Jump to
History of the typology
Information elements (MBTI: cognitive functions)
Function positions - what their location means for expression
Quadras
Finding your type
++++++
History of the typology
Socionics was invented by a sociology researcher Ausra Augustinavičiūtė and incorporates both Carl Jung’s typology and Antoni Kepinski’s theory of informational metabolism. The idea of informational metabolism is that the mind takes in information the way a body takes in food, and different people have different preferences and attunement to information around them. This information is expressed in Model A--Ausra's basic model of personality--as the 4 elements in their 8 forms (Ni, Fe, etc). Ausra was seeking to break down various social roles and functions played by each type, and one of the ways she worked to do this was by laying the groundwork for the idea of intertype relationships--these represent the mapped ways in which types interact with all other types, and these different relationships all have names and explanations.
Therefore the main ideas in Socionics center around the location of functions and their expression through information elements, and the way types fit in with other types, particularly under the umbrella of Quadras.
You can read a more in-depth introduction to Socionics in this article on Wikipedia, in this introduction to Socionics article, or this WikiSocion article.
Information elements
Just like in MBTI, there are a total of 4 basic elements: Thinking, Feeling, Intuition, and Sensing. Each one has two forms, introversion and extroversion, which gives a total of 8 possible function expressions, called information elements in Socionics. All 8 of these information elements are found in every Socionic type, in one of 8 possible function positions. Where it is in the map of personality determines how it expresses itself given information. So: location is function (leading, creative, role, etc). The part which is found in that location is the information element (Ni, Se, etc).
Information elements are not defined in the same way MBTI defines cognitive functions. Here's a post comparing and contrasting the two.
Function positions
1. Leading, or primary, is the first function. It is the basis of any type's worldview, the core of any type's strengths, the basic information a type pays closest attention to at all times, and the essence of the way any type understands, conceptualizes, and decides to act upon their world.
2. Second function is called the creative function. It is 3-dimensional, using available information in a way that grasps personal experience; recognizes acceptable standards; exhibits a nuanced awareness situationally; but does not consider a given issue within the scope of the past, present, and future. The creative function is used to support the objectives created by the leading function; it is the primary way in which a type applies its leading function. In a type with a leading extroverted function, the creative function is always introverted, and vice versa.
3. Third function is Role function. It is 2-dimensional, using available information in a way that grasps personal experience; recognizes acceptable standards; but does not exhibit a nuanced awareness situationally; and does not consider a given issue within the scope of the past, present, and future. The role function is expressed especially around new people or when that type is in a group environment. Function dichotomies: this function is weak in its abilities; mental, in that it is a conscious lens for decisions; and unvalued; disliked for its experience and in using it. The role function is given to accepting information instead of producing it; a contact function, in that it makes contact and impact upon its environment; situationally used instead of constantly evaluating incoming information on this function; and bold in its application.
4. Fourth function is called Vulnerable, or Point of Least Resistance. It is 1-dimensional, using available information in a way that grasps only personal experience; does not recognize acceptable standards; does not exhibit a nuanced awareness situationally; and is not able to consider a given issue within the scope of the past, present, and future. This is the function which represents any type’s areas of struggle in the world. This function is sometimes called the "second creative" function, because for types who struggle to develop themselves, they often find themselves using this function extensively in order to try to overcome their natural difficulties with it. Unfortunately, practice never becomes mastery, and too much emphasis on developing this function leads to a kind of depressed exhaustion. Function dichotomies: this function is weak in its abilities; mental, in that it is a conscious lens for decisions; producing information primarily rather than accepting it from the world; and unvalued; hated for its experience and in using it. Inert, in that it does not act upon its environment; evaluatory in a constant manner instead of being used only situationally; and cautious in its application.
5. Fifth function is called Suggestive. Like the vulnerable function, it is 1-dimensional, using available information in a way that grasps only personal experience; does not recognize acceptable standards; does not exhibit a nuanced awareness situationally; and is not able to consider a given issue within the scope of the past, present, and future. However, unlike the vulnerable function, it is easy and pleasant to receive information on the suggestive function, as it is found to be understandable, desirable, and safe; but it is difficult to produce that information yourself. It is considered to be the dual-seeking function, as it corresponds to the dual's leading function. Function dichotomies: this function is weak in its abilities; vital, as in manifesting without conscious action or words; accepting and taking in information primarily rather than producing it oneself; and valued; loved for its experience and in using it. It is given to accepting information instead of producing it itself; a contact function, in that it makes contact and impact upon its environment; evaluatory in a constant manner instead of being used only situationally; and cautious in its application.
6. Sixth function is Activation function, which is 2-dimensional, using available information in a way that grasps personal experience; recognizes acceptable standards; but does not exhibit a nuanced awareness situationally; and is not able to consider a given issue within the scope of the past, present, and future. This function is always ready to receive more information and to be energized into activity by it. It is also the basis of what is called the ‘hidden agenda’, or the internal and silent goal that each type has. Function dichotomies: this function is weak in its abilities; vital, as in manifesting without conscious action or words; accepting and taking in information primarily rather than producing it oneself; and valued; liked for its experience and in using it. It is given to producing information primarily rather than accepting it from the world; Inert, in that it does not act upon its environment; situationally used instead of constantly evaluating incoming information on this function; and cautious in its application.
7. Seventh function is called Restrictive function, which is 3-dimensional, using available information in a way that grasps personal experience; recognizes acceptable standards; exhibits a nuanced awareness situationally; but is not able to consider a given issue within the scope of the past, present, and future. It is called Restrictive because types seek to restrict its use for both themselves and others, and although types are capable of adequately evaluating information for this function, they prefer to solve its problems through their valued functions. Function dichotomies: this function is strong in its abilities; vital, as in manifesting without conscious action or words; accepting and taking in information primarily rather than producing it oneself; subdued; disliked for its experience and in using it. It is given to accepting information instead of producing it itself; inert, in that it does not act upon its environment; situationally used instead of constantly evaluating incoming information on this function; and cautious in its application.
8. And the eighth function is the Demonstrative function. It is 4-dimensional, using available information in a way that grasps personal experience; recognizes acceptable standards; exhibits a nuanced awareness situationally; and considers a given issue within the scope of the past, present, and future. This is commonly seen as the function that works constantly and silently in the back of the psyche, doesn’t draw attention to itself, and supports others. It is disinterested in changing others’ perspectives on its use, preferring to limit the importance of it for everyone, and perform all the work itself. Function dichotomies: this function is strong in its abilities; vital, as in manifesting without conscious action or words; subdued; hated for its experience and in using it. It is given to producing information primarily rather than accepting it from the world; a contact function, in that it makes contact and impact upon its environment; evaluatory in a constant manner instead of being used only situationally; and bold in its application.
Quadras
There's a great general article on Quadras that is worth reading as a start to understanding how they work; and there's this article breaking down Quadras by the 4 information elements each values.
Generally speaking, the 16 types break down into 4 groups of 4 types each. In each group, or Quadra, each of the four individual types share valued functions--1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th functions--in that they all have the same 4 information elements as the valued functions. (The functions 1, 2, 5, and 6 in any type are called ‘valued’ meaning they are desirable to that type, whether to offer themselves to the world, or to receive from the world.) The Quadras are: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. Because of shared values that come from shared information elements, and because of the way those shared valued functions express themselves in any given type, the types in a Quadra have what are considered the most compatible relationships with types from the same Quadra.
Let's take Alpha as an example. The relationship between ILE and SEI is duality, a relationship where each partner's functions complements the other partner's functions in an ideal way, providing exactly the information each is seeking from the world, in order for both of them to feel accepted, safe, and special. This is also the relationship type for ESE and LII. Between LII and ILE is a mirror relationship, which is one of shared interests and mutual correction, which also goes for ESE and SEI. Between SEI and LII is an activation relationship, because the leading function for each corresponds to the activation function for the other. This also goes for ESE and ILE.
Therefore for Alphas, the shared valued information elements are: Ne, Ti, Fe, and Si. No other types or Quadra will have all 4 of these functions as valued. The information that comes as a blend of these four functions create the Alpha environment that Alphas most enjoy. For example, Alphas are most likely to enjoy participating in groups where there is a free exchange of light, positive emotional expression in a physically pleasant atmosphere (which is representative of Si+Ne); Alphas are inclined to show affection in the form of small practical services or gifts (which is representative of Si+Ti); Alphas love to discuss highly theoretical concepts as a source of intellectual stimulation and fun rather than for the practical merits of the ideas (which is representative of Ne+Ti). Also, Alphas prefer to avoid discussion of controversial or unpleasant subjects regarding personal relationships while in groups (which expresses undervalued Fi); Alphas are unlikely to make investments that require long-term commitment and upkeep (which expresses undervalued Te+Ni); and Alphas dislike taking life advice, preferring to experience and learn for themselves (which expresses undervalued Fi+Te).
Finding Your Type
Locating your own type for personal insight is likely the driving reason people come to personality typology. When seeking your type, keep in mind that Socionics is a theory that has been developed by multiple people given a common source, and as such, written material describing how types act or think will not only vary from writer to writer, but additionally all such writing is subject to that writer's bias given their own type. There are no good tests for personal type either, as most test not for type values or Quadra values, but for the same dichotomies that MBTI tests for; making any results likely to be off course. The best bet for determining your type is by understanding the system as a whole; deducing the qualities of a given type from a variety of writers; and speaking directly with a Socionist or someone who is well-versed in the system. Finally, keep an open mind about yourself; when seeking your type, there might be things you take into account moreso than you need to; and commonly, there are things you don't take into account that are actually fundamental to you. Your type will give you great insight into yourself--but it will not explain all or possibly even most of your personal qualities. It is meant to describe only what is at the heart of who you are.
Ovcharov's Type and Subtype descriptions
Weisband's Type descriptions
Dual relationships specific by type
Compare/contrast types tool
History of the typology
Information elements (MBTI: cognitive functions)
Function positions - what their location means for expression
Quadras
Finding your type
++++++
History of the typology
Socionics was invented by a sociology researcher Ausra Augustinavičiūtė and incorporates both Carl Jung’s typology and Antoni Kepinski’s theory of informational metabolism. The idea of informational metabolism is that the mind takes in information the way a body takes in food, and different people have different preferences and attunement to information around them. This information is expressed in Model A--Ausra's basic model of personality--as the 4 elements in their 8 forms (Ni, Fe, etc). Ausra was seeking to break down various social roles and functions played by each type, and one of the ways she worked to do this was by laying the groundwork for the idea of intertype relationships--these represent the mapped ways in which types interact with all other types, and these different relationships all have names and explanations.
Therefore the main ideas in Socionics center around the location of functions and their expression through information elements, and the way types fit in with other types, particularly under the umbrella of Quadras.
You can read a more in-depth introduction to Socionics in this article on Wikipedia, in this introduction to Socionics article, or this WikiSocion article.
Information elements
Just like in MBTI, there are a total of 4 basic elements: Thinking, Feeling, Intuition, and Sensing. Each one has two forms, introversion and extroversion, which gives a total of 8 possible function expressions, called information elements in Socionics. All 8 of these information elements are found in every Socionic type, in one of 8 possible function positions. Where it is in the map of personality determines how it expresses itself given information. So: location is function (leading, creative, role, etc). The part which is found in that location is the information element (Ni, Se, etc).
Information elements are not defined in the same way MBTI defines cognitive functions. Here's a post comparing and contrasting the two.
Function positions
 |
| Model A - the layout of personality. |
"It describes in general terms the person's most comfortable thinking patterns, perspective on life, state of mind, and behavioral style as well as their positive motivational forces (what they pursue most vigorously when they have a choice). The leading function is critical to interpersonal dynamics because people constantly and inadvertently make judgments, assessments, and assumptions based on it. These comments and judgments portray a particular set of core values and share a common vector or general message, and those who the person interacts closely with must be accepting of this message for interaction to be cohesive and compatible. Generally speaking, the leading function perceives, processes, and produces information most intensively." - "Functions"An information element in this function position is considered to be 4-dimensional for that type, using available information in a way that grasps personal experience; recognizes acceptable standards; exhibits a nuanced awareness situationally; and considers a given issue within the scope of the past, present, and future. One can think of different function dimensions as levels of ability, where 1-dimensional is least able, and 4-dimensional is most able. Function dichotomies: this function is strong in its abilities; mental, in that it is a conscious lens for decisions; accepting and taking in information primarily rather than producing it oneself; inert, as in taking in information primarily; valued; loved for its experience and in using it; evaluatory of information; and bold in being used.
2. Second function is called the creative function. It is 3-dimensional, using available information in a way that grasps personal experience; recognizes acceptable standards; exhibits a nuanced awareness situationally; but does not consider a given issue within the scope of the past, present, and future. The creative function is used to support the objectives created by the leading function; it is the primary way in which a type applies its leading function. In a type with a leading extroverted function, the creative function is always introverted, and vice versa.
"If the base function forms the core of the individual's personal quests and interests ("What's in it for me?", "What do I want to be?"), the creative function describes his main instrument for interacting with the rest of society ("How do I make contact with other people?"). For extroverts this means creating a context for people to interact within, and for introverts — creating a product worthy of being included in interaction." - "Functions"Function dichotomies: this function, similar to leading, is strong in its abilities; mental, in that it is a conscious lens for decisions; valued; liked for its experience and in using it. Unlike the leading function, the creative function is given to producing information instead of accepting it; a contact function, in that it makes contact and impact upon its environment; situationally used instead of constantly evaluating incoming information on this function; and cautious in its application.
3. Third function is Role function. It is 2-dimensional, using available information in a way that grasps personal experience; recognizes acceptable standards; but does not exhibit a nuanced awareness situationally; and does not consider a given issue within the scope of the past, present, and future. The role function is expressed especially around new people or when that type is in a group environment. Function dichotomies: this function is weak in its abilities; mental, in that it is a conscious lens for decisions; and unvalued; disliked for its experience and in using it. The role function is given to accepting information instead of producing it; a contact function, in that it makes contact and impact upon its environment; situationally used instead of constantly evaluating incoming information on this function; and bold in its application.
4. Fourth function is called Vulnerable, or Point of Least Resistance. It is 1-dimensional, using available information in a way that grasps only personal experience; does not recognize acceptable standards; does not exhibit a nuanced awareness situationally; and is not able to consider a given issue within the scope of the past, present, and future. This is the function which represents any type’s areas of struggle in the world. This function is sometimes called the "second creative" function, because for types who struggle to develop themselves, they often find themselves using this function extensively in order to try to overcome their natural difficulties with it. Unfortunately, practice never becomes mastery, and too much emphasis on developing this function leads to a kind of depressed exhaustion. Function dichotomies: this function is weak in its abilities; mental, in that it is a conscious lens for decisions; producing information primarily rather than accepting it from the world; and unvalued; hated for its experience and in using it. Inert, in that it does not act upon its environment; evaluatory in a constant manner instead of being used only situationally; and cautious in its application.
5. Fifth function is called Suggestive. Like the vulnerable function, it is 1-dimensional, using available information in a way that grasps only personal experience; does not recognize acceptable standards; does not exhibit a nuanced awareness situationally; and is not able to consider a given issue within the scope of the past, present, and future. However, unlike the vulnerable function, it is easy and pleasant to receive information on the suggestive function, as it is found to be understandable, desirable, and safe; but it is difficult to produce that information yourself. It is considered to be the dual-seeking function, as it corresponds to the dual's leading function. Function dichotomies: this function is weak in its abilities; vital, as in manifesting without conscious action or words; accepting and taking in information primarily rather than producing it oneself; and valued; loved for its experience and in using it. It is given to accepting information instead of producing it itself; a contact function, in that it makes contact and impact upon its environment; evaluatory in a constant manner instead of being used only situationally; and cautious in its application.
6. Sixth function is Activation function, which is 2-dimensional, using available information in a way that grasps personal experience; recognizes acceptable standards; but does not exhibit a nuanced awareness situationally; and is not able to consider a given issue within the scope of the past, present, and future. This function is always ready to receive more information and to be energized into activity by it. It is also the basis of what is called the ‘hidden agenda’, or the internal and silent goal that each type has. Function dichotomies: this function is weak in its abilities; vital, as in manifesting without conscious action or words; accepting and taking in information primarily rather than producing it oneself; and valued; liked for its experience and in using it. It is given to producing information primarily rather than accepting it from the world; Inert, in that it does not act upon its environment; situationally used instead of constantly evaluating incoming information on this function; and cautious in its application.
7. Seventh function is called Restrictive function, which is 3-dimensional, using available information in a way that grasps personal experience; recognizes acceptable standards; exhibits a nuanced awareness situationally; but is not able to consider a given issue within the scope of the past, present, and future. It is called Restrictive because types seek to restrict its use for both themselves and others, and although types are capable of adequately evaluating information for this function, they prefer to solve its problems through their valued functions. Function dichotomies: this function is strong in its abilities; vital, as in manifesting without conscious action or words; accepting and taking in information primarily rather than producing it oneself; subdued; disliked for its experience and in using it. It is given to accepting information instead of producing it itself; inert, in that it does not act upon its environment; situationally used instead of constantly evaluating incoming information on this function; and cautious in its application.
8. And the eighth function is the Demonstrative function. It is 4-dimensional, using available information in a way that grasps personal experience; recognizes acceptable standards; exhibits a nuanced awareness situationally; and considers a given issue within the scope of the past, present, and future. This is commonly seen as the function that works constantly and silently in the back of the psyche, doesn’t draw attention to itself, and supports others. It is disinterested in changing others’ perspectives on its use, preferring to limit the importance of it for everyone, and perform all the work itself. Function dichotomies: this function is strong in its abilities; vital, as in manifesting without conscious action or words; subdued; hated for its experience and in using it. It is given to producing information primarily rather than accepting it from the world; a contact function, in that it makes contact and impact upon its environment; evaluatory in a constant manner instead of being used only situationally; and bold in its application.
Quadras
There's a great general article on Quadras that is worth reading as a start to understanding how they work; and there's this article breaking down Quadras by the 4 information elements each values.
Generally speaking, the 16 types break down into 4 groups of 4 types each. In each group, or Quadra, each of the four individual types share valued functions--1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th functions--in that they all have the same 4 information elements as the valued functions. (The functions 1, 2, 5, and 6 in any type are called ‘valued’ meaning they are desirable to that type, whether to offer themselves to the world, or to receive from the world.) The Quadras are: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. Because of shared values that come from shared information elements, and because of the way those shared valued functions express themselves in any given type, the types in a Quadra have what are considered the most compatible relationships with types from the same Quadra.
| Alpha | Beta | Gamma | Delta |
| ILE [ENTp] | EIE [ENFj] | SEE [ESFp] | LSE [ESTj] |
| SEI [ISFp] | LSI [ISTj] | ILI [INTp] | EII [INFj] |
| ESE [ESFJ] | IEI [INFp] | LIE [ENTj] | IEE [ENFp] |
| LII [INTj] | SLE [ESTp] | ESI [ESFj] | SLI [ISTp] |
Let's take Alpha as an example. The relationship between ILE and SEI is duality, a relationship where each partner's functions complements the other partner's functions in an ideal way, providing exactly the information each is seeking from the world, in order for both of them to feel accepted, safe, and special. This is also the relationship type for ESE and LII. Between LII and ILE is a mirror relationship, which is one of shared interests and mutual correction, which also goes for ESE and SEI. Between SEI and LII is an activation relationship, because the leading function for each corresponds to the activation function for the other. This also goes for ESE and ILE.
Therefore for Alphas, the shared valued information elements are: Ne, Ti, Fe, and Si. No other types or Quadra will have all 4 of these functions as valued. The information that comes as a blend of these four functions create the Alpha environment that Alphas most enjoy. For example, Alphas are most likely to enjoy participating in groups where there is a free exchange of light, positive emotional expression in a physically pleasant atmosphere (which is representative of Si+Ne); Alphas are inclined to show affection in the form of small practical services or gifts (which is representative of Si+Ti); Alphas love to discuss highly theoretical concepts as a source of intellectual stimulation and fun rather than for the practical merits of the ideas (which is representative of Ne+Ti). Also, Alphas prefer to avoid discussion of controversial or unpleasant subjects regarding personal relationships while in groups (which expresses undervalued Fi); Alphas are unlikely to make investments that require long-term commitment and upkeep (which expresses undervalued Te+Ni); and Alphas dislike taking life advice, preferring to experience and learn for themselves (which expresses undervalued Fi+Te).
Finding Your Type
Locating your own type for personal insight is likely the driving reason people come to personality typology. When seeking your type, keep in mind that Socionics is a theory that has been developed by multiple people given a common source, and as such, written material describing how types act or think will not only vary from writer to writer, but additionally all such writing is subject to that writer's bias given their own type. There are no good tests for personal type either, as most test not for type values or Quadra values, but for the same dichotomies that MBTI tests for; making any results likely to be off course. The best bet for determining your type is by understanding the system as a whole; deducing the qualities of a given type from a variety of writers; and speaking directly with a Socionist or someone who is well-versed in the system. Finally, keep an open mind about yourself; when seeking your type, there might be things you take into account moreso than you need to; and commonly, there are things you don't take into account that are actually fundamental to you. Your type will give you great insight into yourself--but it will not explain all or possibly even most of your personal qualities. It is meant to describe only what is at the heart of who you are.
Ovcharov's Type and Subtype descriptions
Weisband's Type descriptions
Dual relationships specific by type
Compare/contrast types tool
No comments:
Post a Comment