Thinking style
How you think
Thinking style is how you take in information and arrive at decisions — not how well you do it. Where Big Five describes what you do, thinking style describes the way you get there.
Patterns of thought shape your everyday life
Where Big Five describes what you do (behavior), thinking style is about how you process information, make decisions and relate to the world around you.
SELVET’s approach is inspired by Carl Jung’s theory of types, but without locking you into rigid categories. We measure four dimensions as continuous scales, not binary choices.
Ekstrovert
Ekstrovert
Ekstrovert
Ekstrovert
Introvert
Introvert
Introvert
Introvert
The four dimensions
Energy: Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I)
Extraverted preference: Draws energy from the outer world – people, activities, things. Often thinks out loud, processes through conversation.
Introverted preference: Draws energy from the inner world – thoughts, reflections, ideas. Needs time alone to recharge.
Information: Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)
Sensing preference: Focuses on concrete, factual information. Trusts experience, prefers the practical and the proven.
Intuitive preference: Focuses on patterns, possibilities and underlying meaning. Drawn to the abstract and the forward-looking.
Decisions: Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)
Thinking preference: Weighs logic, objectivity and principles. Seeks fairness based on consistent criteria.
Feeling preference: Weighs values, harmony and human considerations. Seeks solutions that look after everyone’s needs.
Structure: Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)
Judging preference: Prefers structure, plans and settled decisions. Likes having things resolved.
Perceiving preference: Prefers flexibility and open possibilities. Adapts spontaneously to new situations.
The link to Big Five is strong
Research shows strong connections between the thinking-style dimensions and Big Five:
| Thinking-style dimension | Big Five correlation | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| E/I | Extraversion | r = 0.70–0.74 |
| S/N | Openness | r = 0.70–0.72 |
| T/F | Agreeableness | r = 0.40–0.50 |
| J/P | Conscientiousness | r = 0.50–0.55 |
This means thinking style and Big Five measure overlapping, but not identical, aspects of personality. SELVET uses both for greater precision.
The 16 type combinations
Combining the four dimensions gives 16 possible "types". These can be useful as a starting point for reflection, but remember that they represent coarse categories – reality is more nuanced. SELVET uses descriptive names; the classic four-letter notation is included as a reference.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® and MBTI® are registered trademarks of The Myers & Briggs Foundation. SELVET is not affiliated with, endorsed by or associated with that organization.
Using the insight day to day
Thinking style is particularly useful for understanding:
- Communication: How you best give and receive information
- Problem-solving: Your natural approach to challenges
- Teamwork: How you complement other styles
- Stress: What drains your energy
But use it as a tool for reflection, not a verdict. You are more than four letters.