The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely used personality assessment tool based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types. One of the core concepts within MBTI is the notion of cognitive functions, which are patterns of mental processes that individuals use to perceive information and make decisions. There are eight cognitive functions in total, organized into four pairs of opposing preferences:

- Extraverted Thinking (Te): This function focuses on organizing and structuring information in an objective and logical manner. Individuals who prefer Te tend to be efficient, goal-oriented, and prioritize practical results.
- Introverted Thinking (Ti): Ti involves internal analysis and logical reasoning. Those who prefer Ti are often introspective, analytical, and enjoy understanding complex systems and ideas.
- Extraverted Feeling (Fe): Fe is concerned with understanding and harmonizing with the emotions and values of others. People who favor Fe are often empathetic, socially aware, and strive for group harmony.
- Introverted Feeling (Fi): Fi is a function that focuses on internal values and personal beliefs. Individuals with Fi preferences are often deeply empathetic, authentic, and prioritize personal integrity and authenticity.
- Extraverted Sensing (Se): Se is attuned to the present moment and focuses on sensory experiences. Those who prefer Se are often adventurous, action-oriented, and enjoy engaging with the physical world.
- Introverted Sensing (Si): Si involves recalling past experiences and organizing information based on personal impressions and memories. Individuals with Si preferences tend to be detail-oriented, reliable, and appreciate routines and traditions.
- Extraverted Intuition (Ne): Ne involves exploring possibilities and making connections between ideas. People who favor Ne are often imaginative, innovative, and enjoy brainstorming and exploring new concepts.
- Introverted Intuition (Ni): Ni focuses on synthesizing information and understanding underlying patterns and meanings. Those who prefer Ni are often insightful, future-oriented, and have a strong sense of vision or purpose.
In MBTI theory, each individual has a dominant function (the one they rely on most), an auxiliary function (which supports the dominant function), a tertiary function, and an inferior function. The combination of these functions contributes to a person’s overall personality type, represented by a four-letter code (e.g., INFJ, ENTP). Understanding cognitive functions can provide insights into how individuals perceive the world, make decisions, and interact with others.
