Overview of Cognitive Functions
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
Each cognitive function possesses one of two possible 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.
The Eight Cognitive Functions
Extraverted Perceiving Functions
gather information about the objective world and act quickly upon perceived opportunities. People who are predisposed to using extraverted perceiving functions are generally adventurous and spontaneous.
- (Se) Extraverted Sensing seeks out sensory stimulation and excitement from the world. It maximizes engagement through hands-on activity. It encourages ease and enjoyment.
- (Ne) Extraverted Intuition entertains new ideas and actualizes interesting possibilities. It maximizes a flexible and open-minded attitude. It encourages optimism and resourcefulness.
Introverted Perceiving Functions
generate one’s own representation of the world and filter information through one’s subjective priorities. People who are predisposed to using introverted perceiving functions are generally reflective and conscientious.
- (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.
- (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.
Extraverted Judging Functions
make judgments and decisions based on standards or measurements that are considered to be universal. People who are predisposed to using extraverted judging functions are generally energetic and influential in the world.
- (Te) Extraverted Thinking uses empirical measurements, rules, labels, and categories to structure the world. It maximizes order and efficiency. It encourages decisiveness and assertiveness.
- (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.
Introverted Judging Functions
make judgments and decisions based on self-defined principles or valuations. People who are predisposed to using introverted judging functions are generally self-directed and unconventional.
- (Ti) Introverted Thinking uses impartial analysis and applies formulaic principles. It maximizes systematic learning and problem solving. It encourages skillfulness and self-sufficiency.
- (Fi) Introverted Feeling honors personal valuations in order to maintain personal congruency. It maximizes alignment between feeling and action. It encourages sincerity and integrity.
8 Functions, Infinite Possibilities
Understanding the eight cognitive functions is key to deeply understanding personality typology.