Cognitive Function Theory Guide

Cognitive functions are mental frameworks that help you process information and make sense of the world. These are short descriptions of what each cognitive function does. However, basic descriptions do not reveal how well you can use a function nor its exact position in your functional stack.

The Four Cognitive Processes

There are four main methods of cognitive processing:

Perceiving Processes are used to gather and generate information:

•(S) Sensing relies on concrete facts and details
•(N) Intuition relies on speculative ideas and possibilities

Judging Processes are used to make judgments and decisions:

•(T) Thinking relies on a systematic and impersonal approach
•(F) Feeling relies on a valuation and inter/personal approach

The Eight Cognitive Functions

🔮Ne

Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

(Ne) Extraverted Intuition entertains new ideas and actualizes interesting possibilities. It maximizes a flexible and open-minded attitude. It encourages optimism and resourcefulness.

🌌Ni

Introverted Intuition (Ni)

(Ni) Introverted Intuition makes abstract connections to speculate about potential implications. It generates an internal world of impressions and visions. It encourages a sense of purpose and direction.

🎨Se

Extraverted Sensing (Se)

(Se) Extraverted Sensing seeks out sensory stimulation and excitement from the world. It maximizes engagement through hands-on activity. It encourages ease and enjoyment.

📚Si

Introverted Sensing (Si)

(Si) Introverted Sensing uses representations of sensory details to make contrasts and comparisons. It generates an internal world of sensory comfort and familiarity. It encourages a sense of stability and security.

⚙️Te

Extraverted Thinking (Te)

(Te) Extraverted Thinking uses empirical measurements, rules, labels, and categories to structure the world. It maximizes order and efficiency. It encourages decisiveness and assertiveness.

🧠Ti

Introverted Thinking (Ti)

(Ti) Introverted Thinking uses impartial analysis and applies formulaic principles. It maximizes systematic learning and problem solving. It encourages skillfulness and self-sufficiency.

💖Fe

Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

(Fe) Extraverted Feeling gauges emotional impact to promote a sense of harmony with the world. It maximizes feelings of camaraderie and connection. It encourages empathy and compassion.

🌸Fi

Introverted Feeling (Fi)

(Fi) Introverted Feeling honors personal valuations in order to maintain personal congruency. It maximizes alignment between feeling and action. It encourages sincerity and integrity.

Cognitive Orientations

(e) The extraverted orientation directs mental energy outward onto the objects and events of the world, to encourage action and activity.

(i) The introverted orientation directs mental energy inward to the objects that comprise one’s subjective experience of the world, to encourage reflection and individuality.