The INTJ Personality Type And Their Cognitive Functions
The INTJ Personality Type And Their Cognitive Functions
The 4-letter personality type characterizes personalities according to four opposing personality functions: Extroversion vs. Introversion, Sensation vs. Intuition, Thinking vs. Feeling, and Judging vs. Perceiving.
An INTJ personality type describes a personality that is dominated by Introversion, iNtuition, Thinking, and Judging.
According to the personality model, each personality has four cognitive functions, which are described as a cognitive stack. Each cognitive function is prioritized in the stack, with the dominant function exercising the most influence over how the personality processes information and thinks about the world.
The remaining three functions are the auxiliary, tertiary, and inferior cognitive functions.
Some background
The personality model is based on the work of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, published in his 1921 book Psychological Types. Jung proposed that four main functions of consciousness (sensation, intuition, thinking, and feeling) existed in every individual, and these were influenced by two main attitude types, extroversion, and introversion.
Jung identified the two scales of Sensing–Intuition and Thinking–Feeling as cognitive functions. Furthermore, each cognitive function could be expressed in both an extroverted or introverted manner.
The creators of the personality test added an extra dimension to their model, Judging and Perceiving.
Here are the INTJ’s four cognitive functions.
Dominant function: introverted intuition (Ni)
INTJs are often described as Masterminds or Architects, which has a lot to do with having Introverted Intuition as a dominant cognitive function. INTJs use introverted intuition to see the big picture and make rational decisions.
Introverted intuition allows INTJs to see patterns and connections, and to analyze things from different angles. This means INTJs see the deeper meaning behind facts and explanations and are able to read between the lines or see more than just the obvious.
The INTJ’s introverted intuition makes them extremely capable of assessing what’s going on with a problem or situation. INTJs make great detectives as Ni allows them to see through people's deceptions and spot attempted manipulation. Furthermore, the Ni gives them powerful chronological memories and the ability to recall things beyond just the facts.
The INTJ’s dominant cognitive function could be described as almost having a computer for a brain because the Ni allows them to process information quickly, without the need to consciously think through each stage. They also have an uncanny ability to see cause and effect and to predict how things will play out.
INTJs are great strategizers and generally have well-thought-out plans for how they’ll achieve their goals. However, if the Ni becomes inflated, a danger arises of becoming too sure of themselves and attached to an idea, so that their thinking becomes clouded and they miss important details.
Auxiliary function: extraverted thinking (Te)
Extraverted thinking is the dominant outward thinking cognitive function, responsible for the INTJ’s problem-solving ability, their desire to help other people, and the reason they seek order and control in the world around them. The Te is also the function that other people often notice first.
INTJs are often described as being logical, reality-based thinkers, which is a result of the Te function. They’re methodical and deliberate in their thinking, and they apply common sense to their problem-solving and decision-making. The Te also helps INTJs break down tasks into smaller, sequential steps.
INTJs get their time management and organizational skills from the Te function. It makes them want everything to run smoothly and on schedule. It helps them succeed in life and stay on track.
The extroverted thinking function also means INTJs are keen to share their solutions and organizational skills with others. It makes them interested in people's problems, able to see what needs to be changed, and keen to make things better.
Tertiary function: introverted feeling (Fi)
As a tertiary function, INTJs use introverted feelings to a lesser degree than the dominant or auxiliary cognitive functions. Feelings don't dominate INTJ decision-making, which can be problematic when relating to others.
When INTJs tap into their introverted feeling, they can apply values and emotions to their decisions. This helps INTJs know how they and others feel, which helps them to communicate and express themselves. It also makes them appreciate people and activities that align with their values.
The introverted feeling function is crucial for INTJs to weigh the importance and subjective value of things. It’s also how they form moral and ethical beliefs. INTJs who work on developing this function have an easier time relating to others and avoiding social conflicts.
As it’s a tertiary function, the Fi can make INTJs feel vulnerable or uneasy as they can fail to realize their Fi limitations. For example, an INTJ's indifference to social conventions can make them feel like an outsider. They can also come across as self-righteous if they forget to appreciate other people's perspectives.
Inferior function: extraverted sensing (Se)
The INTJ’s extroverted sensing function is responsible for processing information through the senses. It allows INTJs to feel strong impulses and instincts that can energize them, make them feel connected to the world, and help with making decisions in the moment. However, as an INTJs inferior function, extraverted thinking is the least used cognitive function, and often the cause of conflict for the INTJ.
Extraverted sensing causes the INTJ’s tendency to see Se activities as idiotic and a waste of their time. It can also lead to INTJs becoming reckless, selfish, and impulsive, especially during times of stress. Extroverted sensing is also the cognitive function that causes INTJs to feel exhausted by having to engage with people or the world for long periods, especially if the INTJ doesn’t see the value in it.
