Text 2
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Personality Theory
Most psychological theories support the view that there are sixteen personality types. These sixteen personalities are based on the combination of four categories of two opposite functions which individuals use in their lives.
The first of these four categories describes the way in which we relate to other people and receive our simulation. The term “extrovert” is used describe people who prefer to interact with the outside world, including interactions with other people. On the other hand, the function “introvert” includes those who prefer to receive simulation from within themselves; that is, they are internally-focused individuals.
The individual’s method of receiving information is included in the second category. Here, the opposite functions are “sensing” and “intuitive.” “Sensing” individuals function by trusting their five senses. In other words, “sensing” involves perceiving information that is external to the individual. Conversely, the “intuitive” function means that a person relies on instinct, which is his or her inner voice, to process information.
The third category takes a look at how we prefer to make decisions. Those who would rather come to decisions based on objective facts and logic use the “thinking” function. However, those who make choices in life according to their own personal, subjective value systems use the opposite “feeling” function.
The fourth and final category is concerned with how a person deals with or manages day-to-day life. If a person is organized and more comfortable with schedules, timetables, and structure, he or she can be described as “judging.” The opposite function is “perceiving.” “Perceiving” individuals prefer casual, varied, and open arrangements that allow for flexibility.
As mentioned previously, it is the combination of these four functions that determines which one of the sixteen personality types the individual possesses. For example, one personality type is the introverted-intuitive-feeling-judger. This type of personality prefers to receive information internally, relying on instinct, basing decisions on an internal value system, and managing the outside world according to lists and schedules.