The Cognitive Functions are the foundation of Myers-Briggs type. They’re mental processes that allow us to perceive or evaluate information.
The theory of cognitive functions pre-dates the Myers-Briggs test. It originated with the work of psychologist Carl Jung.
Jung posited that there are two ways that we can perceive the world, Sensing and iNtuition. Sensing perceives information directly from the senses, while iNtuition perceives information through unconscious pattern recognition.
He suggested that we evaluate the information we perceive using either Thinking for Feeling. Thinking uses impersonal, logical criteria to assess information, while Feeling uses personal, subjective criteria.
Each function (sensing, intuition, thinking & feeling) can be either introverted or extraverted.
Extraverted functions interface with the world directly, while introverted functions operate on representations of the world inside the mind.
The 8 functions are as follows:
Introverted Sensing (catalogs sensory information)
Extraverted Sensing (orients directly to sensory information in the moment)
Introverted iNtuition (finds patterns by detaching from the present time and space and exploring the unconscious)
Extraverted iNtuition (perceives patterns in the moment)
Introverted Thinking (assesses information based on accuracy and how it fits into a cohesive whole)
Extraverted Thinking (assesses information based on it’s value towards an outcome)
Introverted Feeling (assesses information based on personal, subjective values)
Extraverted Feeling (assesses information based on it’s value in the dynamic of harmony vs tension)
Of these eight functions, one of these functions is dominant for each type. This dominant function is balanced and aided by an auxiliary function. These two functions act sort of like a pilot and co-pilot.
For example, INFPs use Introverted Feeling as their primary function and Extraverted iNtuition as their auxiliary function.
Introverted Feeling is mostly running the show, guiding their judgements based on the resonance of subjective personal values.
This function interfaces with the INFP‘s inner world and it evaluates information, therefore, it needs to find balance by interfacing with the outside world and by perceiving information.
This is where the INFP’s auxiliary function comes in. Those needs are taken care of by Extraverted iNtuition.