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Definition
The dominant process (sometimes called
"superior function") is either the second (perceiving
preference) or third letter (jordering / judging preference).
The dominant process is our preferred process out of all the
four letter. Our secondary process (sometimes called "auxiliary
function") is defined as the next preferred process. If
our dominant process is the second letter, then the secondary
one is the third letter. If our dominant process is the third
letter, then the secondary process is the second letter.
Extraverts direct their dominant process
toward the outside world, that is, they show their dominant process
and use their secondary process inwardly. The opposite occurs
in an introvert.
Dominant
Process Chart
| Four letter type |
1st (Dominant) |
2nd (Secondary) |
3rd |
4th |
| ENFP or INFJ |
N |
F |
T |
S |
| ESTP or ISTJ |
S |
T |
F |
N |
| ENTJ or INTP |
T |
N |
S |
F |
| ESFJ or ISFP |
F |
S |
N |
T |
| ENTP or INTJ |
N |
T |
F |
S |
| ESFP or ISFJ |
S |
F |
T |
N |
| ESTJ or ISTP |
T |
S |
N |
F |
| ENFJ or INFP |
F |
N |
S |
T |
An example
for an ENFP
An ENFP is described as "an extraverted
intuitive aided by feeling." An ENFP's dominant process
is intuition -- perceiving information through patterns and possibilities.
This intuition perception is aided by feeling, specifically people-related
feelings and values.
1. The ENFP will usually begin to solve
a problem by using their dominant process, intuition. Therefore
one would typically find them using the following questions:
- What are the possibilities in this situation?
- What is the vision?
- Where is this leading to?
- Is there anything that can be changed?
2. Next they add some type of feeling judgment
(secondary process) by considering the impact on people and other
personal values:
- Is there a personal fit?
- Is there a positive impact on the ENFP's
significant others.
- Do any of the possibilities violate my
values.
3. Next, if possible, they would add a
thinking judgment (tertiary process) by considering the cost
and benefits.
4. Lastly, if possible, they add a sense
or reality function (quaternary process) by investigating the
facts, to see if they are consistent with the chosen solution.
More Examples
An ENTP is described as an "extraverted
intuitive aided by thinking." An ENTP's dominant process
of intuition is aided by thinking--logic and principles. So patterns
that help explain or understand how and why things work are preferred.
Extraversion influences these dominant
and secondary preferences. So an extraverted intuitive is more
likely to do and say things to change the world about him, while
an introverted intuitive is likely to be more thoughtful and
gain a deeper understanding of the world about him.
Chart of
How I/E Preference Affects Perception & Decision Making
In extraversion, the dominant process operates
chiefly in the outer world or one could say it is directed outwardly.
While for the introvert, the dominant operates mainly in the
inner world or is directed inwardly.
| Process |
Introverted |
Extroverted |
| Sensing |
Enjoy thinking - eg: crosswords |
Enjoy doing - eg: sports |
| Intuition |
Creative thought (eg: ideas) |
Creative expression (eg painting) |
| Thinking |
Logically organise thoughts |
Logically organize people and situations |
| Feeling |
Feel appreciation for others |
Express appreciation for others |
J/P preference
The fourth letter refers to your preferred
mode in the outer world. A J's actions and words tend to be decisive
-- appearing to others as organized. A P's actions lean toward
perceiving in the outer world looking more flexible and spontaneous.
So the P keeps on perceiving (listening to stimuli, either from
their senses or intuition) while the J tends to shut off perception
to decide (come to a conclusion about something).
If your last letter is a J, then the judging
preference (third letter) operates in the outer world. If the
last letter is a P, then the perceiving preference (second letter)
operates in the outer world.
An INFP is described as an "introverted
feeler aided by Intuition." An INFP's secondary process
(N -- second letter) operates in the outside world while the
dominant process (F) is directed inward .
An ESTJ is called an Extraverted Thinker
aided by Intuitiion. An ESTJ's dominant process (T -- third letter)
operates in the outside world while the secondary process (S)
is directed inwardly.
(Adapted from http://www.teamtechnology.co.uk)
Copyright
2001, 2005 Robert I. Winer, M.D.
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