letters or cognitive functions? I get two completely different types!

754 Views 15 Replies 5 Participants Last post by linatet, May 7, 2015

linatet

Discussion Starter · May 2, 2015

Hello, I'm new here! I started to get interested in mbti and I got INFJ/INFP in all online tests, and I fit perfectly the description of INFJ. But then, I started to read more about mbti and discovered the cognitive functions. I noticed my most prevalent one is Ne, followed by Ti and Fe. I searched it and surprise - ENTP! I am really confused now.
to sum it up:
if I use cognitive functions I get ENTP exactly, but I am not extroverted and not perceiver.
If I use the letters I get INFJ and I fit the description exactly, except that the cognitive functions are all off.
What does it mean? What do I do now?

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Psychopomp

· #2 · May 2, 2015

linatet said:
Hello, I'm new here! I started to get interested in mbti and I got INFJ/INFP in all online tests, and I fit perfectly the description of INFJ. But then, I started to read more about mbti and discovered the cognitive functions. I noticed my most prevalent one is Ne, followed by Ti and Fe. I searched it and surprise - ENTP! I am really confused now.
to sum it up:
if I use cognitive functions I get ENTP exactly, but I am not extroverted and not perceiver.
If I use the letters I get INFJ and I fit the description exactly, except that the cognitive functions are all off.
What does it mean? What do I do now?

First, you recognize that in many ways they are incompatible systems of typing, and don't necessarily try to merge or join them. However, you SHOULD probably have the same or similar type in both systems, because they are based on a lot of similar ideas. For example, it will be quite rare for someone to be an introvert in one system and an extrovert in the other.

Secondly, there are differing descriptions and ideas of the cognitive functions. Again, they are mainly the same, but different enough that what constitutes a function can be different depending on the source you use.

If you want to be pragmatic about it, you can stick with MBTI and not get bogged down with cognitive functions. Realize that there is a lot more you might get out of cognitive functions, but that it is quite the rabbit hole to go down. It depends on what your goal is with typing yourself and how interested in delving into this stuff you are.

Also, consider that online tests are not always an ideal way to find your type. Tests can only do so much, and are flawed. That they put you in some particular grouping does not mean that it is correct. I am often typed ENTP or INFP by tests, depending on a lot of factors but ultimately boiling down to the natural shortcomings of the tests.

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ruskiix

· #3 · May 3, 2015

Honestly, cognitive function tests shouldn't be used to guess your type just going by what your highest rankings are. I use them to see what a person's lowest results are, and then look to something like socionics to see how the different possibilities use the functions they scored high in. Context is everything. Like my INTP friend scored ISFP based on his cognitive function results, because his Fi was very high and his Ne wasn't. Knowing him, Fi is an area of confusion and anxiety for him, which is probably why he tested so high in it. He's HYPER aware of it getting in the way. I'm not sure why he tested low on Ne, unless it was just worded weirdly on the test.

I know socionics isn't a direct translation, BUT generally I like the way they describe how each function is used better than MBTI, and find they convert fairly well for that use on the surface. I don't think it should be the ultimate deciding factor for MBTI, obviously, but skimming the descriptions for ENTp and INFp (INFJ) could help decide, just seeing how the different weight of functions turns out. An INFJ's use of Ne is described as:

IEIs are capable of generating a large number of possibilities and ideas, but are likely to view such an exercise with disinterest as opposed to their more natural process of developing explanatory insights about the dynamics of a situation. They may be inclined to continually revisit and expand upon or better organize their existing areas of intellectual interest or mental concoctions instead of moving on to new ideas.

Which is exactly how I use it. I often test as high on Ne as I do Ni, because I try to go through so many possibilities to test my Ni framework. But I only use those possibilities in service of Ni. Ne users tend to see those possibilities as the main focus, and talking to them can annoy me because I feel like they're missing the point and just trying to derail and talk for sport.

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Greyhart

· #4 · May 3, 2015

I personally mash together everything. Jung, MBTI, Keirsey, socionics. Pick parts that make a sense to me and work together. :happy: I really like how socionics does function-by-function type description, though.

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linatet

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 3, 2015

ruskiix said:
I know socionics isn't a direct translation, BUT generally I like the way they describe how each function is used better than MBTI, and find they convert fairly well for that use on the surface. I don't think it should be the ultimate deciding factor for MBTI, obviously, but skimming the descriptions for ENTp and INFp (INFJ) could help decide, just seeing how the different weight of functions turns out. An INFJ's use of Ne is described as:

Which is exactly how I use it. I often test as high on Ne as I do Ni, because I try to go through so many possibilities to test my Ni framework. But I only use those possibilities in service of Ni. Ne users tend to see those possibilities as the main focus, and talking to them can annoy me because I feel like they're missing the point and just trying to derail and talk for sport.

AH now I got it!! The function I use the most is Ne, I scan all the possiblities of the environments and my imagination flies away. The difference is that I don't do it to think of the possibilities per se or to improve objects and systems in the external world, but to gather information to improve the world inside of my head ie. my crazy theories, random abstract thinking for no reason, my values system.
So I guess that's how an INFJ would do it?

linatet

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 3, 2015

I don't get this socionics thing. I just read it's the cognitive functions, but then, I thought it was part of mbti typing! At least most typists use both together as if they were the same model, like checking functions to determine mbti.

Greyhart

· #7 · May 3, 2015 (Edited)

Your description sounds like aux Ne.

IxFJ Fe

INxP Ne

Better fill one of questionnaires in sticky posts on this forum section.

Reactions: 1

Simpson17866

· #8 · May 3, 2015

linatet said:
Hello, I'm new here! I started to get interested in mbti and I got INFJ/INFP in all online tests, and I fit perfectly the description of INFJ. But then, I started to read more about mbti and discovered the cognitive functions. I noticed my most prevalent one is Ne, followed by Ti and Fe. I searched it and surprise - ENTP! I am really confused now.
to sum it up:
if I use cognitive functions I get ENTP exactly, but I am not extroverted and not perceiver.
If I use the letters I get INFJ and I fit the description exactly, except that the cognitive functions are all off.
What does it mean? What do I do now?

You don't need to do anything: you looked at the 4 dichotomies and got Introvert instead of Extravert, iNtuitor instead of Sensor, Feeler instead of Thinker, and Judger instead of Perceiver, and you looked at the cognitive functions and got Ne, Fi, then Te as your strongest instead of Ni, Ti, Fe, Si, or Se.

Saying that a result on the dichotomies must be associated with a certain order of cognitive functions and vice versa is like saying that a certain Socionic type must be associated with a certain Enneagram and vice versa.

Just like at my own results: I'm an Introvert instead of an Extravert, iNtuitor instead of Sensor, Thinker instead of Feeler, Perceiver instead of Judger, and my strongest cognitive functions are Ne then Fi.

Reactions: 1

linatet

Discussion Starter · #9 · May 3, 2015

Greyhart said:
Your description sounds like aux Ne.

IxFJ Fe

This person perceives and manipulates the feelings of others very finely, a skilled psychologist. He aims to be liked and sees his own purpose in this. Often likes non-communicative persons who need to be brought into contact, brings them "light". He is constantly involved in the process of ethical creation, can promise something just for the sake of improving relations with someone. Rarely spends time time alone, as wherever there are people he can make favorable impressions and create "good relations". Knows how to advertise himself and how to create the right mood in a group or in conversation with someone. Loves finding negative relations between people and changing them into positive, bringing people together. When there is no necessity to change anything on his personal front, may deliberately spoil relations so that he can mend them later i.e. find work for his creative function. Can impose his wishes onto others so that they look after them as if they were their own. The wishes and desires of others often become his focus as they allow him to improve relations towards himself. Likes risky, spontaneous relations. Knows how to persuade, ideal salesperson of goods and services if such is his vocation. He is best for elevating moods, for bringing groups together. But the inclination towards intrigues may cost him his position, as the fact that he is able to discreetly pass off "white" as "black" and make it out "unscathed" sooner or later becomes apparent if this happens too often.

This is pretty much spot on! I bolded the parts that do not fit AT ALL though. I like to feel safe and comfortable in relationships, also I am terrible at persuading. I can't tell how well I read others, as I come to my own impressions but I can't check if they are right or not with real evidence. Specially no evidence to tell if I am above or below average. Sometimes I feel like I am completely off at reading someone, other times it seems like I am good at it.

INxP Ne

The purpose of life of such a man is to improve and harmonize the external world, to contribute to and build the "wholeness" of the external situation. So sometimes they are quite unforgiving to those who destroy it. Skillful maneuvering in a stream of opportunities is their ace card - they approach this activity very creatively. They see the possibilities of how anything can be improved, changed or rearranged, anywhere. They are able to take the situation apart and then re-assemble it into a more harmonious, upgraded version. They are often the generators of bold ideas on how to make humanity happier. They look for places where chaos reigns, so that they can mend it. They know how to help people understand complex external issues in an original way, how to "take apart" external conflicts between people, how to finish something for others, they have the talent of the innovator. But sometimes, however, they may unconsciously not finish things because then they become useless. Therefore, for them a perfect world - is a very conflicted world that would be in constant need of improvements. Often they can look towards art as a way of creating this external harmony and wholeness - they are capable of creating a harmonious atmosphere anywhere. They are the "storytellers" whose goal is to create an ideal world filled with ideal people. Only the real people don't always fit into this. The solution to this problem they often see in taking "drastic measures" with respect to others. They love to teach and better people, say, if someone tossed a bottle but not into the trash bin, this can provoke them to reprimand such a person even if it is not safe to do so in such a situation, since this is their "creative product".

I don't know, I guess I am so constantly inside my own head thinking of random stuff to see if the systems can be improved or not. A very conflicted world is terrible, I would choose no conflict and no chaos anytime. Also I don't want to better people, I just let them be. I would NEVER reprimand someone for throwing litter on the floor. I would probably just get it and put it in the bin.

Better fill one of questionnaires in sticky posts on this forum section.

I actually did!! :happy:
http://personalitycafe.com/whats-my...ists-here-up-analysis-help-me-figure-out.html

linatet

Discussion Starter · #10 · May 3, 2015

Simpson17866 said:
You don't need to do anything: you looked at the 4 dichotomies and got Introvert instead of Extravert, iNtuitor instead of Sensor, Feeler instead of Thinker, and Judger instead of Perceiver, and you looked at the cognitive functions and got Ne, Fi, then Te as your strongest instead of Ni, Ti, Fe, Si, or Se.

Saying that a result on the dichotomies must be associated with a certain order of cognitive functions and vice versa is like saying that a certain Socionic type must be associated with a certain Enneagram and vice versa.

Just like at my own results: I'm an Introvert instead of an Extravert, iNtuitor instead of Sensor, Thinker instead of Feeler, Perceiver instead of Judger, and my strongest cognitive functions are Ne then Fi.

I read your post about the imcompatibility and I liked it a lot! Well, I don't have enough knowledge of mbti or cognitive functions or jung or anything of that sense. My impression was that in your math calculations you considered all combinations to be equal in possibility etc, but maybe if you get one function you are much more likely to get another one in a "combo" manner. The problem is that we don't have enough evidence to figure it out.

Greyhart

· #11 · May 3, 2015

linatet said:
I actually did!! :happy:
http://personalitycafe.com/whats-my...ists-here-up-analysis-help-me-figure-out.html

*snort* and I apparently answered but as usual didn't notice the username.

Simpson17866

· #12 · May 3, 2015

linatet said:
I read your post about the imcompatibility and I liked it a lot! Well, I don't have enough knowledge of mbti or cognitive functions or jung or anything of that sense. My impression was that in your math calculations you considered all combinations to be equal in possibility etc, but maybe if you get one function you are much more likely to get another one in a "combo" manner. The problem is that we don't have enough evidence to figure it out.

You're right, it's certainly possible for some 4-letter types to be more strongly associated with some sets of cognitive functions. You and I are just proof that it's not as guaranteed as some people say it is.

linatet

Discussion Starter · #13 · May 3, 2015

Greyhart said:
*snort* and I apparently answered but as usual didn't notice the username.

That's super funny!! I didn't notice it was you either hahaha
what do you conclude now considering information of both posts?

Greyhart

· #14 · May 3, 2015

linatet said:
That's super funny!! I didn't notice it was you either hahaha
what do you conclude now considering information of both posts?

That short snipped about intuition looked like Ne aux but from questionnaire I got Ne dominant. I threw Si inferior (ENxP's bane) under the spoiler there. See how you relate.

Greyhart

· #15 · May 3, 2015

wrong thread

linatet

Discussion Starter · #16 · May 7, 2015

I am almost sure now I am INFJ!!
I read more about the functions and I realized I had understood it all wrong.. basically because of this: Funky MBTI in Fiction — plz , the different in functions in real life

?
Now I understand it like this: http://personalitycafe.com/cognitiv...understanding-correct-help-me-figure-out.html

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