795
The extroverted thinking type depends on rational reasoning
and observing the external world, he/she represses his/her feelings.
He/she wants to run the world rationally. The introverted thinking
type is also the thinking type but the focus is on his/her ideas, not
external observations or the words of some authority. He/she wants to
analyze the world, not run it. He/she appears cold, aloof, and
inconsiderate. The extroverted feeling type is controlled by the
wishes and expectations of others. He/she is friendly and avoids
conflicts. Thinking is repressed. The introverted feeling type is quiet,
unexpressive, hard to understand, and perhaps depressed but capable
of intense feelings inside. He/she is like a fur-lined coat--warm inside.
He/she is loyal to close friends and committed to his/her values.
The extroverted sensing types seek thrills and pleasures; they
have little interest in thinking or reasoning but they are very
perceptive of what is going on around them. They accept reality and
are tolerant of others as well as of themselves. Often they are
primarily concerned with eating, partying, enjoying art, and having a
good time. The introverted sensing type absorbs many facts but
may overreact to outside stimuli. The reactions are often unempathic,
even irrational. Example: an casual remark may be interpreted in an
odd way or as having great significance; yet, little interest is shown in
the person making the remark. He/she may be hard-working, patient
with details, and systematic. The extroverted intuitive type is
confident and innovative--constantly looking for an opportunity to take
advantage of the situation--perhaps a merchant, a politician, a
champion of causes or a person intent on making all the "right social
connections." He/she hates routine; even his/her own projects may
become boring. The introverted intuitive type is caught up in his/her
own unreasoning understanding of the world or of their selves. Since
they may underutilize thinking (judging truth or falsity) and feelings
(judging good or bad), this type may have difficulty realizing when
they are wrong. They may not communicate with others very well.
Note: on first reading, these personality types are much too complex to readily understand. Full effective use
of any classification system only occurs after working extensively with the types. You need to take the test
yourself, read extensively about the meaning and implications of each type, and practice using the
classification system to describe and understand friends, relatives, co-workers, teachers, etc. After a week
or so, you start to think in terms of the types you are studying. Eventually, you will find the personality types
an aid to understanding people and predicting their reactions in different situations. An employer or manager
can use personality type to assign each employee the kind of work he/she does best or to decide who will
work best together on a team.
Other personality types
Recently, Harary and Donahue (1994) recently published a self-
administered, self-interpreted personality test. It includes self-tests
and exercises designed to help you explore and understand five
