Cognitive Functions

Cognitive functions are eight ways of processing information in Jungian typology, underlying both MBTI (#4) and Socionics (#8).

Introduced by Jung. Introduced by Carl Jung (German "Psychologische Typen", 1921). It is the basic model of the psyche on which whole typologies are built.

Eight Functions (4 × 2)

Four functions × two directions = eight cognitive functions. Each function can be directed outward (extraverted) or inward (introverted).

Sensing (perception of facts)

• Se (extraverted sensing) — perception of concrete details of the outer world
• Si (introverted sensing) — inner sensations, body memory, comfort

Intuition (perception of possibilities)

• Ne (extraverted intuition) — perception of possibilities, patterns, ideas
• Ni (introverted intuition) — deep foreknowing, symbols, "insight"

Thinking (logic)

• Te (extraverted thinking) — logic of facts, organization, efficiency
• Ti (introverted thinking) — inner logical system, analysis, models

Feeling (ethics)

• Fe (extraverted feeling) — harmony in the group, empathy, social norms
• Fi (introverted feeling) — inner values, authenticity, ethics

Use in Typologies

MBTI — a stack of 4. In MBTI (#4), the functions are ordered in a "stack" of 4: dominant → auxiliary → tertiary → inferior.

Socionics — Model A. In Socionics (#8) — the Model A of 8 functions with information aspects. All 8 functions are active but in different "places" of the psyche.

Big Five without functions. In Big Five (#3), cognitive functions are not used — this is a fundamentally different approach (statistical rather than structural).