So finally here it is, after constructing it for over a week. These are my method/steps/formula/guide to solving your JCF type.
Warning!
~Lots of questions
~Lots of reading
~Lots of thinking
~Lack of stereotypes
~Could be challenging
-Having some knowledge in the cognitive functions would help before you proceed. I am not an expert in cognitive functions but there are a lot of great articles on this forum as well.
Here are some (my favourites/recommended) links for those new to cognitive functions.
~Personality pathways - which goes beyond the stereotypes.
~Simulatedworld's version - his fun way of describing them.
~The 16 patterns - more in depth for each function.
~Best fit types - good for temperaments in case you're stuck between two types or so.
-You don't have to know/learn everything. If you have a slight understanding of your cognitive function preference, it should be good enough.
-Taking the cognitive functions test may help. It is not accurate but it could be a starting point/guide for you.
-You don't have to do all the steps below nor do you have to follow them. If it's already working for you then it should be good enough.
-Don't do these assessments based on test results/stereotypes. Do them based on what you know/belief and be confident! You should know your type better then anyone.
I'll be using @SuPERNaUT cognitive functions as an example. Her examples will be in blue.
Step 1
Arrange your cognitive functions from your most used to the least.
Se > Si > Fi > Fe > Te > Ti > Ni > Ne
Try not to arrange them based on what the test results say. You can use them as an example/clue if you really have no idea.
Don't worry if you're not sure which functions you use more then the other or so.
The first step may be the hardest but it will give you more confidence in finding out your type for yourself.
Step 2
Split your most used introvert functions and your most used extrovert functions.
Extrovert functions: Se > Fe > Te > Ne
Introvert functions: Si > Fi > Ti > Ni
This is where things start to get important. What matters most here is your highest and lowest used functions for both the introvert and extrovert ones.
Pit stop time!
Go back to your first model for reference:
Se > Si > Fi > Fe > Te > Ti > Ni > Ne
Then your second one.
Se > Fe > Te > Ne
Si > Fi > Ti > Ni
These two models will be the most important and most used in this guide. Try to write them somewhere for further reference. You can always change it if it doesn't seem right.
Step 3
Determine the highest and lowest functions used.
Highest introvert function: Si
Lowest introvert function: Ni
Highest extrovert function: Se
Lowest extrovert function: Ne
Looks weird? No worries. We can already boil down to at least a few possible types here.
Pit stop troubleshooting time.
Based on her highest and lowest introvert/extrovert functions, we can already determine the function most likely used.
Se being the highest Ni being the lowest. It's no coincidence Se is Ni's shadow type. Se is definitely a function preference. We will go more into shadow modes later. See if you can make these comparisons for yourself from here.
Step 4
Understanding your preference
~Either Fi/Te or Ti/Fe
~Either Se/Ni or Si/Ne
Where does your preference lies? Which two sets could you combine with? If N is your least used function, it would make you a heavy S user like in SuPERNaUT's case.
Pit stop troubleshooting time!
Before we go on to the step, we need to determine if your dominant function is introvert or extrovert.
If you are already sure, then just skip the extrovert (or introvert) model. Otherwise, use both. It could also be better if you use both so that you wouldn't based it on the biased results.
This does not necessarily mean you're an introvert or extrovert. What's more important is how your preference lies.
Sometimes, it can be possible for us to switch between introvert or extrovert. In SuPERNaUT's case, she was stuck between either. How we can be sure is to know what function had you been using most of your life. Just because you're dominant function is Se and you suddenly jumped to Fi, it does not mean you're an introvert. There could also be stress factors involved.
Extrovert vs Introvert.
Note that the links above are not based on functions but it's the closest thing i can find. It goes beyond the stereotypes involved and it's spot on in the difference between an extrovert and an introvert. I highly recommend them before you go on.
Step 5
From here, you would probably have a rough idea of what your preference would be.
Sort out preference based on F/N/S/T (in your preferred order) in relation to the cognitive functions.
~Judgement (Feeling and Thinking)
~Perception (Sensing and iNtuition)
S/F/T/N
For introvert dominants, add the following to the preferences : Int/Ext/Int/Ext
For extrovert dominants, add the following to the preferences: Ext/Int/Ext/Int
Since both (introvert and extrovert) of her highest functions are S and F (Se, Fe/Si, Fi.) we need to take a look at the T and S to see which are the highest:
Te > Ne
Ti > Ni
From here, we can conclude based on both models:
Int/Ext/Int/Ext = Si, Fe, Ti, Ne
Ext/Int/Ext/Int = Se, Fi, Te, Ni
This does not have to follow a type but we can already see what type she could be from here.
So highest introvert and extrovert function first, then second highest still maintaining the F/N/S/T format.
Pit stop troubleshooting time.
Most heavy N users will be sorting S least. This would be the same for a heavy T user which would have F least. This may wonky but it has already been seen quite commonly amongst many who rely heavily on certain functions.
Step 6
Determining your functions by development.
List down around 5 possible functions you used while growing up. Try to remember the earliest used function possible and list them at the top of your rank.
Se, Fi, Fe, Te, Si
Somewhat in order would be good enough.
Now go to the kids personality types page and read up on either. Which one seems most like you as a child to pre teens?
Can you narrow down to at least one function you've been using almost all your life?
ESP and IFP
Narrow down two likely highest used function you've been using mostly.
Se and Fi
What functions are you sure of that you are still using now? That could be your most important one.
Pit stop troubleshooting time!
From here, we could already determine if your dominant function is an introvert or extrovert one.
We can see that based on this page, personality type develops by age. So you'll be mostly using your dominant function while growing up. Also, take not of the important functions that keep popping up. You may have been relying on them more then you thought.
Step 7
Read up on the shadow types and try to link your possible type with the shadow types.
Which shadow type really seems like yours?
INTP, INTJ
Also, you can check out these easy to view tables on wikipedia to link it with your type.
Step 8
Read up on the dominant-tertiary loops.
Which one seems most like yours?
This could also explain why your preference seems to gravitate towards your extrovert/introvert functions.
Step 9
Let's come to a conclusion!
Things are already obvious. You already have all the evidence, it's time to trouble shoot.
What types are you confused with and why? Is it what people say to you? That you're an F when you're more then a T? (True life story for me here)
Well my friend, they don't make your type - you do. I don't know how many times i keep emphasising how not to allow the stereotypes to get into the way. Enough of that already, it's outdated imho.
So, for SuPERNaUT, it's ESFP and ISFP.
Go back to your conclusions, your models, your results. Make a connection.
What were your most used functions? How did you used them? When did you use them? Why?
These questions are more important then weather you're an S or N. Get the MBTI sliding scale out of the way and make a switch to the Jungian cognitive functions!
I'm quite convinced SuPERNaUT is ESFP as her preference lies towards Fi/Te but she had decided to leave it open and i respect her decision for that.
Lastly, this isn't a 100% thing.
This may not work out for everyone but i have a good feeling about it. Let me know if it works or not, if there are any suggestions/feedback, any ideas would also be great too. Do ask me if you have any questions. I can't promise anything but i'll do my best.
Special thanks to @SuPERNaUT for being my lovely assistant and @Leaves and @vel for their feedback.
All the best in solving your cognitive functions preference/type.
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