Detailed explanation of the difference between S people and N people in MBTI: perception styles, thinking patterns and behavioral characteristics

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the differences between S-type and N-type personalities in MBTI, helping you better understand the characteristics, thinking patterns and ways of getting along with real-feeling and intuitive personalities. Quickly determine your personality type through the professional test on the PsycTest official website.

The MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) is a popular personality assessment tool, also known as the Type 16 Personality Classification. It evaluates an individual’s personality traits through four dimensions. One of the important dimensions is the perceptual function, which is divided into Sensing (S) and Intuition (N). This dimension mainly describes the way people obtain information.

The main difference between S and N is the way they acquire information and process it. S-types take in information through their senses and pay attention to detail and practical experience. N-type people obtain information through intuition and association, and pay more attention to the overall situation and potential possibilities of things.

Understanding the differences between Type S and Type N personalities is crucial to understanding individual differences. This can help us know ourselves better, understand other people’s behavior patterns, and build better relationships. In daily life, you can judge whether a person is S-type or N-type by observing their mannerisms, hobbies, and thinking patterns. For example:

• S-shaped people like to share details and concrete facts when chatting.
• Type N people tend to talk about abstract concepts and possibilities when chatting.

S-type personality accounts for the majority of the global population, about 70%, while N-type personality accounts for about 30%. The MBTI test can be used as a reference to help people understand their own personality characteristics, but people’s personalities are complex and changeable, and test results will also change with their growth experiences. Therefore, the MBTI should not be viewed as an absolute definition of personality, but rather as a tool for self-exploration and understanding of others.

Don’t know your MBTI type yet? Take the free MBTI personality test from PsycTest today. If you want to understand your personality type more deeply, you can try the MBTI Advanced Personality Profile , which provides a more detailed and advanced personality interpretation to help you better understand the sixteen MBTI personality types.

The S and N dimensions of the MBTI provide a framework to help us understand people’s different preferences for obtaining and processing information. This is of great significance for promoting self-awareness, improving interpersonal relationships and enhancing teamwork.

Detailed explanation of S-type personality (realistic type)

Definition of S-type personality

S-type personality, in the MBTI personality type, refers to the Sensing personality. This type of personality tends to perceive the world through the five senses, focusing on reality, concrete facts and details. They focus more on things that actually exist and get information directly through their senses.

Characteristics of S-type personality

The characteristics of S-type personality are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Pragmatic: S-type people are pragmatic and pay attention to practicality and reality. They like to deal with concrete problems and issues and provide practical solutions.
• Attention to detail: The S-type personality pays close attention to the details of the surrounding environment. They pay more attention to things that can be directly felt by the five senses, such as space decoration, placement of objects, etc.
• Reliance on the senses: S-type people directly perceive the world through their five senses (vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell), and they believe more in what they sense.
• Experience-oriented: They rely on past experience to deal with problems and are willing to use their own and other people’s experiences. S-type people tend to look to past experiences for solutions to problems.
• Patient: S-type people are very patient and can do repetitive things persistently.
• Live in the Moment: They focus on what is right in front of them and can live in harmony with their physical environment. S-type people adhere to a lifestyle of living in the present and carpe diem.
• Like step-by-step: S-type people are good at following steps and doing things according to existing rules. They like to follow traditions and prefer to improve upon existing standard practices.
• Like concrete things: S-type people prefer concrete things to abstract concepts. They are more interested in encyclopedias or scientific experiments than in abstract philosophical categories.
• Practicality Focus: S-types are more interested in concrete, practical problems.
• Good at practical jobs: They are suitable for engaging in practical fields such as engineering, technology, medicine, nursing, business, and management.
• Direct connection to the physical world: S-type people have a direct connection to the physical world we live in, gathering information through their five senses.

S-shaped people’s thinking mode

The thinking mode of S-type people usually manifests itself as:

• Linear Thinking: S-type people usually use linear thinking. They will not move on to the next step until they solve a problem. They don’t like to jump around to deal with things.
• Detail-oriented: S-type people are accustomed to paying attention to details and solving problems from the details.
• Concrete Expression: In terms of verbal expression, S-type people tend to describe specific things and include a lot of details and facts in conversations. They are good at using similes to imagine another specific thing through a specific thing.
• Learning from Experience: S-type people tend to learn from past experiences and trust their sensory experiences.
• Logical Thinking: S-type people think logically, and they tend to draw conclusions based on collecting information.

Limitations of S-type people

Although S-type personalities have many advantages, they also have some limitations:

• Can be too detail-oriented: S-type people can sometimes be too detail-oriented and lose sight of the overall picture and future possibilities.
• May be bad at planning: S-type people may not be very good at strategic planning. They may not be very good at strategic planning because they are used to doing things according to established rules.
• Lack of interest in abstract concepts: S-type people may lack interest in abstract concepts and new ideas. They may find it boring when discussing abstract topics such as philosophy and metaphysics.
• Not too fond of change: They may prefer improvements to existing standard practices rather than radical changes. They tend to be conservative and rule-following and may be less fond of innovation and risk-taking.
• It may be difficult to understand the thoughts of N-type people: S-type people may feel that N-type people speak in general terms, are too ’toned’, and fail to grasp the other person’s key points.
• Learning style may be limited: S-type people tend to learn by rote learning, may not be good at understanding principles and theories, and may have difficulty learning symbols and abstract concepts.

Detailed explanation of N-type personality (intuitive type)

Definition of N-type personality

N-type personality, in the MBTI personality type, refers to the intuitive personality. This type of personality tends to understand the world through intuition, focusing on abstract concepts, possibilities, and connections between things. They focus more on the underlying meaning and possibilities of things than on the specific details. N-type people perceive the world by unconsciously synthesizing ideas and associations and using a ‘sixth sense.’

Characteristics of N-type personality

The characteristics of N-type personality are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Reliance on Intuition: N-type people trust their intuition and imagination and like to use their own ideas to reason. They perceive the world by unconsciously synthesizing ideas and associations.
• Focus on Possibilities: N-type people focus more on the potential meaning and possibilities of things rather than specific details. They are very eager to grasp the context of things and are especially happy to see new possibilities.
• Leap Thinking: N-type people often use leap thinking, like to look for potential meanings and possibilities of things, and are prone to association and fantasy. Their thoughts are also more diverse and jumping.
• Creative: N-type people enjoy innovation and would rather blaze new trails than follow tradition. They like to solve new and complex problems and are generally more accustomed to starting from the big picture and then adding actual data.
• Curiosity: N-type people are very curious, like to ask why, and are particularly interested in unknown things and future development.
• Focus on abstractions: N-type people prefer abstract concepts, such as philosophy, life, ideals, etc. They are interested in things outside the real world where they live, such as the universe, aliens, etc.
• Good at predicting: N-type people are good at predicting the development trends and potential possibilities of things.
• Idealism: N-type people are typically creative, idealistic, and visionary people. They are dreamers and have ideal thinking.
• Believe in inspiration: N-type people believe in their inspiration very much and can come up with some connections and meanings.
• Sensitive to symbols: Type N children can quickly understand the meaning of symbols and see sounds, language and meaning in them.
• Attach importance to the spiritual level: N-type people value spiritual fulfillment, complexity of ideological realm, and even have some disdain for secular concepts in the real world.

N-type thinking mode

N-type people’s thinking patterns usually appear as follows:

• Abstract Thinking: N-type people like abstract thinking and like to discuss abstract concepts, such as life, ideals, philosophy, etc.
• Deep Processing: N-type people process specific things deeply and draw conclusions from complex processing. They will conduct ‘deep processing’ of things, and after very complex processing, they will come to a conclusion, which is an indescribable ‘intuition’.
• Use metaphors: N-type people prefer to use metaphors to express themselves and process them deeply. They are not good at using similes.
• Start with the overall situation: N-type people are generally more accustomed to starting with the overall situation and then adding actual data.
• Divergent Thinking: N-type people are good at divergent thinking and focus on correlation.

Limitations of N-type people

Although N-type personalities have many advantages, they also have some limitations:

• Not paying attention to details: N-type people are not sensitive to details and tend to ignore people and things around them. They may pay too much attention to numbers, symbols, and language, and ignore the actual people and things around them.
• Not good at dealing with reality: N-type people are not very good at dealing with the trivial matters in real life. They do not have a good sense of eating, drinking and having fun, and they are not very satisfied with the red tape of the world.
• Hate Routine: N-type people hate doing repetitive tasks day after day.
• Possible detachment from reality: N-type people may be detached from reality because they focus on the spiritual world, and feel that real life is unreal.
• Difficulty adapting to the traditional workplace: N-type people have difficulty adapting to companies that aim at profit, and they may feel mismatched.
• Difficulty in choosing a spouse: It may be more difficult for N-type people to find a suitable partner in marriage.
• May not be good at planning: N-type people may not be good at making strategic plans.

Differences between S type and N type in different fields

S-type (sensing) and N-type (intuitive) personalities have their own advantages and preferences in different fields, which makes them show obvious differences in career choices, learning styles, views on marriage and love, and daily life. Understanding these differences can help you better understand yourself, choose the path that suits you, and leverage your strengths in different fields.

Differences in career choices

####S type personality

Since S-type people focus on practical operations and concrete experience, they are more suitable for engaging in fields with strong practicality such as engineering, technology, medicine, nursing, business, and management.

For example, S-type personalities in fields such as mechanics, architecture, and electronics are able to focus on details and practical operations to complete tasks efficiently. In medicine and nursing, they are able to care for patients meticulously and perform medical procedures accurately. In the field of business and management, they can effectively utilize and manage resources and ensure the implementation of various tasks.

S-type people are more adaptable to profit-oriented enterprises. They usually work securely, pursue specific production or sales gains, and gain career satisfaction from them.

N-type personality

Since N-type people pay more attention to abstract thinking and have strong imagination and creativity, they are more suitable for engaging in highly creative fields such as art, design, science, technology, marketing, and advertising.

For example, N-type personalities are able to come up with novel and unique ideas in the fields of art and design, and have a strong ability to understand concepts. In the fields of science and technology, they have a strong interest in theory and experiment, and can propose new hypotheses and research directions. In the field of marketing and advertising, they are able to use innovative thinking and market acumen to develop effective marketing strategies.

N-type people may succeed in areas that require deep processing and abstract thinking. N-type people may also feel that profit-oriented enterprises are not suitable for them, and they may prefer abstract tools and work content.

Differences in learning styles

S-type personality

S-type people tend to learn by rote learning. They pay more attention to practical experience and concrete information, and the understanding of abstract concepts may require more time and effort.

For example, when S-type children learn mathematics, they may need to first understand that ‘3’ is a symbol and represents a specific concept, and then they can master the relevant operation rules. They may prefer to acquire knowledge through repeated practice and hands-on experience.

S-type people tend to think linearly and like to solve problems step-by-step, and they may prefer learning content with clear answers and steps.

N-type personality

N-type people tend to learn by understanding principles. They pay more attention to the inner connections and possibilities of things, and have a strong ability to understand abstract concepts.

For example, Type N children are able to quickly understand the meaning of symbols and connect them to actual concepts when learning. They may prefer to explore the essence and internal logic of things rather than simply remember specific knowledge points.

N-type people usually have leaping thinking and like to look for potential meanings and possibilities of things. They may prefer open-ended and heuristic learning content.

Differences in views on marriage and love

####S type personality

S-type people pay more attention to stability and practicality in love. They tend to look for partners who can provide security and practical support, and value their partners’ practical conditions and mutual support.

S-type people form relationships, tend to seek out, and generally find love partners more easily among S-type people.

N-type personality

N-type people pay more attention to emotions and ideals in love. They tend to look for partners who share their values and ideas and value emotional resonance and spiritual compatibility.

Because N-type people value spiritual fulfillment and complexity of thought, they may find it more difficult to find a suitable partner in marriage. The relationship between N-type people and S-type people is more likely to break up. If N-type people marry N-type people, the marriage will be more harmonious.

Differences in Daily Life

• Perception of Perfume: When S-type people smell perfume, they will directly focus on specific aromas such as apples, roses or the sea, while N-type people will think of vivid scenes or even movie-like stories. .
• Experience of music: N-type people may associate music with a certain summer scene, and even if they hear the music again many years later, they can still recall the scene at that time.
• Description of Dreams: The dreams of S-type people usually take place in real-life scenes, while the dreams of N-type people may be full of fantasy and surreal elements.
• Response to Problems: When S-type people encounter problems, they tend to explore the root cause of the problem and its solution. N-type people may be more emotional when facing problems.
• Interpersonal communication: Close friends of S-type people are usually also S-type people, while close friends of N-type people are usually S-type people.

Stereotypes of S people and N people

PsycTest (psyctest.cn) reminds us that some common misunderstandings about the stereotypes of S-type (sensing) and N-type (intuitive) personalities need to be clarified, and the advantages and characteristics of these two personality types need to be clarified to avoid confusing the two. Oppose.

Stereotype of S-type personality

• S-type does not equal utilitarianism: S-type personalities pay attention to reality and practicality, but this does not mean that they only focus on utilitarianism or do not pay attention to the spiritual world. They simply prefer to understand and experience the world through actual experience.
• S-type is not uninnovative: Although S-type personalities prefer to follow existing rules and standards, they are also willing to improve standard practices and make them more perfect. They can also recombine concrete things through manipulation and create new concrete things.
• S type does not pay attention to the whole: Although S type people pay attention to details, they do not pay attention to the whole. They only use linear thinking to understand the whole based on details. They can start from reality and gradually achieve their goals.

Stereotype of N-type personality

• N-type does not mean being detached from reality: Although N-type personalities pay more attention to abstract concepts and possibilities, this does not mean that they are detached from reality. They will also understand reality through in-depth processing, and by complementing the S-type personality, they can better transform ideals into reality.
• N-type is not bad at dealing with reality: Although N-type personalities may not like dealing with daily chores, they are not bad at it. They just pay more attention to the things that interest them, and when needed, they can also use their talents to solve practical problems.
• N-type does not only focus on the inner world: Although N-type people focus on the spiritual world, it does not mean that they do not care about the external world. They perceive the world intuitively and focus on connections and patterns between things to understand the external world.
• N-type is not indifferent to details: N-type people may not be very sensitive to the details of their surrounding environment, but they can understand specific things through deep processing and draw conclusions from them.

Other misunderstandings

• S and N are not absolute opposites: The difference between S-type and N-type personalities is not absolute opposition. There is complementarity between them and they can each exert their own advantages in cooperation.
• ratio of S and N: S-type personality accounts for the majority of the global population, about 70%, and N-type personality accounts for about 30%, but this does not mean that S-type personality is better than N-type personality.
• MBTI test is not absolutely accurate: MBTI test is only a reference. People’s personalities are complex and changeable, and test results will also change with growth experience.

In general, S-type and N-type personalities each have their own characteristics and advantages, and they are neither good nor bad. Understanding and respecting each other’s differences helps us get along and cooperate better.

The relationship and cooperation between S people and N people

S-type (sensing) and N-type (intuitive) personalities have both challenges and complementary advantages in getting along and cooperating. Understanding each other’s differences and adopting appropriate communication methods can lead to more effective collaboration and more harmonious relationships.

Challenges of getting along and cooperating between S-type and N-type

• Differences in communication styles: S-type people tend to describe specific things, paying attention to details and facts, while N-type people tend to generalize and reason, and like to discuss abstract concepts and possibilities. This may cause S-type people to think that N-type people’s speech is too broad and unable to grasp the key points, while N-type people think that S-type people’s speech is boring and always revolves around real things.
• Differences in thinking styles: S-type people are accustomed to linear thinking and pay attention to practicality and details, while N-type people prefer jumping thinking and focus on the potential meaning and possibility of things. This difference in thinking can lead to disagreements between the two parties when solving problems.
• Differences in values: S-type people pay more attention to practicality and reality, while N-type people pay more attention to spiritual aspects and ideas. This difference in values may affect the relationship between the two parties. For example, S-type people may pay more attention to material satisfaction, while N-type people may pay more attention to spiritual communication.

Complementarity between S-type and N-type getting along and cooperating

• Complementary Advantages: S-type people pay attention to practicality and details, can carry out meticulous management and planning, and help the team gradually achieve their goals. N-type people are good at providing innovative and forward-looking ideas, stimulating the creativity of the team, and helping the team see problems from a new perspective.
• Grow together: Through cooperation, S-type people can learn more abstract ways of thinking from N-type people, while N-type people can learn more practical ways of doing things from S-type people.
• Multiple Perspectives: The difference between S-type and N-type personalities helps people look at problems from multiple perspectives, thereby finding more possibilities for the explanation of things and the solution of problems.
• Common Goal: As S-types and N-types continue to deepen their understanding of each other and overcome differences in cognitive styles and thinking habits, they can gradually weaken their differences during the collaboration process and learn from each other’s Strengths make up for one’s own shortcomings, and ultimately achieve common goals.

How to get along with S-type and N-type people

• Communicating with S-types: Provide specific, detailed and practical information and avoid using overly abstract language. When communicating, you can talk more about actual experiences and feelings, as well as clear goals and plans.
• Communicate with N-type people: Provide abstract and divergent ideas and stimulate their creativity. When communicating, explore future possibilities, potential meanings, and deeper meanings.
• Understanding and Respect: Understand and respect each other’s differences and avoid dividing S-type and N-type personalities into opposing camps. Understanding the differences between S-types and N-types in the way they obtain information and think can reduce misunderstandings and enhance communication and understanding. Respect each other’s values and preferences and avoid forcing your point of view on the other person.
• Taking advantage of each other: In teamwork, let S-type people be responsible for specific planning and execution, and N-type people be responsible for proposing innovative ideas and grasping the overall direction. This can maximize their respective strengths and improve the team’s efficiency and innovation capabilities.
• Learning Together: S-type and N-type people can learn each other’s way of thinking and behavioral habits and grow together. S-type people can try more abstract ways of thinking, while N-type people can try more practical ways of doing things.

Advanced understanding of S type and N type

In MBTI theory, the way people think and perceive the world can be described through four cognitive functions. These cognitive functions are the primary ways we perceive and process information, and each person may tend to use one or two of them in different situations. Specifically, these four functions are: Introverted Sensing (Si), Extraverted Sensing (Se), Introverted Intuition (Ni), and Extraverted Intuition (Ne). These functions are based on two major dimensions - Sensing (S) and Intuition (N), and their introverted and extroverted directions.

Real sense function: pay attention to the details and experience of reality

First, we need to understand the ‘real sense’ function. The real sense function refers to perceiving the world through the five senses and focusing on realistic and concrete things. The real sense function is divided into two expression modes: introverted real sense (Si) and extroverted real sense (Se).

• People with Introverted Sensing (Si) rely on past experiences and memories to understand current situations. They usually focus on their inner feelings and memories of past experiences, and are good at using memories to help them understand current things. For example, when they see a photograph, Si types may recall the scene, atmosphere, and feelings associated with it, thus connecting the present to past experiences.
• People with Extraverted Sensing (Se) are more focused on their current sensory experience and the specific details of the external world. They understand the world through direct contact and perception of the external environment, paying attention to the things in front of them and the changes around them. For example, when attending a concert, Se type people will pay special attention to sensory details such as lighting, sound effects, and audience reaction on the stage, and enjoy every moment of the moment.

Intuitive function: paying attention to the potential and abstract meaning of things

Unlike the real sense function, the intuitive function focuses on the potential, trends and abstract meaning behind things. The intuitive function also has two expressions: introverted intuition (Ni) and extroverted intuition (Ne).

• People with Introverted Intuition (Ni) understand the inner connections and potential meanings of things through careful consideration and association. They tend to see the essence of things in complex information and can foresee future trends or potential developments. For example, Ni type people see a certain market trend and may foresee industry changes in the next few years or the potential impact of a certain social phenomenon.
• People with Extraverted Intuition (Ne) prefer to explore the many possibilities and connections in the external world. They look for different possibilities and novel ideas by discovering external connections and relationships between things. For example, when observing a new technology, a Ne type may think about how it might change the way it is used in other fields, or even speculate on what unexpected future developments it might bring.

How to quickly determine whether you are S or N?

After reading the above, if you are still not sure whether you are an S-type personality or an N-type personality, you can try to take the MBTI: S-type and N-type personality quick screening test provided by PsycTest official website, which will help you understand yourself more clearly through professional questions personality tendencies.

Conclusion

The S-type and N-type personalities in MBTI provide us with a framework for understanding individual differences and help us better understand ourselves and others. S-type personality pays attention to reality and details, and is good at dealing with concrete matters, while N-type personality pays more attention to abstract concepts and possibilities, and is creative and visionary. Both personality types have their own advantages and limitations, and there is no distinction between them. The key lies in how to use their own characteristics and complement each other with others.

By understanding the differences between S-type and N-type personalities, we can make decisions that are more in line with our own characteristics in career choices, learning styles, romantic relationships, and daily life. At the same time, understanding each other’s thinking and behavior patterns can also help reduce misunderstandings and build more harmonious interpersonal relationships.

If you are still not sure whether you have an S-type or an N-type personality, you can learn more about it through the MBTI: S-type and N-type personality quick screening test provided by PsycTest official website. In addition, the MBTI Advanced Personality Profile provides a more detailed and advanced personality interpretation, helping you explore your personality traits more comprehensively.

Whether you have an S-type or an N-type personality, it is important to accept your uniqueness and find your own way in life to grow and achieve your goals. I hope this article can provide you with valuable reference and help you take a more confident step in self-awareness and interpersonal communication.

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