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Cognitive Functions

MBTI but more accurate

By Lovely LuciaPublished 2 years ago 7 min read
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Cognitive Functions
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Here's a short lesson about personality types. First thing's first, don't use MBTI websites like 16 Personalities. At first glance, the personality analysis seems accurate but in reality the questions are extremely surface level and they're based off of stereotypes such as "do you like the mall or the library?" and "are you shy at parties?". An extrovert can dislike parties and introverts can be loud, so really it's best to leave your MBTI diagnostic by analyzing cognitive functions.

Those kind of questions barely factor in whether a person is introverted /extroverted, judging/perceiving etc... The real keys to figuring out your MBTI letter combination are cognitive functions.

Brief on Cognitive Functions

Basically they're two letter combinations with four different functions.

These letters are Fi (Introverted Feeling), Fe (extroverted feeling), Ti (Introverted Thinking), Te (Extroverted Thinking), Ni (Introverted Intuition), Ne (Extroverted Sensing), Si (Introverted Sensing) and Se (Extroverted Sensing).

Each person has either introverted or extroverted feeling, thinking, sensing, and intuition. One person could have a combination like: Ti > Se > Ni > Fe (ISTP) and another could have Te > Ni > Se > Fi (ENTJ).

Explanation of the Letters

Fe vs Fi (Introverted Feeling vs Extroverted Feeling)

Extroverted Feeling: Connection within a community feels like home, even if it means to give up on your morals to be around others. Extraverted feelers thrive on being sociable within groups of people and communities. They value the happiness of their people rather than their own and feel responsible for the emotions other people feel. Extroverted feelers are conversation starters that enjoy open discussions and group work. They will defend their community through any means and will openly pursue anyone who tries to harm the people they love.

Introverted Feeling: Prioritizing your morals comes first, even if it means being within a community comes second. They are more cautious of the environment around them. They make decisions based on previous experiences and their own moral judgement. They're usually the ones to call-out or at least notice odd behaviour and do what they feel is best with the information by checking with their own moral code. Introverted are the listeners and will read people and most likely judge them to see if they're sincere or a person with a hidden-motive.

Ti vs Te (Introverted Thinking vs Extroverted Thinking)

Introverted Thinking: Their thinking process is more slow and steady, step-by-step with multiple solutions instead of one. They like the idea of starting and while healthy Ti users complete their goals, they prefer the journey to getting there. They analyze how a certain thing works and take their time with a plausible solution, in the end if thought out correctly it is worth the wait.

Extroverted Thinking: Data collectors that outwardly express their findings through charts, citations and other means of calculated data. The way they work is through efficiency and they want to reach their end goal, no questions. Extraverted thinkers tend to like their ideal sense of order and like the idea of a clear and cohesive thought process, like idea A got me to solution B. They take all the factors to a problem and come up with a single solution that is fail-proof.

Si vs Se (Introverted Sensing vs Extroverted Sensing)

Introverted Sensing: Comparing and contrasting information that you have seen in the past to relate to the present. Noticing slight changes of your favourite ice-cream flavour, seeing the red letter box is no longer on your street. A connection to the outside world is what extroverted sensing people are. Details within a large painting, pointing out plot holes or loose threads in a conversation. Facial expressions, changes in behaviour and tone are easy to recognize for those with the Introverted sensing trait. Questioning why things the way they are important to people with the Si trait, it's always good to analyze why your neighbour has been acting shady or why your cousin blocked your phone number out of nowhere.

Extroverted Sensing: Connected to the physical world and are extremely aware of their surroundings. They can easily connect the dots and turn paint strokes of information into a large cohesive painting. Extroverted sensing people act on instinct and impulses based on their outward surroundings. Extroverted sensors love to experience the present and take in the mountain view or see the large bustling city surrounding them. There is no need to question why things the way they are, it is more comforting to just go about you day and appreciate what you have.

Ni vs Ne (Introverted intuition vs Extroverted intuition)

Introverted Intuition: Thoughts that are randomly in your head, then a random answer just pops in your head out of nowhere. Predicting outcomes comes naturally without going into "conspiracy theory mode". The thought process of those with strong Ni is certainly random and tend to be more on the creative side, whether coming up with a sudden poster idea or a random thought to call your old-childhood friend for a particular reason. Jumping to a sudden conclusion through connections is what Ni-users do best, with patterns and symbols that just make sense despite being vague and unrecognizable.

Extroverted Intuition: One core idea with cohesive ideas and thoughts that just make sense. Finding the hidden meanings and finding the meaning of an interpretation is what comes naturally with Ne-leaning users. Extroverted intuitive people can easily juggle their thoughts at once and still create a fantastic final product. Brainstorming and connecting a cobweb of ideas is a strong suit. New opportunities are a fun challenge with finding your way around how this new event could change your life.

The Four Letter Combos

Each person has a four letter combination that describes how they function as a whole. These four traits going from your strongest to your weakest. For these exclamations on the difference between the functions I will use Se as an example

Dominant Function

The captain of your ship of a brain that comes to your rescue. This function has been with you since you were a child, and therefore is your most developed/healthiest trait. If Se is your main function, your sense of adventure and thrills comes naturally and you unconsciously make notes of your outside surroundings.

Auxiliary Function

The second-in command of the ship, your co-captain. The auxiliary function goes into action starting in your teen years and is your back-up if your first function isn't relevant to the current situation. If Se is your secondary function, your Se works with your main function to seek experiences and new opportunities.

Tertiary Function

The dominant and auxiliary functions are the duo, and may look like the third-wheel in the friendship but can be helpful if you know what you're doing. As you age the awkward tertiary function you meet as an adult will turn into an old reliable friend. If Se is your tertiary you may have disliked being outdoors as a child but have begun to adapt your ability to take in the sights. Though some outdoor activities may still make you uncomfortable, it'll be alright when getting used to outdoors experiences.

Inferior Function

The child on a leash that is on the journey with the trio of friends. The weakest function and if unhealthy works against you during your lowest lows. With years to come either the inferior function can become healthy when needed or your own personal demon. If Se is your weakest function, you likely still dislike outdoor sensations, panic in high-speed situations, and loud/sudden noises that interrupt your thought process.

What to do with this information?

Instead of asking yourself on MBTI related tests: "do I cry myself to sleep?" or "am I incapable of crying like a computer?" pause to think "how to I put my thought process into reality?" or "Do I like to think of the details first or the big pictures?".

The best thing to do with this information is to simply improve on yourself as a person. When getting to know the cognitive functions, you begin to understand how you work as a person and find explanations to why the way you act. Finding your cognitive functions could also potentially point out your greatest strengths and your weaknesses that you need to turn into your strengths.

Finding out your true MBTI type may even sway your direction toward a plausible career path, help you in relationships, better understand your ideal workplace space, and point out bad habits and how to slow down and reflect on what is your next move.

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About the Creator

Lovely Lucia

An archive of my stories I publish every now and then.

To the people who read my poems and short stories; Thank you!

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