Cognitive Function Micro-Tests

Cognitive Function Micro-Tests

Cognitive functions can feel abstract, but their traces show up in everyday habits, decisions, and thought patterns. Micro-tests are designed as quick probes—short challenges that take less than two minutes each. They reveal a glimpse of how naturally a person can shift into a certain function’s mode of thinking, sensing, or relating. Think of them like “mental reflex checks”: small sparks that hint at deeper wiring.

Introverted Intuition (Ni)

  1. Theme Spotting: Show 3–5 unrelated images/words → ask them to state the one underlying theme.
  2. Future Continuation: Present a scenario (“Technology doubles every year…”) → ask what will likely happen in 10 years.
  3. Compression: Give a paragraph → ask them to reduce it to one sentence essence.

Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

  1. Divergent Uses: “Give 5 unusual uses for a shoelace.”
  2. Pattern Branching: Say: “Imagine a toaster that talks.” → ask them to generate at least 3 possible outcomes.
  3. Chain Reactions: “If cats could fly, what else changes in the world?”

Introverted Sensing (Si)

  1. Detail Recall: Read a 3-sentence story → ask them to repeat in the same sequence.
  2. Spot the Change: Show a picture, then a slightly altered version → ask them to name what changed.
  3. Instruction Accuracy: Give short directions (“touch left ear, then right knee, then blink twice”) → test sequence retention.

Extraverted Sensing (Se)

  1. Quick Scan: Flash an image for 3 seconds → ask them to list what they saw.
  2. Speed Match: Show 5 objects on a table → shuffle/remove one → ask what changed.
  3. Instant Action: Toss them a ball unexpectedly → measure reflex, catch, or reaction.

Introverted Thinking (Ti)

  1. Logic Debug: Present a flawed argument → ask them to find the exact flaw.
  2. Rule Extraction: Give examples (2, 4, 6…; 3, 6, 9…) → ask them to state the rule behind them.
  3. Categorize Odd-One-Out: List: [Chair, Table, Bed, Banana] → ask which doesn’t fit and why.

Extraverted Thinking (Te)

  1. Organize Chaos: Hand them a messy list of tasks → ask them to order by priority with deadlines.
  2. Clear Steps: Pose a vague problem (“launch a fundraiser”) → ask them to outline the step-by-step plan.
  3. Efficiency Choice: Give 2 methods for a task (one fast but sloppy, one slow but precise) → ask which is optimal in a business setting.

Introverted Feeling (Fi)

  1. Moral Check: “Would you lie to protect a friend?” → ask why or why not.
  2. Consistency Test: Give two scenarios (“stealing food vs. stealing money”) → ask if they feel differently and why.
  3. Personal Compass: Ask: “Name one value you would never compromise on, no matter what.”

Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

  1. Social Harmony: Role-play: “Two friends argue. How would you calm them down?”
  2. Tone Shift: Say a neutral phrase (“I’m fine”) in 3 tones (angry, sad, happy) → ask them to interpret emotion.
  3. Group Adjustment: Ask: “If you joined a new group, how would you decide how to act?”

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