My Latest Wacky Theory

What if...

The introverted and extroverted modes of each function (F, T, N, and S) were simply parts of a sliding scale?

For instance, what if there were no real Fi or Fe, but an F scale with Fi on one end and Fe on the other?

If we were to order each scale by preference, we might get an interesting and insightful picture or map of one's mind.

In my case...

Ni******X*************Ne

Fi**************X*****Fe

Ti**********X*********Te

Si***********X********Se

Notice how my function pairs get less and less polar as they diminish. Interesting. Anyone else care to post their results? Maybe we can establish a pattern.

introverted Intuiting (Ni)*****(42)
extraverted Intuiting (Ne)***(26.9)
Total N = 68.9
Factor = 1.51

extraverted Feeling (Fe)****(41.1)
introverted Feeling (Fi)***(24.9)
Total F = 66
Factor = 1.64

introverted Thinking (Ti)***(29.7)
extraverted Thinking (Te)***(26.8)
Total T = 56.5
Factor = 1.10

extraverted Sensing (Se)***(25.7)
introverted Sensing (Si)**(20.7)
Total S = 46.4
Factor = 1.24

Also note, if we were to put these in order of Factor rather than Total, I would be F > N > S > T, with a dominant Ni - a highly intuitive ENFJ.

 

I got the scores from this quiz, which I now take about once a month to track my progress and trends. There is also another quiz I take frequently that gives a graphic display rather than numerical scores. In these two tests, I've noticed a strong bias toward Fi and against Ne on the former, but toward Ne and against Fi on the latter, so I like to take them both and compare results as a gestalt.

I rather arbitrarily guesstimated the bars at the top, but I took the math directly from my scores. I only put it in there as a visual reference of the abstract concept I was suggesting. I should probably take it out and stick to the actual scores.

I'm not really sure if there is any significance to the proportions of the shadow functions, but I've developed a theory that shadow functions are simply the combination of two inherent functions, because most people seem to score results that midpoint shadow functions between inherent functions. For example. My Fe and Ti seem to have Fi or Te as a midpoint, depending on the test. These things could be unrelated coincidence, but they're worth exploring.

 

When you go by Factor OR Total, your results are clearly N > F > T > S. Your greatest spread is in N, followed by F, then T, then S. Your dominant function is Ni. This theory supports that you are an INFJ, actually.

 

Here is a visual representation of what I am proposing. While it may look a bit redundant, this merges the MBTI and Cognitive Function Test results for a much clearer picture of how the results come out as they do. The MBTI measures pure N, S, T, and F, along with I, E, J, and P. The assumption is that the MBTI is measuring overall cognitive functions, and therefore groups the respective pairs. Meanwhile, the individual function tests measure independent function. What I am doing below is combining them to form an MBTI type of result.

You can see the overall N, F, T, and S results, which I've placed in order of overall score, which are combined scores of the function pairs that comprise them.

These are my compiled results from the cognitive function test. These scores mirror my MBTI results, which indicate that I am an INFJ.

View attachment 1232

These are my compiled results from the 'old' cognitive function test. These scores mirror my Keirsey results. Also note, these results indicate I am an ENFJ, due to the Fe dominance over Ni, and Se dominance over Ti. However, my overall N, F, T, and S are in order corresponding to INFJ.

View attachment 1231

 

Yeah, but I haven't seen a graphic display of it, and it explains my ENFJ/INFJ confusion.

 

I just divided one part with the other to show the proportion.

introverted Intuiting (Ni)*****(42)
extraverted Intuiting (Ne)***(26.9)
Total N = 68.9
Factor = 1.51

42 + 26.9 = 68.9
42 / 26.9 = 1.51

 

The entire basis for this theory is that total N is total N. Our leanings will go toward one side or the other, but we still use the 'shadow' function, which actually strengthens our primary function.

For example, my primary T function is Ti, but my Te is also very strong. I use both, and together they form my total T function, as measured by the MBTI type tests, which assume this to be the case by nature of the way they combine all i an e functions into their dichotomies.

In other words, MBTI type isn't an indication of cognitive functions. It is an indication of personality based on generic preferences. The people who choose this set of variables often act like this, and the people who choose that set of variables often act like that. The two sciences are related, but are not addressing the same subjects.

What I'm doing here is combining the two, even though they seem like they already are.

 

I combined the results from both and got this...

View attachment 1234

From this, it is clear why I keep testing as INFJ and ENFJ, as well as ENFP and INFP on occasion. I can even see how I get the odd INTJ and ENTJ result (or alternative suggestion) due to the high Te scores.

This is more evidence of my theory that the human mind is far more fluid that the 16 types could define.

I'm somewhere in between INFJ, ENFJ, and ENFP, and not too far from INFP, INTJ, and ENTJ.

From what I have seen on these forums, many others are too. That's normal. It means you simply have a functional, normal (though we NFs might not be the epitome of 'normal' hehe), healthy mind.

However, most of us are closest to INFJ, and that is why we choose it as our type.