In MBTI personality theory , cognitive functions are the core psychological mechanisms that constitute the 16-type personality. Each person is composed of four cognitive functions, which are divided into perceptual function (Sensing/Intuition) and judgment function (Thinking/Feeling) . Each function is divided into two tendencies: Introverted and Extraverted .
This article will deeply interpret one of the eight MBTI cognitive functions - Introverted Sensing (Si function for short) , and analyze its role in different MBTI personality types . Si function is often called the 'guardian of experience'. It is loyal to facts, cherishes traditions, and pursues stability. It is one of the most stable and down-to-earth ways of perception in Jung's eight-dimensional theory .
You can learn about the combination of cognitive functions you have in PsycTest Quiz's free MBTI personality test , or get a deeper personality analysis through the MBTI advanced personality profile .
What is the introverted real sense (Si) function?
Si cognitive function is an introverted perception method, which prefers to understand the world by recalling past experiences and comparing realities and patterns in memory . This cognitive path is extremely stable and pursues accuracy and predictability. The Si function can help us retain and reproduce past experiences, maintain and abide by traditions and rules, and increase our sense of security and comfort. It is a ability to perceive the concrete and practical world.
What are the characteristics of Si cognitive function?
- Clear memory and rich details : Si type people tend to remember past experiences with rich details, such as the smell of a trip, clothing, or specific conversation content.
- Respect tradition and order : They tend to maintain verified rules and processes and like things to stay as they are.
- Pay attention to safety and controllability : Si individuals are not keen on sudden changes and prefer structured lifestyles.
- Contrasting thinking mode : Make judgments or predictions by comparing new situations with old memories.
Strong memory
Si cognitive function has keen and accurate memories of past things, and is able to recall details and situations, and reproduce the experiences of sensory and emotionality. Si cognitive functions also like to understand new things in comparison and analogy, and compare and match them with existing experience or knowledge. For example, in learning, Si cognitive function will like to review and review what you have mastered, and use examples and cases to consolidate your understanding, rather than just pursuing novel or abstract concepts.
Strongly traditional
Si cognitive functions have a deep respect and loyalty to traditions and rules, and believe that they are the cornerstones for maintaining social order and stability. Si cognitive functions also like to use routines and standards to guide their behavior, follow proven methods and processes, and ensure their efficiency and quality. For example, at work, Si cognitive functions will like to perform their tasks according to established plans and arrangements, and use mature technologies and tools to complete their work, rather than just seeking innovation or change.
Strong stability
Si cognitive function has a strong need and pursuit for stability and security, and does not like too much change and adventure. Si cognitive function also likes to use habits and inertia to balance one's life, maintain one's own rhythm and state, and avoid being disturbed or stressed by the outside world. For example, in life, Si cognitive function will like to maintain a familiar and comfortable environment, and stick to your fixed and regular routine rather than just pursuing freshness or stimulation.
Which MBTI types take Si as the core cognitive function?
According to MBTI theory, everyone has four main cognitive functions, one of which is the dominant function and the other is the Auxiliary function. These two functions are the most commonly used and proficient functions, and are also the core of our personality type. There are also the third function (Tertiary Function) and the fourth function (Inferior Function). These two functions are relatively weak, but they will also affect us to a certain extent.
The introverted real-sensing function (Si) is most prominent among the following four MBTI personality types:
ISTJ (Introverted thinking - Extraverted reality - Introverted intuition - Extraverted emotion)
Si is the dominant cognitive function of ISTJ , and Te is the auxiliary function of ISTJ. ISTJ makes decisions through rich personal experience, attaches importance to logic and rules, and likes a organized work environment. They are often guardians of systems and standards, and are good at maintaining order.
ISTJ is a type of responsible persons. They like to use Si to store and review their experiences and knowledge, organize and manage their affairs and responsibilities, predict and plan their future and goals with Ni, and adapt and regulate their emotions and interpersonal relationships with Fe. ISTJ is a serious, reliable, diligent and organized type. They are good at performing and completing their tasks, abiding by and maintaining their principles, and ensuring their quality and efficiency.
👉 Further reading:
MBTI ISTJ personality detailed analysis
More interpretation of ISTJ personality
ISFJ (Introverted Emotion-Extroverted Reality-Introverted Intuition-Extroverted Thinking)
For ISFJ , Si is the dominant function, and Fe (extravagant emotion) is the auxiliary. ISFJ focuses on the needs of others and the traditional value system, and is good at converting past warm memories into caring behaviors. She is a typical 'memory-type carer'.
ISFJ is a type of protector. They like to cherish and reproduce their memories and traditions, care for and care for the needs and emotions of others, understand and develop their own values and meanings, and support and assist others' work and plans. ISFJ is a warm, considerate, loyal and cooperative type who are good at paying attention to and satisfying other people's expectations, maintaining and promoting other people's relationships, and ensuring the safety and comfort of themselves and others.
👉 Further reading:
MBTI ISFJ personality detailed analysis
More interpretation of ISFJ personality
ESTJ (Extraverted thinking-introverted reality-outward intuition-introverted emotions)
In the ESTJ personality, Si is an auxiliary function, and Te (extraverted thinking) is the dominant one. They show strong organizational skills in their work, like to rely on experience to optimize processes, pay attention to effectiveness and standardization, and have strong execution ability.
ESTJ is a type of manager. They like to use Te to direct and control their environment and resources, accumulate and use their experience and knowledge, find and utilize their own opportunities and possibilities, and use Fi to persist and express their opinions and attitudes. ESTJ is a decisive, strong, organized, and leader type who are good at formulating and executing their own rules and goals, improving and optimizing their systems and processes, ensuring their authority and effectiveness.
👉 Further reading:
MBTI ESTJ personality detailed analysis
More interpretation of ESTJ personality
ESFJ (Extraverted Emotion-Introverted Reality-Extraverted Intuition-Introverted Thinking)
As an auxiliary function of ESFJ , Fe is the dominant function of ESFJ, so that they not only pay attention to other people's emotions (Fe-dominated), but also respect the culture and traditions in the group. They are good at using experience to meet the needs of others and are extremely affinity social coordinators.
ESFJ is a type of protagonist. They like to use Fe to communicate and coordinate other people's emotions and relationships, follow and inherit other people's experiences and traditions, explore and create opportunities and possibilities for others, and analyze and evaluate other people's thoughts and behaviors. ESFJ is a passionate, friendly, sociable and responsible type. They are good at paying attention to and meeting the needs and expectations of others, maintaining and promoting social order and stability, and ensuring and enhancing social value and recognition.
👉 Further reading:
MBTI ESFJ personality detailed analysis
More interpretations of ESFJ personality
Advantages and challenges of Si cognitive function
As a perceptual function, Si cognitive function has many advantages and disadvantages. Here are some common advantages and disadvantages:
✅ Advantages:
- Deep knowledge reserves : Through repeated accumulation and review, a stable and systematic knowledge system is formed.
- Execution and stability : Good at completing tasks according to established processes and not easily deviate from the route.
- Meticulous : Very sensitive in detail processing and good at discovering errors and differences.
- Carrying cultural heritage : Si personality types often become defenders of traditional values in families and organizations.
❌ Disadvantages:
- Resist change and innovation : It is easy to fall into the inertia of 'the best of the past' and ignore new opportunities.
- Conservative and stereotyped : Facing unfamiliar things may appear rigid and not flexible enough.
- Emotional depression : Too much pursuit of stability can easily suppress personal emotions and lead to internal anxiety.
- Easily falling into the past : Repeating the past can lead to procrastination or excessive worry.
How to develop and balance Si cognitive functions?
The Si function is a useful and important feature that helps us retain and reproduce past experiences, maintain and adhere to traditions and rules, and maintain and balance our lives. However, the Si function also needs to be coordinated and balanced with other functions in order to achieve the maximum effect. Here are some suggestions for developing and balancing Si functions:
- Communicate and interact with other people with Si capabilities, share your memories and experiences, listen to their advice and lessons, and learn their strengths and experiences.
- Relax your inherent ideas appropriately, give yourself some opportunities to try new things, open your horizons and thinking, and avoid overly conservative or stubborn behavior.
- Pay more attention to your intrinsic value and significance, use Fi or Ti to guide and evaluate your behavior, make sure they meet your goals and ideals, and do not blindly follow traditions or rules.
- Pay more attention to your external opportunities and challenges, use Ne or Se to explore and utilize the environment you are in, ensure that you can adapt to and deal with changes, and do not ignore important information or signals.
Summary: Si is not conservative, but wisely maintaining order
Si cognitive function is introverted reality, which is a ability to perceive the concrete and practical world. Si function has the characteristics of strong memory, strong tradition and strong stability. Si function appears in ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFJ and other types as the dominant or auxiliary function. The Si function has many advantages, such as increasing memory, increasing respect, and increasing safety. The Si function also has some disadvantages, such as stubbornness, lack of innovation, and lack of risk. The Si function needs to be coordinated and balanced with other functions in order to achieve the greatest effect.
Si cognitive function allows us to have structured thinking and stable behavior patterns, which are extremely reliable in life and work. Whether you are an ISTJ precisionist or an ESFJ favor expert, Si provides you with solid inner support.
When exploring MBTI and Jung’s eight-dimensional systems, understanding your Si intensity can help you better judge the psychological dynamics behind your behavior. If you have not tested your MBTI personality type, you can click here to start now: PsycTest Quiz official MBTI testing portal .
Want to know more about your personality? Try the MBTI advanced personality profile launched by the Sieke. The advanced content will take you to see through your personality potential and understand the direction of your life.
More articles on interpretation of other cognitive functions:
- MBTI Cognitive Function: Ne Function-Explore Unlimited Possibilities
- MBTI Cognitive Function: Ni Function-Insight into the Inner Essence
- MBTI Cognitive Function: Se Function--Experience the Wonderful Reality
- MBTI Cognitive Function: Te Function—The Efficiency Way to Achieve Goals
- MBTI Cognitive Function: Ti Function-Build Inner Logic
- MBTI Cognitive Function: Fe Function—Full Focus on Harmony and Emotion
- MBTI Cognitive Function: Fi Function—Pursuing Inner Value
Conclusion: Find order in experience and gain freedom in laws
The Si function is not to reject change, but to seek the anchor point of order in change. If you want to learn more about MBTI content, cognitive function principles or conduct systematic personality tests , please visit PsycTest Quiz official website (psychtest.cn) to explore your psychological map and start a journey of cognitive upgrading.
Click to learn more about MBTI cognitive functions
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