Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)

The Bridge Personality Test, widely used in business psychology for more than 15 years, uses Carl Jung's theory to analyze employees across four dimensions: Extraversion/Introversion, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, and Judging/Perceiving. These dimensions form the foundation for identifying the 16 distinct Jungian personality types. Offering both individual assessments and subscriptions, the test delivers immediate, detailed reports on employee personalities, enhancing team dynamics and personal development.

The Jung dimension: Sensing (S) versus Intuition (N)

In the 16 Jung Types, the second crucial preference pair is Sensing (S) against Intuition (N). These reflect the divergent mental processes used for absorbing information—contrasting perspectives in observation.

Individuals favoring Sensing give priority to information that's tangible and concrete. Their focus lies on the present, with an emphasis on distinct facts and details. Their perception is primarily through the five senses (valuing experience).

Those leaning towards Intuition concentrate more on identifying patterns and future possibilities in the data they gather. Their focus extends to potential outcomes, viewing the overall context and linking the facts. While they also utilize their senses, their perception leans on insights and instincts (valuing inspiration).

Everyone utilizes both Sensing and Intuition preferences at times. Generally, there's a tendency to depend more on one, but recognizing the importance of both is crucial. Jung posited that assimilating information through both Sensing and Intuition enhances our "perceptions."

Traits of Sensing and Intuition

Reflect on the following traits, identifying which side resonates as more instinctive, effortless, and fitting for you—the information you rely on. What's your preference?

Those who prefer Sensing (S) often:

  • Zero in on specific facts
  • Recall relevant details
  • Adopt a realistic life view
  • Stay grounded in current or past events
  • Prefer detailed, sequential instructions
  • Grasp ideas through their practical use
  • Value experience
  • Keywords: tangible, practical, current, methodical, experiential, conventional

Those inclined towards Intuition (N) usually:

  • Pursue novel concepts
  • Envision the broader scope
  • Embrace imaginative life approaches
  • Contemplate future potential, patterns, and meanings
  • Prefer a general outline, filling in details independently
  • Concentrate on theoretical aspects over practicality
  • Place faith in inspiration
  • Keywords: visionary, creative, prospective, conceptual, innovative, unique

Influence of Sensing or Intuition

These preferences affect:

  • Our viewpoint
  • Our favored instruction type
  • How we approach new learning
  • Our informational needs for decision-making
  • Our responses to change
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The Bridge Tests & Online Assessments

TestGroup is the developer of the Bridge tests & online assessments, which are high-quality, scientific psychometric tests that are applied all over the world. All Bridge tests have been developed by TestGroup in collaboration with universities in the Netherlands and abroad. TestGroup specializes in predicting work behavior with personality tests, cognitive ability tests and career tests. We advise local and international organizations on the application of online assessments.