Socionics Functions

In Socionics there are four main functions, much like they are described by Carl Jung in Psychological types: two non-rational (or perceiving), which are Sensation and Intuition, and two rational (or judging), which are Thinking and Feeling. Additionally, there are the two attitudes, Extraversion and Introversion, by which the functions can be modified, making a total of eight types. Jung also proposed the existence of a secondary function—a concept which was later expanded, giving rise to the well-known sixteen types.

In Socionics, the proposed term for the eight functions is 'information elements', which is however not used on this website for the sake of simplicity. The eight functions and the eight components of a type's structure are both referred to with the same term—function.

The eight functions

Extraverted Sensing

Also known as: S​e, Black Sensing, or . Relates to: perceived properties of objects and resource distribution.

Introverted Sensing

Also known as: S​i, White Sensing, or . Relates to: subjective interpretation of sensations and internal physical states.

Extraverted Intuition

Also known as: N​e, Black Intuition, or . Relates to: implicit connections in the external and potentialities.

Introverted Intuition

Also known as: N​i, White Intuition, or . Relates to: implicit connections in the subconscious and the passage of time.

Extraverted Logic/Thinking

Also known as: T​e, Black Logic, or . Relates to: objective structure of systems and organization of processes.

Introverted Logic/Thinking

Also known as: T​i, White Logic, or . Relates to: subjective systematizing and the underlying principles of the whole.

Extraverted Ethics/Feeling

Also known as: F​e, Black Ethics, or . Relates to: behavioral signaling from individuals and social expression.

Introverted Ethics/Feeling

Also known as: F​i, White Ethics, or . Relates to: internal order of social relations and code of conduct.

Type structure and Model A

Model A is a model of information metabolism, created by Aushra Augustinavichiute, the founder of Socionics. The model describes the ways in which all of the eight functions are utilized by the sixteen types.

1st "Base" function

Valued, Strong, and 4-dimensional. The strongest function, and is the lens through which the type perceives the world.

2nd "Creative" function

Valued, Strong, and 3-dimensional. Mostly serves to support the Base function, but is also interesting on its own.

3rd "Role" function

Unvalued, Weak, and 2-dimensional. It has some potential for development, if its use is required by circumstances.

4th "Point of least resistance" function

Unvalued, Weak, and 1-dimensional. Information received by this function is perceived as uninteresting and redundant. One cannot, and is not supposed to, develop this function.

5th "Suggestive" function

Valued, Weak, and 1-dimensional. It can be worked on to a limited degree, but in most people remains underdeveloped or even suppressed.

6th "Activating" function

Valued, Weak, and 2-dimensional. It has the most potential for development; the type eagerly interacts with it and learns from other people.

7th "Ignoring" function

Unvalued, Strong, and 3-dimensional. It can be used when needed, but Base function is preferred.

8th "Demonstrative" function

Unvalued, Strong, and 4-dimensional. The type can use this function without problem, but only as a means to an end.

Dimensionality

This term is interchangeable with 'strength'. 1D functions process information on a single dimension, 4D on all of them. The dimensions are Experience (1D), Norms (2D), Situation (3D), and Time (4D), though they are irrelevant for our purposes and can be omitted for the sake of simplicity. The general rule is this:

1D - The type has very limited awareness of these functions and doesn't have much confidence in them.
2D - The type has some awareness of these functions and can figure something out and learn on their own.
3D - The type has good understanding of these functions that is, however, prone to blindspots.
4D - The type has an extensive understanding of these functions and interacts with them confidently.

Typing

So, how is this applied on practice? There are many ways a type is expressed, but once again, the general rule for locating a function is this: the strength of a function can be determined from how easily the person synthesizes new information based on that function, and Values are reasoned from which functions the person talks about more.

How Weak function can manifest (except for PoLR): confirming, cross-checking, learning by observing other people, looking for expert opinion, deduction, judging oneself.

How Strong function can manifest: trusting one's gut instinct, new information out of nothing, teaching, presenting one's opinion as expert, induction, judging others.