![]() Copyrighted ©1978-2002, Dr. David Keirsey |
Extraversion
(E) vs. Introversion (I) The terms "Extraversion" and "Introversion" describe two widely different social styles. People who score high in Extraversion on the Keirsey Temperament Sorter II tend to be gregarious and expressive; those scoring high on Introversion tend to be private and reserved. People strong in Extraversion seem more comfortable socializing with groups than being alone. They report that they are energized-charged up, fired up-by contact with other people. They usually have a large circle of friends, and are happy to approach others, even strangers, and talk to them, finding this an easy and pleasant thing to do, something that makes them feel alive. Quiet and seclusion actually exhaust such persons, and they report feelings of loneliness (or power drain) when not in contact with others. On the other hand, people prone to Introversion seem more comfortable alone than in a crowd. They draw energy from private, solitary activities, reading, listening to music, working by themselves on their latest project or favorite hobby. They tend to have a few, long-time friends, and can remain in contact with larger groups only so long before their energies are depleted. If required by their job, family, or social responsibilities to be outgoing or on stage-to make a great social effort-they are soon exhausted and need "down time" in quiet places to rest and recharge their batteries. Remember, however, that no one is simply an "Extravert" or an "Introvert." These terms are end points on the E-I scale, with most everyone falling somewhere in between, having in their makeup a mixture of these two social styles. Also, different tasks or roles at work or in the family can bring out more Extraversion or Introversion in a person. This dimension of personality, more than the other three, is fluid and situational. A graph of the scores of other test takers at the AdvisorTeam.com web site is shown below, with your score shown by the red arrow.
Sensory
(S) vs. Intuitive (N) The S-N scale on the Keirsey Temperament Sorter II differentiates between two distinct worlds of human interest or focus. People with a high Sensory score pay more attention to what is going on outside themselves in the world of concrete things; people with a high Intuitive score pay more attention to what is going on inside themselves in the abstract world of ideas. Sensory people (the vast majority, maybe 85%) seem more at home in the physical, material world, where they spend their time looking after the business of everyday living-food and clothing, transportation and shelter, job and family, recreation and social life. With their eye on reality, they tend to see all the particulars of what is right in front of them, focusing on what is happening in the here and now, or what has happened in the past, rather than speculating about what might be or what would happen if. These are practical, down-to-earth people who want facts, trust facts, and remember facts, and who deal with situations as they are. They believe in common sense and that experience is the best teacher. In contrast, people strongly Intuitive seem more at home in the abstract, conceptual world of ideas-inferences, theories, daydreams, musings, speculations, symbols-all those things that can only be seen with the mind's eye. Focused as they so often are in their internal world, these persons can miss a great deal of what's going on right around them; for them, reality is not solid and present, but is more a mental image, or a stage of development toward some future ideal. The possible is always in front of these people: whatever "is" can be better, and they are fascinated by hypotheses and potentials. Because they listen so intently to their inner voice, even from an early age, they often seem to have "their head in the clouds," absorbed in their vivid and complex imaginations. The S-N scale measures the most fundamental of the four dimensions of personality-it's the first cut, so to speak, in evaluating type. But this does not mean that it's an "either-or" proposition. Intuitive persons certainly turn outward at times and pay attention to the world at large; it's just that they are far more inclined to become preoccupied with their ideas. And of course Sensory persons do sometimes look inward to ponder and to dream, but for the most part their flights of imagination lag well behind their real-world observations. Neither type can be in both worlds at once, and each will usually show a clear preference for one over the other. A graph of the scores of other test takers at the AdvisorTeam.com web site is shown below, with your score shown by the red arrow.
Thinking
(T) vs. Feeling (F) The T-F scale assesses how people govern themselves and make decisions. We all have both thoughts and feelings, of course, but those who score high on Thinking tend to use their head, while those scoring high on Feeling tend to follow their heart. People given to Thinking are more comfortable with an impersonal, objective basis for action. They can be critical and exacting, both with themselves and others, and they are convinced only by hard data and sound reasons. They tend to be frank and straightforward, willing to speak their minds and stick to their guns even if it causes conflict with others. And they are tough-minded in their decisions, preferring to keep their emotions and desires as much as possible out of the process. They have powerful feelings, certainly, but a strong show of emotion usually embarrasses them. And so, rather than appear to be losing self-control, they keep their feelings in check, even at the risk of seeming hard-nosed or cold. People prone to Feeling, in contrast, are more comfortable with a personal, emotional basis for what they do. When considering their course, they consult their feelings first and always show concern for others. These people are sympathetic and sentimental, and can be swayed by powerful desire or a touching appeal. And they are softhearted when making decisions, basing their choices on gentle, kindly considerations, hoping never to hurt anyone's feelings. They may not have more or deeper emotions than those on the Thinking end of the scale, but they let their feelings show more easily, and this makes them seem warmer and friendlier, and so usually gives them an easier time getting along with others. A graph of the scores of other test takers at the AdvisorTeam.com web site is shown below, with your score shown by the red arrow.
Judgment
(J) vs. Perception (P) The J-P scale measures how people process information and arrange their lives. Those who score high on Judgment tend to make up their mind quickly and commit to schedules, while those scoring high on Perception prefer to keep their options open and their timetables flexible. People strong in Judgment waste no time forming opinions or drawing conclusions. They report they feel a sense of urgency until a decision is made, and can rest only after everything is settled, with all loose ends tied up. Closure or finality is important to them, as is orderly procedure. They are quick to make schedules, agendas, timetables, and so on, for themselves and others to follow. They tend to establish deadlines and to take them seriously, expecting others to do the same. They are comfortable with routines, and are willing to do all sorts of maintenance and cleaning up after a task, just because these are necessary to see the job through to its conclusion. Neatness also counts. These people are unhappy when their personal space-workplace, house, car-is a mess, and straightening things up is often near the top of their list. For their part, people given to Perception tend to keep their eyes open, gathering information and looking for opportunities and alternatives that might be available to them. They feel no hurry to nail things down, or settle on a finished product, but prefer to explore the possibilities and just see what happens. These people are often playful and spontaneous in action. Schedules make them feel hurried and over-controlled, and they tend to look upon deadlines as mere reminders to get on with the job. Also, they prefer their work to be enjoyable and to the purpose. If their task is mere routine maintenance or clean up, they may balk at doing it, or leave it to someone else. Easy-going, even somewhat impulsive, these people are usually quite tolerant of mess. Their personal spaces are often cluttered with an assortment of things they have picked up, used, then dropped and forgotten about. A graph of the scores of other test takers at the AdvisorTeam.com web site is shown below, with your score shown by the red arrow.
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