third function is extroverted, and so on. The first function will correlate with whether the person is extroverted or introverted, although all this means is whether they are more comfortable using their introverted or extroverted function.

Third of all, every function comes in a pair. Within the perceiving or judging realms of functions, the opposite function will be the pair. Ti goes with Fe, Te goes with Fi, Si goes with Ne, and Se goes with Ni. Therefore, if you know that someone uses Ti, they must use Fe as well. The dominant function has its pair in the inferior function. The auxiliary function has its pair in the tertiary function. Therefore, an example of a type’s functions (in this case ENFJ) would be Fe Ni Se Ti. This therefore means that a person cannot be a user of both the introverted and extroverted versions of a function. They are broadly speaking either an Fi user or an Fe user, an Ni user or an Ne user.

Fourth, the judging versus perceiving difference actually determines the order of these types. When someone is a judger, that means their first extroverted function is a judging function. When someone is a perceiver, that means their first extroverted function is a perceiving function. Now, realize that this does not mean that their dominant function correlates to this. For example, INTP’s (with the functions Ti Ne Si Fe) actually have a judging function (Ti) as their first function. However, since their extroverted function is what is displayed to the outer world, they may outwardly appear more like a dominant perceiver.

Therefore, when looking at a type (for example, an ENTJ) you can use these rules to determine what functions they use (or you can just Google their function list if you’re too lazy). Because their middle two letters are N and T, you know the first two functions are an intuition function and a thinking function. Because they are an extrovert, you know their first function is an extroverted function). In addition, you know their first extroverted function must be a judging function. Therefore, you know their first function must be Te. You know their auxiliary function must be an intuition function, and (since the first function was extroverted) it must be an introverted function. Therefore you know the auxiliary function is Ni. The tertiary function is the opposite of the auxiliary function, so the tertiary function must be Se. The inferior function is the opposite of the primary function, so the inferior function must be Fi. Therefore, the ENTJ’s function list must be Te-Ni-Se-Fi.

Here is a comprehensive list of all the types’ functions:

ISTJ: Si Te Fi NeISFJ: Si Fe Ti NeINFJ: Ni Fe Ti SeINTJ: Ni Te Fi SeISTP: Ti Se Ni FeISFP: Fi Se Ni TeINFP: Fi Ne Si TeINTP: Ti Ne Si FeESTP: Se Ti Fe NiESFP: Se Fi Te NiENFP: Ne Fi Te SiENTP: Ne Ti Fe SiESTJ: Te Si Ne FiESFJ: Fe Si Ne TiENFJ: Fe Ni Se TiENTJ: Te Ni Se Fi

However, even once you have determined these lists, there are some variations even in Myers Briggs type. Think of the functions as muscles. The more you use them, the stronger they get, and therefore the more comfortable you are using them. A person may have naturally strong legs, but they could also try to exercise their arm muscles in order to strengthen those as well and make them better. Therefore, there are two terms to describe individuals that are using their functions poorly. The first term is undeveloped. This means that (instead of the first function being the strongest, the auxiliary being the next strongest, the tertiary function being the next strongest, and the inferior being the weakest but still healthy and usable), there is some deviance in this order. One or more of these functions has not been “exercised” and therefore the person is not able to use it in a healthy way.

The other term is unhealthy. This term can refer to individuals that are well developed, using all of their functions well and having a good order. It simply means that the person is using their functions in an unhealthy way. You can use your primary function in an unhealthy way, you can use your inferior function in an unhealthy way. When you examine a type, think of the evil villain version of that type. Generally if you see someone being very manipulative, controlling, or just generally unhappy and making the lives of people around them difficult they are unhealthy. It’s not a very scientific term, but it gets thrown around a lot in the Myers Briggs community and is therefore important to know.

In addition to being undeveloped or unhealthy, there are also various phenomenon that can occur in the function stack. Generally, the first function has the most overt influence on our personality; it is the muscle we are most comfortable using. Whenever we can, we leap to use our primary function. In fact, it can be difficult to notice when we use our primary function because we use it all the time. Very rarely will someone abandon their primary function.

In a well developed individual, the auxiliary function will be the second strongest. This is the function that the individual uses to deal with the “world” (inner or external) that they are less comfortable with. If someone is an introvert and feels more comfortable analyzing or judging things within their own mind, this is the function they use to interact with others or outer experiences, and vice versa. The tertiary function is the next in line, which should be less developed than the auxiliary function in a developed individual. It should be used to aid the primary function when dealing with a certain world, but is not relied on as heavily as the first two. However, there is a situation called a loop, in which this is not the case. In a loop, the person ignores their auxiliary function, instead operating mainly through their primary and tertiary functions. Loops are often referred to by these functions depending on each type; therefore an ESTP loop is known as an Se-Fe loop, an INFJ loop is known as an Ni-Ti loop. This means the type will stay as best they can within their most comfortable sphere (their internal or external world) and will avoid interacting with the other one. They may become an exaggerated version of themselves, overwhelmingly outgoing or extremely withdrawn. They will also seem to miss a huge part of their normal, healthy personality; whatever behavior or thought processes their auxiliary function would normally govern. However, these differ for each type depending on the function being skipped.

The inferior function has a slightly different influence on personality. The inferior function is the opposite of the primary function, and the primary function is what makes up the majority of a person’s personality, tendencies, etc. Therefore, the inferior function represents the opposite of this comfort zone. Because of this, most people do not have a very developed inferior function. Instead, since it represents the opposite of the majority of their personality, they will ignore and avoid using it. A lot of the time, what a type is bad or unskilled at revolves around their inferior function. There is the possibility of developing ones function in a healthy way (although this usually occurs later in life as the person better understands themselves and how to achieve balance in their life). The inferior function can serve as a check to the primary function, making sure the individual is well rounded and does not fall into the typical traps of becoming blindsided by using only their primary function.

Since the inferior function represents a persona that is unlike the individual, and capitalizes on strengths the person does not have, there can also be a latent desire to embody these principles. Deep down, they may have a desire to emulate some of these behaviors and wish they could have some of these qualities. A dominant Si user may wish they were more spontaneous and open-minded, for example.

However, there is also a phenomenon known as being in the grip of the inferior function. This is when an individual chooses to forgo their normal behavior and personality in exchange for their inferior function. This often occurs in response to some stress, emotionally damaging situation, insecurity, or crisis, in which the individual begins to doubt their normal way of doing things. Therefore they go overboard using their inferior and overindulge it. In addition, since they are not used to relying on this function so heavily (remember the muscle analogy) they use it in an unhealthy, unskilled, awkward way. Even though an ESTP is perfectly healthy relying on their Se, an INFJ that does the same thing will become hedonistic, overindulging in activities such as drinking/sex/parties/extreme events/etc, and will probably be unable to find contentment from this way of living.

The four functions that an individual does not use, which are also the opposite extrovert-introvert functions of the ones an individual does use, are known as the shadow functions. There are some theories that hold that there can be phenomenon with the shadow functions like the inferior functions, where someone becomes in the grip of these and therefore abandons their usual processes.

Even though Myers Briggs is a comprehensive theory with lots of variation for individuals, it’s also important to know what things Myers Briggs does not cover. Myers Briggs does not determine whether two people of certain types will be compatible or not. It does suggest possible areas of strength or conflict due to the similarities or differences in their way of thinking, but these do not determine the success of a relationship. It also matters whether someone wants to be with someone who understands them, thinks like them, and is very similar to them, or someone who will push them to grow, challenge them, and balances them out because of their differences. Myers Briggs also does not determine what career/major path you should determine. It does suggest that certain types have natural skills or inclination, but these are very specific and can apply to a variety of majors. An ENFP will approach biology in a very different way than a ISTJ will, but both can be successful in the field. However, it is important to think about what kinds of skills your specific job utilizes and what kind of environment you will be working in. Myers Briggs does not take into account all the other intricacies of personality: what people like or dislike, individuals’ experiences, etc.

#ENFP

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