As we continue to explore the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Instrument), a personality typology based on C.G. Jung’s work of personality theory, we’ll explore another main component of type:  how you define and take in information. It’s a learning dichotomy of either Intuition (represented by an N), preferring to take in an unseen field of possibilities, or Sensing (represented by an S), preferring to take in concrete, observable facts. While we all take in information in both ways, you generally have one that’s a “go to”. Read on to find out common characteristics and see which applies to you.

Sensors (left) prefer to take information in concrete facts whereas Intuitives (right) take in unseen possibilities. Cartoon by Law, Gospel: Action.

Those inclined towards sensing:

*are realistic and live in the concrete, in the here and the now. They pay attention to the immediate data from the five senses and from their own direct experiences.

*prefer practical concrete problems and dislike theoretical or abstract problems. They also notice details and facts about the seen and known world.

*create meaning from the world of conscious thought.

*start at the beginning, taking things one step at a time and want a chronology of information and the methodical steps involved.

*focus on what is practical and real; desire to live life as it is rather than what it could be.

*love to learn and master a skill or gift, and they take great satisfaction in using that honed skill repeatedly.

*need to set procedures and established routines. When communicating with a Sensor, they respond best to the practical details of literal, concrete ideas and specific terms. They also seek for clear evidence that is trusted from past experience.

Sensors like to learn and master skills towards concrete objectives.

Those inclined towards intuition:

*are inclined to see the “big picture” and will communicate in terms of inspirational new ideas and the possibilities of what could be.

*are concerned with the “why” of things. They want to see through the apparent scenes of concrete reality and need to understand what is behind the known, the obvious.

*have a preference for learning though analogy, and speak in general metaphorical terms and symbols. They see patterns, possibilities, connections and the meaning in information. They finesse their way in life through hunches and gut instincts.

*thrive on change, new ideas and variety.

*may start anywhere in their search for understanding and may leap over basic steps. They will study the overall design to see how all the parts fit into the whole.

*prefer imaginative, inspirational ideas to solutions and become impatient with the minute details of an issue.

*possess a passionate drive for change in the world and in conceiving the possibilities of how it could be rather than accepting reality as it is. Consequently they often find their way into the throes of revolution, however large or small.

*have an amusing reputation for being absentminded; as they pontificate, wonder and create within their world of imagination, they lose track of everyday mundane details–misplacing car keys, forgetting scheduled appointments, tripping over furniture and forgetting what they came into the room for.

A good way to tell an Intuitive from a Sensor is if you show them a picture. The Sensor will tell you what he or she literally sees as well as the facts it notices. The Intuitive, on the other hand, will tell you his or her impression of the overall affect of the picture. Put another way: the picture would act as a source of information for the Sensor and a source of inspiration for the Intuitive.

Next time, we’ll look at how you prefer to make decisions (thinking or feeling).

If you missed the other installments of this series, check out the intro to type post and find out if you’re an extrovert or introvert.

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~Pamela Thompson
Team Host Lead
Jung Society of Utah