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

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

This article deeply analyzes the differences between S-type and N-type personality in MBTI, helping you better understand the characteristics, thinking patterns and ways of getting along with real-sensory and intuitive personality. Quickly judge your personality type through professional tests on PsycTest Quiz official website.


MBTI (Miles-Briggs Type Indicator) is a popular personality assessment tool, also known as the “Type 16 Personality Classification.” It evaluates the personality traits of an individual through four dimensions, one of which is the perceptual function, divided into real sense (S) and intuition (N) . This dimension mainly describes how people obtain information.

The main difference between S and N is the way they obtain and process information . S-type people obtain information through their senses, focusing on details and practical experience. N-type people obtain information through intuition and association, and pay more attention to the overall and potential possibilities of things.

Understanding the differences between S-type and N-type personality is crucial to understanding individual differences . This can help us better understand ourselves, understand other people's behavior patterns, and build better relationships. In daily life, you can judge whether a person's speech, behavior, hobbies, and thinking patterns by observing his or her words and behaviors, interests, hobbies and thinking patterns. For example:

  • S-shaped people like to share details and specific 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%. MBTI tests can be used as a reference to help people understand their personality traits, but a person’s personality is complex and changeable, and the test results will also change with their growth experience. Therefore, MBTI should not be regarded as an absolute definition of character, but as a tool for self-exploration and understanding of others.

Don't know your MBTI type yet? Take the free MBTI personality test now from PsycTest Quiz. If you want to have a deeper understanding of your personality type, try the MBTI Advanced Personality Profile , which provides a more detailed and advanced personality interpretation, helping you better understand the sixteen MBTI personality types.

The S and N dimensions in MBTI provide a framework that helps us understand different preferences in obtaining and processing information. This is of great significance to promoting self-awareness, improving interpersonal relationships and enhancing teamwork.

Detailed explanation of S-type personality (real sense type)

Definition of S-shaped personality

S-type personality, among the MBTI personality type, refers to the real-sensing personality. This type of personality tends to perceive the world through its facial features and pays attention to reality, specific facts and details. They focus more on what actually exists and directly obtain information through their senses.

Characteristics of S-shaped personality

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

  • Pragmatic : S-type people are pragmatic people who focus on reality and reality. They like to handle specific problems and transactions and provide practical solutions.
  • Pay attention to details : The S-shaped personality observes the details of the surrounding environment in detail. They pay more attention to things that can be directly felt by the five senses, such as space decoration, placement of items, etc.
  • Relying on senses : S-shaped people directly perceive the world through their five senses (vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell), and believe more in what they feel by their five senses.
  • Experience-oriented : They rely on past experience to deal with problems and are willing to use their own and others’ experiences. S-type people tend to find solutions to problems from past experiences.
  • Patient : S-type people are very patient and can persist in doing repetitive things.
  • Live in the present : They pay attention to what is in front of them and can live in harmony with the actual environment. S-type people adhere to a lifestyle of living in the present and enjoying timely.
  • Like to follow the steps : S-shaped people are good at following the steps and doing things according to existing rules. They like to follow traditions and prefer to improve existing standard practices.
  • Like concrete things : S-type people prefer concrete things rather than abstract concepts. They are more interested in encyclopedias or scientific experiments than in abstract philosophical categories.
  • Focus on practicality : S-type people are more interested in specific practical issues.
  • Good at work with strong operation : They are suitable for fielding in engineering, technology, medicine, nursing, business, management and other fields.
  • There is a direct connection to the material world : S-type people have a direct connection to the material world we live in, and collect information through their facial features.

S-shaped people's thinking mode

The thinking patterns of S-type people are usually manifested as:

  • Linear thinking : S-type people usually use linear thinking method. They will only make progress after solving a problem. They don’t like to jump to deal with things.
  • Pay attention to details : S-type people are used to paying attention to details and solve problems from details.
  • Specific expression : In terms of linguistic expression, S-type people tend to describe specific things, and they will contain many details and facts in conversation. They are good at using similes to imagine another concrete thing through concrete things.
  • Learn from experience : S-type people tend to learn from past experiences and believe in their sensory experiences.
  • Logical thinking : S-type people's thinking is logical, and they tend to draw conclusions based on collecting information.

Limitations of S-type people

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

  • Possibly too much attention to detail : S-type people may sometimes pay too much attention to detail and ignore the possibility of the whole and future.
  • Maybe not good at planning : S-type people may not be very good at making strategic plans. They may not be very good at making strategic plans because they are used to doing things according to established rules.
  • Lack of interest in abstract concepts : S-shaped people may lack interest in abstract concepts and new ideas. They may find it boring when discussing abstract issues such as philosophy and metaphysics.
  • Not very fond of change : They may prefer to improve existing standard practices rather than to completely change. They tend to be conservative and follow the rules and may not be very interested in innovation and risk-taking.
  • It may be difficult to understand the N-type people's thoughts : S-type people may think that N-type people speak too much, too 'jump tone' and cannot catch the other party's focus.
  • Learning methods may be limited : S-type people tend to learn through rote memorization, may not be good at understanding principles and theories, and may encounter difficulties in 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 Intuition personality. This type of personality tends to understand the world through intuition, focusing on the connection between abstract concepts, possibilities, and things. They focus more on the potential meaning and possibility of things than on specific details. Type N people perceive the world by unconsciously combining various ideas and associations and use the 'sixth sense'.

Characteristics of N-type personality

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

  • Relying on intuition : N-type people believe in their intuition and imagination and like to reason with their own ideas. They perceive the world by unconsciously combining various ideas and associations.
  • Focus on possibilities : Type N people focus more on the potential meaning and possibilities of things than on specific details. They are very eager to grasp the veins of things and are particularly happy to see new possibilities.
  • Jump thinking : N-type people often use jump thinking, like to find the potential meanings and possibilities of things, and are prone to association and fantasy. Their thoughts are also more diverse and leaps.
  • Creative : Type N people prefer innovation and prefer to open new paths rather than follow traditions. They like to solve new and complex problems, and are generally more accustomed to starting from the overall situation and adding actual information.
  • Strong curiosity : N-type people are very curious and like to ask why. They are particularly interested in unknown things and future developments.
  • Focus on abstraction : 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 : Type N people are good at predicting the development trends and potential possibilities of things.
  • Idealism : Type N people are usually creative, idealistic, and visionary. They are dreamers and have ideal thinking.
  • Believe in inspiration : Type N people believe in their inspiration very much and can propose some relevance and meaning.
  • Symbol Sensitivity : Type N children can quickly understand the meaning of symbols and see sound, language, and meaning from them.
  • Attention to the spiritual level : N-type people value spiritual fullness, complexity of their ideological realm, and even have some disdain for secular concepts in the real world.

N-type people's thinking mode

The thinking patterns of N-type people are usually manifested as:

  • Abstract thinking : N-type people like abstract thinking and like to discuss abstract concepts, such as life, ideals, philosophy, etc.
  • Deep processing : Type N people perform deep processing of specific things and draw conclusions after complex processing. They will 'deep processing' things and draw conclusions after very complex processing. This is an indescribable 'intuition'.
  • Use metaphor : N-type people prefer to use metaphor to express themselves in depth. They are not good at using similes.
  • Starting from the overall situation : N-type people are generally more accustomed to starting from the overall situation and adding actual information.
  • Divergent thinking : Type N people are good at divergent thinking and pay attention to relevance.

Limitations of N-type people

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

  • Don’t pay attention to details : N-type people are not sensitive to details and are prone to ignore people and things around them. They may be too concerned with numbers, symbols, and language, and ignore the actual people and things around them.
  • Not good at dealing with reality : Type N people are not very good at dealing with real-life trivial matters. They have not had a good experience in eating, drinking and having fun, and they have also performed poorly in the secular red tape.
  • Hate routine : Type N people hate doing repetitive work day after day.
  • Possibly out of reality : Type N people may be out of reality because they focus on the spiritual world, and feel that real life has a sense of innocence.
  • Difficult to adapt to traditional workplaces : Type N people are more difficult to adapt to companies that aim to make a profit, and they may feel mismatched.
  • It is more difficult to choose a mate : Type N people may be more difficult to find a suitable partner in marriage and love.
  • Maybe not good at planning : Type N people may not be good at making strategic plans.

Differences between S-type and N-type in different fields

S-type (real sense) 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, marriage and love views, and daily life. Understanding these differences will help you better understand yourself, choose the path that suits you, and give full play to your strengths in different fields.

Differences in career choices

S-shaped personality

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

For example, the S-shaped personality can focus on details and practical operations in the fields of machinery, architecture, electronics, etc., so as to complete tasks efficiently. In the fields of medicine and nursing, they are able to take care of patients in a meticulous manner and perform medical procedures accurately. In the business and management field, they can effectively utilize and manage resources and ensure that all work is implemented.

S-type people are more adapted to profit-oriented businesses, and they usually work safely, pursue specific production or sales gains, and can gain career satisfaction from it.

N-type personality

Because 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, the N-type personality can propose novel and unique ideas in the fields of art and design, and have a strong understanding of concepts. In the fields of science and technology, they have a strong interest in theory and experiments, and can propose new hypotheses and research directions. In the marketing and advertising field, they are able to use innovative thinking and market acumen to develop effective marketing strategies.

Type N people may be successful in areas where deep processing and abstract thinking are required. Type N people may also feel that businesses that aim to make a profit are not suitable for them, and they may prefer abstract tools and work content.

Differences in learning styles

S-shaped personality

S-type people tend to learn by rote memorization. They focus more on practical experience and concrete information, and understanding abstract concepts may take more time and effort.

For example, when learning mathematics, S-type children may need to understand that '3' is a symbol that represents a specific concept before they can master the relevant operational rules. They may prefer to master knowledge through repeated practice and practical operations.

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

N-type personality

Type N people tend to learn by understanding the principles. They pay more attention to the internal connections and possibilities of things and have a strong understanding of abstract concepts.

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

Type N people usually have jumping thinking and like to find the underlying meanings and possibilities of things, and they may prefer open and heuristic learning content.

Differences in marriage and love

S-shaped personality

S-type people pay more attention to stability and reality in love. They tend to find partners who can provide a sense of security and practical support, and value their partner’s actual conditions and mutual support.

S-type people establish marriage and relationships, tend to look for them among S-type people, and are usually easier to find a partner.

N-type personality

Type N people pay more attention to emotions and ideals in love. They tend to find partners who share values and ideas with them, and value emotional resonance and spiritual fit.

Because N-type people value spiritual fullness and complex thinking state, they may feel that it is more difficult to find a suitable partner in marriage and love. The marriage relationship between N-type people and S-type people is more likely to break down. If N-type people marry N-type people, the marriage will be more harmonious.

Differences in daily life

  • Perception of perfume : When an S-type person smells perfume, it will directly lock in specific fragrances such as apples, roses, or sea, while an N-type person will associate vivid scenes, even movie-like stories.
  • Experience with music : N-type people may associate music with a certain summer scene, and even after hearing the music again years later, they can still recall the scenes at that time.
  • Description of Dreams : S-type people’s dreams are usually scenes that take place in real life, while N-type people’s dreams may be full of fantasy and surreal elements.
  • Response to problems : When S-type people encounter problems, they tend to explore the root causes and solutions of the problems. And N-type people may be more emotional when facing problems.
  • Interpersonal communication : The close friends of S-type people are usually S-type people, while the close friends of N-type people are usually S-type people.

Stereotypes between S and N people

PsycTest Quiz (psychtest.cn) reminds that regarding the stereotypes of S-type (real sense) and N-type (intuitive) personality, some common misunderstandings need to be clarified, and the advantages and characteristics of these two personality types should be emphasized to avoid opposing the two.

Stereotypes of S-shaped personality

  • S-type does not mean utilitarianism : S-type personality focuses on reality and reality, but this does not mean that they only focus on utilitarianism, or do not pay attention to the spiritual world. They just tend to understand and experience the world through actual experience.
  • S-types are not uninnovative : Although S-type personality prefers to follow existing rules and standards, they are also willing to improve standard practices to make them more perfect. They can also reorganize specific things through operations and create new concrete things.
  • S-type is not not focusing on the whole : Although S-type people focus on details, they do not focus on the whole. They just understand the whole in a linear way based on details. They can start from reality and gradually achieve their goals.

Stereotypes of N-type personality

  • Type N does not mean being out of reality : Although type N personality focuses more on abstract concepts and possibilities, this does not mean they are out of reality. They will also understand reality through deep processing, and through complementary to the S-shaped personality, they can better transform ideals into reality.
  • Type N is not bad at dealing with reality : Although Type N personality may not be too good at dealing with daily chores, they are not bad at it. They just focus more on what they are interested in, and when they need it, they can also use their talents to solve practical problems.
  • Type N does not focus only on the inner world : Although Type N people focus on the spiritual world, this does not mean they don’t care about the outer world. They understand the outside world by perceiving the world through intuition and focusing on the connections and patterns between things.
  • Type N is not not focusing on details : Type N people may be less sensitive to the details of their surroundings, but they can understand specific things through deep machining and draw conclusions from them.

Other misunderstandings

  • S and N are not absolute oppositions : The difference between S and N personality is not absolute opposition, they have complementarity and can each play their own advantages in cooperation.
  • S and N ratio : 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 just a reference. A person’s personality is complex and changeable, and the test results will also change with his growth experience.

In general, S-type and N-type personality have their own characteristics and advantages, and there is no distinction between good and bad. Understanding and respecting each other’s differences will help to get along and work together better.

S and N people get along and cooperate

S-type (real sense) and N-type (intuitive) personalities have both challenges and complementary advantages in getting along with each other. Understanding each other's differences and adopting appropriate communication methods can promote more effective cooperation and harmonious relationships.

Challenges of getting along with and cooperating between S and N types

  • Differences in communication styles : S-type people tend to describe concrete things, pay attention to details and facts, while N-type people tend to generalize and reason, and like to discuss abstract concepts and possibilities. This may lead to S-type people who think that N-type people speak in a wide range of space and cannot grasp the key points, while N-type people think that S-type people speak boringly and always revolve around real things.
  • Differences in thinking styles : S-type people are accustomed to linear thinking and focus on reality and details, while N-type people prefer jumping thinking, focusing on the potential meaning and possibilities of things. This difference in mindset can lead to differences between the two parties when solving problems.
  • Differences in values : S-type people pay more attention to reality and reality, while N-type people pay more attention to spiritual and ideological levels. Such differences in values may affect the patterns of getting along with each other, such as S-type people may focus more on material satisfaction, while N-type people may focus more on spiritual communication.

Complementarity between S-type and N-type interaction and cooperation

  • Complementary advantages : S-type people pay attention to reality and details, can conduct meticulous management and planning, and help the team achieve their goals gradually. Type N people are good at providing innovative and forward-looking ideas, inspiring team creativity and helping teams look at problems from a new perspective.
  • Growing 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 personality helps people look at problems from a multiplier perspective, thus finding more possibilities for the explanation of things and the solution of problems.
  • Common Goal : When S-type people and N-type people continue to deepen their understanding of each other and overcome differences in cognitive styles and thinking habits, they can gradually weaken their differences in collaboration, and learn from each other's strengths to make up for their own shortcomings and ultimately achieve common goals.

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

  • Communication with S-shaped people : Provide specific, detailed and practical information, avoiding excessively abstract language. When communicating, you can talk more about practical experiences and feelings, as well as clear goals and plans.
  • Communicate with N-type people : Provide abstract and divergent ideas and inspire their creativity. When communicating, you can discuss more 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 personality into opposing camps. Understanding the differences in the acquisition of information and thinking methods between S and N types can reduce misunderstandings and enhance communication and understanding between each other. Respect each other's values and preferences and avoid forcing each other to accept their own opinions.
  • Give full play to their respective strengths : In teamwork, let the S-type people be responsible for specific planning and execution, and the N-type people be responsible for putting forward innovative ideas and grasping the overall direction. This can maximize the use of their respective strengths and improve the team's efficiency and innovation capabilities.
  • Learn together : S-type people and N-type people can learn from each other's 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, people’s way of thinking and perception of the world can be described through four cognitive functions. These cognitive functions are the main ways we perceive and process information, and everyone may tend to use one or two of them in different situations. Specifically, these four functions are: introverted reality (Si), extroverted reality (Se), introverted intuition (Ni) and extroverted intuition (Ne). These functions are based on two dimensions—reality (S) and intuition (N), as well as their introversion and extroversion directions.

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

First of all, we need to understand the 'real sense' function. The real sense function refers to perceiving the world through the five senses and focusing on real and specific things. The real sense function is divided into two ways of expression: introverted real sense (Si) and extroverted real sense (Se).

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

Intuitive function: focus on the potential and abstract meaning of things

Unlike the real-sensory function, the intuitive function focuses on the potential, trends and abstract meaning behind things. Intuitive functions also show two ways: introverted intuition (Ni) and extroverted intuition (Ne).

  • Introverted intuition (Ni) people understand the inner connection and potential meaning of things through thought and association. They tend to see the nature of things in complex information and be able to foresee future trends or potential developments. For example, people of Ni type see a certain market trend and may foresee the potential impact of industry changes or a certain social phenomenon in the coming years.
  • People with extravagant intuition (Ne) prefer to explore the various possibilities and connections of the outside world. They look for different possibilities and novel ideas by discovering external connections and relationships between things. For example, when observing a new technology, people of the Ne type may associate it with the possible changes in how other fields are used, or even speculate on what unexpected future developments it will bring.

How to quickly determine whether you are S or N?

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

Conclusion

The S-type and N-type personality in MBTI provides us with a framework for understanding individual differences, helping us better understand ourselves and others. The S-type personality focuses on reality and details and is good at handling specific matters, while the N-type personality focuses more on abstract concepts and possibilities, and is creative and visionary. These two personality types have their own advantages and limitations, and there is no distinction between advantages and disadvantages. The key lies in how to give full play to their own characteristics and complement each other with others.

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

If you are not sure whether you belong to S-type or N-type personality, you can gain an in-depth understanding through the MBTI: S-type and N-type personality quick screening test provided by PsycTest Quiz's official website. In addition, MBTI Advanced Personality Profile provides more detailed and advanced personality interpretations, helping you explore your personality traits more comprehensively.

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

Link to this article: https://m.psyctest.cn/article/PkdVkOGp/

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