MBTI Cognitive Functions

By Mystie Winckler from Simply Convivial


function description primary secondary

Ne • right-brained (pattern perceivers with accurate gut feelings)

extroverted • possesses all-consuming enthusiasm they must share ENFP INFP
intuition • seekers who don’t like to be pinned down or over-committed ENTP INTP
• willing to sacrifice for their ideal, but will never sacrifice being authentic

Ni • left-brained (logical, analytical, linear, conceptual)

introverted • creates mental constructs that work practically with reality toward goals INFJ ENFJ
intuition understands how worldview shapes perception, can see other perspectives INTJ ENTJ
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• loves flashes of connection between seemingly unrelated fields

Se • right-brained (can perceive & respond in a non-linear fashion)

extroverted • enjoys physical engagement with the real world ESFP ISFP
sensing • true knowledge is concrete, from first-hand experience, from knowing by “feel” ESTP ISTP
• prefer situations that change rapidly with immediate sensory feedback

Si • left-brained (logical, analytical, linear)

introverted • loves details, information, memories, explanations that relate to priorities ISFJ ESFJ
sensing • values past experience as an interpretive lens for the present ISTJ ESTJ
• need to know every detail before they will make a decision (reads contracts)

Te • left-brained (one-at-a-time, consequence-connecting, logical)

extroverted • recognizes some principles are always true and relentlessly sticks with them ESTJ ISTJ
thinking • turns invisible intentions and ideas into material actions and results ENTJ INTJ
• assesses according to a standard, responsibly & disinterestedly

Ti • right-brained (wholistic, synthetic, instinctual, improvising)

introverted • interests in patterns and relationships with context, “play by ear” types INTP ENTP
thinking actions kept goal-oriented subconsciously, seeing the logic of their situation ISTP ESTP
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• most likely to stick with a narrow niche because it’s clear and meaningful to them

Fe • left-brained (boundary-defining, orderly, convention-oriented)

extroverted • prioritizes by relationship, value, and appropriateness - not immediate emotions ESFJ ISFJ
feeling • maintains convention, ritual, and tradition as sources of identity and meaning ENFJ INFJ
• need others’ responses before making decisions

Fi • right-brained (pattern-based reasoning, problem-solving by feel & taste)

introverted • finds receptive, creative, experiential knowledge that is empathetic INFP ENFP
feeling • values humans and humanity foremost, apart from risk, systems, or logic ISFP ESFP
• tends toward self-doubt and loneliness and unconventional quests

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