The Myers Briggs cognitive functions test offers a deeper and more detailed look into personality than the basic four-letter MBTI type. While most people know their MBTI code — such as INFP, ESTJ, or ENTP — the real understanding of how each type thinks, feels, and perceives the world comes from analyzing their cognitive functions. These functions explain why you behave a certain way, how you make decisions, and how you process information.

Taking a Myers Briggs cognitive functions test allows you to identify which mental processes dominate your personality and how they influence your interactions, strengths, and blind spots. It’s one of the best tools for gaining true self-awareness and understanding the psychology behind your MBTI type.

What Is the Myers Briggs Cognitive Functions Test?

The Myers Briggs cognitive functions test is based on the eight mental processes described by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung. These cognitive functions go beyond personality labels and explain how people think rather than just what they prefer.

Each personality type in the MBTI framework is built from a specific combination of these functions. The test measures which of the eight cognitive functions you rely on most, revealing your mental “stack” — a hierarchy of preferred ways of thinking and perceiving the world.

In short, the Myers Briggs cognitive functions test helps you understand the engine behind your personality, rather than just the outer expression of your type.

The Eight Myers Briggs Cognitive Functions

The MBTI identifies four key functions — Thinking, Feeling, Sensing, and Intuition — each of which can be directed inward (introverted) or outward (extraverted). This creates a total of eight distinct cognitive functions that define how people process information and make decisions:

1. Extraverted Thinking (Te)

Te is focused on organizing, structuring, and making logical decisions based on external facts. People who lead with Te are goal-oriented, decisive, and highly efficient.

Common in: ENTJ, ESTJ, INTJ, ISTJ

2. Introverted Thinking (Ti)

Ti is concerned with internal logic, clarity, and precision. It seeks to understand how systems and ideas work at a deeper level. Ti-dominant individuals often analyze problems from every angle before drawing conclusions.

Common in: INTP, ISTP, ENTP, ESTP

3. Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

Fe is attuned to the emotions and needs of others. It values social harmony, cooperation, and empathy. People with strong Fe excel in understanding others and building positive relationships.

Common in: ENFJ, ESFJ, INFJ, ISFJ

4. Introverted Feeling (Fi)

Fi focuses on personal values, authenticity, and emotional integrity. Individuals who favor Fi are deeply reflective and make decisions aligned with their moral compass rather than external pressures.

Common in: INFP, ISFP, ENFP, ESFP

5. Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

Ne explores patterns, ideas, and possibilities. It thrives on creativity and innovation, constantly seeking connections between concepts. People high in Ne are curious and adaptable thinkers.

Common in: ENFP, ENTP, INFP, INTP

6. Introverted Intuition (Ni)

Ni focuses on deep insights, symbolism, and foresight. It seeks to understand hidden meanings and future outcomes. Individuals with Ni as a dominant function often have strong vision and intuition.

Common in: INFJ, INTJ, ENFJ, ENTJ

7. Extraverted Sensing (Se)

Se is grounded in the present moment and engages directly with the physical world. It notices details, experiences sensations vividly, and responds quickly to real-time changes.

Common in: ESTP, ESFP, ISTP, ISFP

8. Introverted Sensing (Si)

Si relies on memory, past experiences, and consistency. It helps people feel grounded, valuing familiarity, routine, and reliability. Si types often have excellent recall and a strong sense of tradition.

Common in: ISFJ, ISTJ, ESFJ, ESTJ

How the Myers Briggs Cognitive Functions Work Together

Each of the 16 MBTI personality types uses four of these cognitive functions in a specific order known as a “function stack.” The hierarchy determines which mental processes are dominant and which are less developed.

  • Dominant Function: Your strongest and most natural mental process — the foundation of your personality.
  • Auxiliary Function: Supports your dominant function and adds balance to your behavior.
  • Tertiary Function: A developing strength that appears later in life.
  • Inferior Function: Your weakest function — often the root of stress or growth potential.

For example:

  • INTJ: Dominant Ni → Auxiliary Te → Tertiary Fi → Inferior Se
  • ENFP: Dominant Ne → Auxiliary Fi → Tertiary Te → Inferior Si
  • ISTJ: Dominant Si → Auxiliary Te → Tertiary Fi → Inferior Ne

This unique blend explains why two people can share similar traits but still think and act differently. Understanding your Myers Briggs cognitive functions test results provides a more nuanced view of your inner world than knowing your MBTI letters alone.

Why Take the Myers Briggs Cognitive Functions Test?

The Myers Briggs cognitive functions test offers valuable insight into the mechanisms behind your thought patterns and emotional responses. Here are some of the key benefits:

  • Deeper self-awareness: Understand how your mind naturally processes information and makes decisions.
  • Improved relationships: Recognize how others’ cognitive functions differ, leading to better communication and empathy.
  • Career development: Identify work environments and roles that align with your cognitive strengths.
  • Personal growth: Strengthen your weaker functions for a more balanced and adaptive personality.
  • Stress management: Learn how overusing or neglecting certain functions affects your emotional well-being.

Myers Briggs Cognitive Functions vs. Personality Type Descriptions

While traditional MBTI descriptions focus on behaviors and preferences, the Myers Briggs cognitive functions test explores the psychological reasons behind them. For instance, two introverts — an INFP and an ISTJ — may both prefer solitude, but their motives differ:

  • INFP (Fi–Ne): Values self-expression and inner authenticity, guided by emotion and creativity.
  • ISTJ (Si–Te): Values structure, practicality, and reliability, guided by past experiences and logic.

By understanding your cognitive functions, you can appreciate these subtle but powerful distinctions.

Interpreting Your Myers Briggs Cognitive Functions Test Results

Once you’ve taken the Myers Briggs cognitive functions test, your results will show your dominant and supporting functions, often displayed in a ranked order. Here’s what to look for when interpreting them:

  • Your dominant function drives your decision-making and worldview.
  • Your auxiliary function balances your personality by complementing your dominant one.
  • Your tertiary function adds flexibility and creativity but may not be as developed.
  • Your inferior function represents your greatest challenge — and your biggest opportunity for growth.

For example, an ENTP’s result might show a strong preference for Ne (Extraverted Intuition) and Ti (Introverted Thinking), reflecting their analytical curiosity and love for exploration.

Using the Myers Briggs Cognitive Functions for Growth

Knowing your cognitive functions can help you grow in all areas of life. Here’s how you can apply your insights:

  • Enhance strengths: Lean into your dominant and auxiliary functions to achieve success in your work and relationships.
  • Develop weaker areas: Practice your tertiary and inferior functions to build resilience and adaptability.
  • Manage stress: Recognize when you’re overusing one function (like Te or Fi) and find balance with its opposite.
  • Understand others: Appreciate that people use different mental processes — leading to empathy and stronger connections.

Final Thoughts

The Myers Briggs cognitive functions test is one of the most insightful tools for anyone interested in understanding themselves and others on a deeper level. By revealing how your mind operates beneath the surface, it goes beyond simple personality labels to uncover your unique way of thinking, feeling, and interacting with the world.

Whether you’re seeking self-growth, improved communication, or better decision-making, learning your cognitive function stack helps you build self-awareness and confidence. Your results are more than just letters — they represent the mental architecture that defines who you are.