There are eight cognitive processes that we use to interact with information. Each person uses four out of these eight processes. The processes you use and their relative strengths form your cognitive type. A cognitive process orients either inwards or outwards and is either evaluative or observational.
Introverted ProcessesAn introverted process interacts with your internal storehouse of information and criteria. This storehouse recruits new information from the external world and retains it.
Incorporating new information into an existing structure takes time, especially when contradictions exist. So, introverted processes tend to have a slower pace and greater consistency. An introverted process can be analogous to a mental framework, persisting through time. The connections between information are observable and usually stable. If we zoom out, we can see the relation between a part and its whole. Over time, this structure becomes more complex and sophisticated. Since the interactions are internal, introverted processes tend to become more personalized. We tend to see our use of introverted processes as an integral part of our identity. The four introverted processes are: introverted thinking, introverted feeling, introverted sensing and introverted intuition. |
Extraverted ProcessesAn extraverted process interacts with external information and criteria in real time. It does not store information in any organized way. Since memory is a universal mental function, you may still remember the information. But there's no internal structure.
Because of this, extraverted processes tend to be faster and more adaptive. When external stimuli shift, extraverted processes are more ready to change course. An extraverted process can be analogous to a chain, connected but lacking structure. We tend to go from one link in the chain to the next, finding it hard to see how they all connect together. Sometimes it even feels like the previous link in the chain disappears as soon as the next link appears! Since extraverted processes are swift, we tend to stumble upon a lot of links. Over time, extraverted processes tend to become more effective through practice. We tend to see our use of extraverted processes in a detached manner, as if we're using a tool. The four extraverted processes are: extraverted feeling, extraverted thinking, extraverted intuition and extraverted sensing. |
Judging Processes
A judging process forms more subjective evaluations of information. Think adjectives like good, bad, suitable, unsuitable, logical and illogical etcetera. We use these functions to form evaluations of information and make decisions.
The four judging processes are: introverted thinking, introverted feeling, extraverted feeling and extraverted thinking.
The four judging processes are: introverted thinking, introverted feeling, extraverted feeling and extraverted thinking.
Introverted Judging ProcessesAn introverted judging process forms evaluations based on an internal set of criteria. We keep this body of criteria over time, tweaking it as we go. Thus, each criterion tends to be congruent with other criteria. If some criteria contradicts with the rest, there is an internal conflict.
The relationship between each criterion tends to be clear. Thus, introverted judging tends to be able to explain the "whys" of their evaluations. Left to its own devices, the process may come to logical but false conclusions. A criterion can be consistent with other internal criteria, but inconsistent with the external world. The two introverted judging processes are introverted thinking and introverted feeling. |
Extraverted Judging ProcessesAn extraverted judging process forms evaluations based on present external criteria. We observe and react to these criteria in the moment. Thus, each criterion is independent of past criteria. When external criteria change, our evaluations tend to change along with them.
We tend to adopt each criterion with an external outcome in mind. Thus, extraverted judging tends to be able to explain the "hows" of their evaluations, as in how to get to point B. Left to its own devices, the process may become effective but directionless. A criterion can be useful for a goal, but the goal itself can be faulty. The two extraverted judging processes are extraverted feeling and extraverted thinking. |
Introverted FeelingIntroverted feeling is an evaluative process based around an internal set of criteria. In this sense, each criterion is self-referential. It derives from and relates to other criteria within the internal structure.
These criteria tend to be in the value, moral, ethical and emotional spheres. It tends to ask the questions "what is good" and "why is it good". Over time, introverted feeling tends to focus on personal preference and authenticity. Like other introverted processes, introverted feeling leans towards static and self-contained. It tends to see values in isolation. Even if something is not valued in the external, the introverted feeler can still argue for its value. Sometimes, contradictory evidence filters in through the perceiving processes. In this case, it can take some time for the internal criteria to realign. Introverted feeling can change over time, but tends to be more consistent and stable. Thus, it acts more like an anchor in the person's thought processes. It always accompanies extraverted thinking. |
Extraverted FeelingExtraverted feeling is an evaluative process based on external criteria. Since there is no internal structure, each criterion is independent of the rest. The extraverted feeler uses these criteria with an external outcome in mind.
These criteria tend to be in the value, moral, ethical and emotional spheres. It tends to ask the question “what do people value in the world”. External values tend to shift over time, societies and even social groups. Except for a few moral tenets that seem universal. Over time, extraverted feeling tends to focus on belonging and relating. Like other extraverted processes, extraverted feeling leans towards dynamic and transitive. It tends to see the real world consequences of values and emotional output. Values are inextricable from how they affect others. Thus, extraverted feeling evaluations morph when the perceiving processes deliver new information. Extraverted feeling is mutable, with no affinity for its previous form. Thus, it acts more like an instrument in the person’s thought processes. It always accompanies introverted thinking. |
Introverted ThinkingIntroverted thinking is an evaluative process based on an internal model. The model elucidates why things work and why things are. Each component of the model strives to be harmonious with other components.
Introverted thinking tends to focus on the truth, logic and rationality spheres. It tends to ask the questions “what is true” and “why is it true”. Over time, introverted thinking tends to create more complex components to encompass phenomena. At the same time, it tends to reduce the world down to principles and axioms. Like other introverted processes, introverted thinking leans towards static and self-contained. It tends to see truth in a vacuum. The introverted thinker is adept at forming lines of reasoning in the realm of theory. Sometimes, enough contradictory empirical evidence filters in through the perceiving processes. In this case, it can take some time to restructure the internal model. Introverted thinking can evolve over time, but tends to be more consistent and stable. Thus, it acts more like an anchor in the person's thought processes. It always accompanies extraverted feeling. |
Extraverted ThinkingExtraverted thinking is an evaluative process based on external evidence. It does not tend to fit each piece of evidence into an internal model. The extraverted thinker uses the evidence in succession with an external outcome in mind.
The information tend to be in the truth, logic and rationality spheres. It tends to ask the question “how does it work in the world”. External information tends to shift over time as new discoveries emerge. The extraverted thinker tends to adapt to the new evidence. Over time, extraverted thinking tends to focus on facts, statistics and empirical evidence. Like other extraverted processes, extraverted thinking leans towards dynamic and transitive. It tends to see the real world applications of logic and lines of reasoning. The facts are inextricable from their manifestations in the external. Thus, extraverted thinking evaluations adjust when the perceiving processes deliver new information. Extraverted thinking is mutable, with no affinity for its previous form. Thus, it acts more like an instrument in the person’s thought processes. It always accompanies introverted feeling. |
Perceiving Processes
A perceiving process examines more objective qualities of information. Think adjectives like dark, furry, spicy, red, abundant and short etcetera. We use these functions to observe, intake, store and structure information.
The four perceiving processes are: introverted sensing, introverted intuition, extraverted intuition and extraverted sensing.
The four perceiving processes are: introverted sensing, introverted intuition, extraverted intuition and extraverted sensing.
Introverted Perceiving ProcessesAn introverted perceiving process siphons observations into an internal structure. We add to this internal structure over time as we gain new experiences. Thus, each observation fits in relation to other observations. When we internalize new information, we find a space for it within the internal structure.
Thus, different observations have subjective and stable connections to each other. Introverted perceiving tends to form set ways of connecting observations. Left to its own devices, the process may further ingrain subjective biases. Introverted perceiving tends to become stronger in certain ways of connecting information. In return, they may become blind to other ways. The two introverted perceiving functions are introverted sensing and introverted intuition. |
Extraverted Perceiving ProcessesAn extraverted perceiving process makes observations and connections in the present external reality. We interact with the external information in the moment. Thus, each observation is independent of past observations. When the external reality changes, our observations tend to change along with them.
Thus, different observations are not tied to each other. Extraverted perceiving tends to connect information in real time, without following established rules. Left to its own devices, the process may become groundless. It may entertain unrealistic or unfeasible information. Extraverted perceiving also tends to forget the relationship between observations. The two extraverted perceiving processes are extraverted intuition and extraverted sensing. |
Introverted SensingIntroverted sensing is an observational process based on retention and organization. Each observation has stable connections to other observations within the internal structure. Thus, current external information always conjures stored information.
These observations are of the sensory realm, which includes specific objects and experiences. Thus, introverted sensing tends to have a good memory of the details. In other words, introverted sensing recalls the objects and experiences themselves. Like other introverted processes, introverted sensing leans towards static and self-contained. As more observations occupy the internal structure, subjective categories and connections start forming. Sometimes, pieces of sensory information are not related except in memory. An introverted sensor might be watching a romance movie while drinking coffee. Then, they associate romance movies with bitterness. It can take some time and new information to override past associations. Introverted sensing can change over time, but tends to be more consistent and stable. Thus, it acts more like an anchor in the person's thought processes. It always accompanies extraverted intuition. |
Extraverted SensingExtraverted sensing is an observational process based on present external connections. Since there is no internal structure, each connection only applies in the moment. The extraverted sensor is free to stumble upon the same connections in the future.
These observations are in the sensory realm, which includes specific objects and experiences. It tends to be swift in bouncing from one concrete observation to the next. Extraverted sensing tends to connect information based on their physical similarities. It tends to be adept at interacting with current sensory information. Working with introverted intuition, it tends to see the whole picture. Like other extraverted processes, extraverted sensing leans towards dynamic and transitive. Since there is no internal structure, extraverted sensors make connections in the moment. Since memory is a universal mechanism, extraverted sensing can recall a specific experience. But it tends to forget how it relates to other past experiences. Unlike introverted sensing, extraverted sensing does not form stable associations between sensory information. Extraverted sensing is mutable, with no affinity for its previous form. Thus, it acts more like an instrument in the person’s thought processes. It always accompanies introverted intuition. |
Introverted IntuitionIntroverted intuition is an observational process based on retention and organization. Each observation has stable connections to other observations within the internal structure. Thus, current external information always conjures stored information. In contrast to introverted sensing, introverted intuition tends to be more nebulous.
These observations are in the intuitive realm, which includes patterns and predictions. Thus, introverted intuition tends to have a good grasp of the big picture. In other words, introverted intuition recalls the condensed takeaways of experiences. It tends to see how one idea fits in relation to other ideas. Working with extraverted sensing, it tends to see cause and effect relationships. Like other introverted processes, introverted intuition leans towards static and self-contained. Introverted intuition tends to generalize even the generalizations. Over time, it tends to become ever more global in scope. It tends to group smaller ideas under a few large and interconnected idea umbrellas. Sometimes, introverted intuition may deem an otherwise valid idea as unfit. Introverted intuition can change over time, but tends to be more consistent and stable. Thus, it acts more like an anchor in the person's thought processes. It always accompanies extraverted sensing. |
Extraverted IntuitionExtraverted intuition is an observational process based on present external connections. Since there is no internal structure, each connection only applies in the moment. The extraverted intuitive is free to stumble upon the same connections in the future.
These observations are in the intuitive realm, which includes ideas and concepts. It tends be swift in bouncing from one idea to the next. Extraverted intuition tends to connect ideas based on their potential conceptual similarities. It tends to be adept at forming cross contextual analogies. Working with introverted sensing, it tends to concoct off the wall connections. Like other extraverted processes, extraverted intuition leans towards dynamic and transitive. Since there is no internal structure, extraverted intuitives experience ideas in the external. Thus, they tend to see all ideas as real in that someone has thought of them. Extraverted intuition tends to be prolific in forming ideas. It does this by connecting unlikely things together. Unlike introverted intuition, extraverted intuition does not form stable connections between ideas. Extraverted intuition is mutable, with no affinity for its previous form. Thus, it acts more like an instrument in the person’s thought processes. It always accompanies introverted sensing. |
Everyone has a symbiotic use of an introverted judging process, an extraverted judging process, an introverted perceiving process and an extraverted perceiving process. Each cognitive process leaves behind cues out of your conscious control. We measure these subconscious cues to assess cognitive type. Your cognitive type reveals which specific processes you use and their relative strengths. Click here to receive your type assessment.