Cognitive Functions Explained: The Building Blocks of Personality

While the four-letter MBTI code provides a useful shorthand for personality types, the cognitive functions that underlie this system offer a much deeper understanding of how we perceive information and make decisions. These mental processes explain why each type thinks and behaves in characteristic ways.

What Are Cognitive Functions?

Cognitive functions are the mental processes we use to take in information and make decisions. The MBTI system identifies eight cognitive functions, which combine in different orders to create the 16 personality types.

Each function can be either:

• Extraverted (e): Focused on the external world of people, objects, and activities
• Introverted (i): Focused on the internal world of ideas, impressions, and reflections

And each function falls into one of four categories:

• Sensing (S): Gathering concrete information through the five senses
• Intuition (N): Recognizing patterns and making connections between information
• Thinking (T): Making decisions based on logical analysis
• Feeling (F): Making decisions based on values and how they affect people

The Eight Cognitive Functions

Perceiving Functions (How We Take In Information)

Extraverted Sensing (Se): Focuses on immediate sensory experiences and details in the external environment. Se users are highly attuned to what's happening around them in the present moment and often have quick reflexes and situational awareness.

Introverted Sensing (Si): Stores and compares detailed sensory information from past experiences. Si users have excellent recall of specific details and use their past experiences as a reference point for understanding the present.

Extraverted Intuition (Ne): Sees connections and possibilities in the external world. Ne users generate multiple ideas quickly, notice patterns across seemingly unrelated concepts, and enjoy exploring different perspectives.

Introverted Intuition (Ni): Perceives underlying patterns and develops insights about the future. Ni users often experience "aha" moments as their unconscious connects dots to form a coherent vision or prediction.

Judging Functions (How We Make Decisions)

Extraverted Thinking (Te): Organizes the external environment and makes decisions based on objective logic and efficiency. Te users create systems, follow procedures, and value measurable results.

Introverted Thinking (Ti): Analyzes and categorizes information based on internal logical frameworks. Ti users seek precision in understanding, break systems down to their components, and value internal consistency.

Extraverted Feeling (Fe): Considers group harmony and social values when making decisions. Fe users are attuned to others' emotional states, adapt to social expectations, and work to maintain positive relationships.

Introverted Feeling (Fi): Makes decisions based on internal values and personal authenticity. Fi users have strong personal ethics, seek deep emotional connections, and make decisions that align with their core values.

Function Stacks: How Cognitive Functions Work Together

Each personality type uses four of the eight cognitive functions in a specific order of preference, called a "function stack." The position of each function determines how naturally and consciously we use it:

1. Dominant Function: Our most preferred and developed function, which we use most naturally and consciously.
2. Auxiliary Function: Our secondary function, which supports and balances our dominant function.
3. Tertiary Function: Less developed and often used unconsciously, emerging more in mid-life.
4. Inferior Function: Our least developed function, which can cause stress when overused but offers growth opportunities.

For example, an INFJ's function stack is:

1. Dominant: Introverted Intuition (Ni) - Perceiving patterns and developing insights
2. Auxiliary: Extraverted Feeling (Fe) - Considering group harmony and values
3. Tertiary: Introverted Thinking (Ti) - Analyzing with internal logical frameworks
4. Inferior: Extraverted Sensing (Se) - Experiencing the immediate environment

Understanding Cognitive Functions in Daily Life

Cognitive functions explain many everyday behaviors and preferences:

Problem-Solving Approaches

• Te users create step-by-step plans with measurable outcomes
• Ti users analyze underlying principles and logical inconsistencies
• Fe users consider how solutions will affect everyone involved
• Fi users align solutions with their personal values and authentic expression

Communication Styles

• Ne users jump between topics and explore tangential connections
• Ni users focus conversations on core insights and underlying meanings
• Se users discuss concrete details and current experiences
• Si users reference past experiences and established information

Stress Responses

Under stress, we often fall into the grip of our inferior function:

• Types with inferior Se may become impulsive or overindulgent
• Types with inferior Si may become obsessed with bodily symptoms or rigid routines
• Types with inferior Ne may catastrophize or see negative possibilities everywhere
• Types with inferior Ni may become paranoid about hidden meanings or the future
• Types with inferior Te may become hypercritical or controlling
• Types with inferior Ti may become obsessed with logical inconsistencies
• Types with inferior Fe may become hypersensitive to rejection or criticism
• Types with inferior Fi may experience emotional outbursts or identity crises

Developing Your Cognitive Functions

Personal growth often involves developing our less preferred functions:

• Notice when you're overusing your dominant function
• Practice activities that engage your tertiary and inferior functions in low-stress situations
• Appreciate the strengths of those who prefer your less developed functions
• Recognize that all eight functions are valuable and necessary for different situations

Conclusion

Understanding cognitive functions provides a richer, more nuanced view of personality than the four-letter type alone. By recognizing how these mental processes work together, we gain deeper insights into our own thought patterns, communication styles, and growth opportunities.

Remember that while we all have preferences, we can develop skill with all eight cognitive functions. The most psychologically healthy individuals can flexibly access different functions as situations require, while still honoring their natural preferences.