• The Concept of Energy Exchanges in Model "A" and Construction of Two Main Vertical Subtypes by V.V. Meged, A.A. Ovcharov (Contact/Inert subtypes)



    The Concept of Energy Exchanges in Model "A" and Construction of Two Main Vertical Subtypes by V.V. Meged, A.A. Ovcharov
    (The Inert/Contact Subtype System)


    See also:
    Wikisocion - Type Subtypes
    Wikisocion - Contact and Inert Subtypes by Meged and Ovcharov
    Wikisocion - On Specialization of Functions of Model A by Tsypin



    Translator's note: This article provides the theoretical underpinnings for the subtype profiles written by by Meged and Ovcharov.


    Main Article Text

    Practical experience in socionics consulting provided us with an opportunity to notice and track certain patterns in external traits and particularities of behavior not only between different sociotypes, but also among representatives of the same type. These differences extend to external appearance, to manners of behavior, and to style of conversation. Their variability is large, but two main trends in differences between representative of same type can be noticed. Some seem more active, initiative-taking, and confident in themselves (representatives of active temperaments - sanguine and choleric), while others seem more inert, passive, and indecisive (representatives of passive temperaments - melancholic and phlegmatic).

    We have asked ourselves this question: in what way are these temperaments related to the specifics of functioning of EIM model? [translator's note: "EIM" acronym stands for energy-informational metabolism]. This wasn't difficult to guess. In the circular model "A", besides four horizontal blocks there are also two vertical blocks: the first vertical block is inert - it gradually accumulates information and reluctantly spends it, thus it is socially more passive; the second block is contacting - it actively expends information and interacts with the environment more intensively.

    This draws a clear analogy between temperaments and functioning of vertical blocks of Model "A". It means that the elements of EIM located in different vertical blocks should also be differently strengthened for representatives of different temperaments. Evidently, this determines the most important differences between people of the same sociotype but different temperaments.

    We could further support this hypothesis by making a connection between the particularities of energy exchange of EIM model and the dynamic of neurological processes in cerebral cortex that have been described by neurophysiologists I. Sechenov and I. Pavlov.

    Undoubtedly, that the process called information metabolism is the result of higher cognitive activity in human beings. Conditioned and unconditioned reflexes described by I. Pavlov find a reflection in functions of mental and vital rings of model of EIM. Our goal was to use the mechanism of these cognitive processes to analyze the characteristics of energy-informational exchanges between socionics functions of model "A".

    It is known that the activity of the cerebral cortex presents a complex mosaic of processes of excitation and inhibition. These processes are subject to two fundamental laws of neurophysiology:
    - Law of irradiation and concentration of energy.
    - Law of reciprocal induction.

    The law of irradiation and concentration of energy, that affects the processes of excitation and inhibition, shows itself as follows. When, under the influence of some stimulus, there appears excitation of some part of the brain, it does not remain in fixed in place but radiates (spreads) to other parts of the cerebral cortex. This is the irradiation of excitation. Example: being engaged in a conflict, a person responds by using higher intonation and gestures. At the same time, there appears another process - inhibition, which has a protective function. It restricts the process and and directs it to a certain limit. This is the concentration of the excitation. The rate of these processes depends the type of the nervous system i.e. on person's temperament.

    The law of reciprocal induction of excitation and inhibition processes can be described as follows. If, in any part of the brain, there appears a process of excitation, then, in the neighboring regions of the brain, there will appear the process of inhibition. This is the phenomenon of negative induction. Example: appearance of a sudden sound or bright light will distract a person from work. Similarly, there also exists positive induction. If in any part of the brain there appears a process of inhibition, the process of excitation will develop in the neighboring regions of the brain; an example of this is having dreams.

    All of this suggests that the working of any element of EIM does not occur in isolation but evokes certain reactions from other elements of the EIM.

    Moving on from dynamics of nervous processes to workings of model of EIM, let us recall the main conclusions of C. Jung about mutual exclusion in interaction of opposite functions of the human psyche: thinking and feeling, sensation and intuition.

    Now, let's take a look at an example of some circular model of EIM, for example that of type IEE, as all of these laws and conclusions become evident in the formation of two major vertical subtypes.

    Ne - 1st Program function Fi - 2nd Creative function
    Ti - 4th Inert function (PoLR) Se - 3rd Role function
    Te - 6th Mobilizing function Si - 5th Suggestive function
    Ni - 7th Ignoring function Fe - 8th Demonstrative function

    We will be using signs (+) and (-) to illustrate the relative distribution of the energy potential between the functions of the different subtypes. These plus and minus signs are not related in any manner with the signs of functions used by Victor Gulenko, as the purpose of our analysis in this article is completely different.

    In our analysis, the sign (+) represents augmentation, an increase in energy potential, while the sign (-) represents its decrease.

    Type IEE, due to "program" function of intuition of possibilities, is discerning of undisclosed abilities of people. In presence of an object bearing exceptional qualities, this function receives a (+) - an increase in energy potential. The more this function is accentuated in the individual - the stronger the increase in energy potential. This subtype, however, has less pronounced displays of affection than the second subtype, which is accentuated with respect to the ethics of relations (Fi). Thus we assign (-) to ethics of relations for the first subtype. The second subtype, to the contrary, will more frequently manifest the ethics of relations in contact with people than intuition of their latent potential. Intuition of potential of this subtype will be assigned a (-) sign, while ethics of relations - a (+) sign.

    Thus, the first subtype of IEE will have greater disposition towards melancholic or phlegmatic temperamental states, and a relative strengthening with the (+) sign of intuition of possibilities compared to the second subtype, which has stronger expression of sanguine or choleric temperamental states.

    In accordance to the rules mentioned above, the process of excitation coming from first or second function will extend further across the entire model, changing the energy potential of the remaining functions. Some functions will become more strongly excited and acquire the (+) sign, others will experience certain inhibition and a decrease in the energy potential, acquiring the (-) sign.

    Carl Jung wrote that for a logical type ethical functions become suppressed, and that an unconscious grouping of functions arises in accordance to the conscious contents of functions, for example, the unconsciousness of a sensing type manifests primarily as a suppression of intuition. From C. Jung's deductions and conclusions about the relationships between functions of mental and vital rings (conscious and unconscious - by Jung), it becomes evident that with excitation of an ethical function there is suppression of logical one, and with excitation of sensing function there is suppression of an intuitive one. This happens not only on mental, but also in vital level of EIM model. If, for example, intuition is strengthened, it is strengthened in both orientations - introverted and extroverted, which also applies to other functions. Thus, with excitation of intuition of possibilities (Ne) of IEE model, the intuition of time (Ni) is also strengthened, and simultaneously both sensing functions (Se and Si) become inhibited. With excitation of ethics of relationships (Fi) there is a concurrent suppression of structural and business logic (Ti and Te).

    Carl Jung has also noted that logical functions can be easily combined with intuition, but never with the feeling ones. Intuition, same as sensing, is not in opposition to logical functions as are feeling functions, that compete with logical ones. Thus, the excitation of intuitive functions in our example of type IEE correspondingly slows down the functions of ethics of relations and ethics of emotions (Fi and Fe) and, respectively, excited both functions of structural and business logic (Ti and Te).

    Now let's distribute (+) and (-) signs over the functions of EIM model in correspondence to the conclusions made above concerning the distributions of energy potential in construction of two vertical subtypes. These signs of energy potential represent the processes of excitation and inhibition in the cerebral cortex in the process of formation of active or passive temperaments, which, in turn, involve a relative strengthening of either first or second function of EIM model, and subsequent strengthening of all functions of first or second vertical block of the model, which is clearly visible in the following tables:

    Intuitive subtype, Ne-IEE:
    (+) Ne 1st Program function (-) Fi 2nd Creative function
    (+) Ti 4th Inert function (-) Se 3rd Role function
    (+) Te 6th Mobilizing function (-) Si 5th Suggestive function
    (+) Ni 7th Ignoring function (-) Fe 8th Demonstrative function

    Ethical subtype, Fi-IEE:
    (-) Ne 1st Program function (+) Fi 2nd Creative function
    (-) Ti 4th Inert function (+) Se 3rd Role function
    (-) Te 6th Mobilizing function (+) Si 5th Suggestive function
    (-) Ni 7th Ignoring function (+) Fe 8th Demonstrative function

    These tables illustrate what was said above, that upon excitation of first function, i.e. acquisition of positive potential, all the other functions of the left (inert) vertical block acquire the same positive potential. With the strengthening of the second function correspondingly follows strengthening of all functions of the right (contact) vertical block. On basis of this, we can talk about existence of intuitive or ethical, sensing or logical subtypes of any type and consider these subtypes to be vertical, i.e. associates with the respective functions within the vertical blocks of the model of EIM.

    On our theory of vertical subtypes, another theory of professional orientation of subtypes can be formulated. As is known, the functions of ethics and intuition, united into the same "Ego" block, according to V. Gulenko correspond to predisposition towards humanitarian professional activities, the functions of sensing and logic correspond to management and production professional activities, sensing and ethics - to social sphere of activity, intuition and logic - to research sphere of activity. The career predispositions of main socionics types can be easily determined by looking at the horizontal blocks of their functional models. To determine the influence of subtypes, one needs to take a look at vertical blocks.

    For example, intuitive subtype of IEE is inclined towards humanitarian professional activity and has a "subtype" predisposition towards research. This means that since in the vertical block both intuitive and logical functions are strengthened, this person may choose a professional field combines scientific and humanitarian professional activities, and be quite successful in this. The ethical subtype of IEE, due to relative strengthening of ethical and sensing functions in the vertical block of EIM model, more successfully realizes him/herself in fields of activity that combine humanitarian and social work. In the same manner, all other sociotypes can be analyzed.

    Based on our theory of vertical subtypes, we have also done empirical studies of the visual and behavioral characteristics of 32 subtypes and compiled their characterizing profiles (reference).

    Our observations indicate that within each of the 32 subtypes we can further differentiate 8 variations that are associated with enhancement of some elements of EIM, but not related to temperaments rather other physiological characteristics of the human central nervous system, which also find a reflection in the model of EIM. This is covered in our next article "Bioaccentuation of type". Thus, creating a bridge between psychology, physiology and socionics, we have noted that this is not the limit to variability in individuals of the same type. We invite all our readers to follow this promising and exciting path towards new and useful discoveries.

    References:
    • Augustinavichiute A. "Model of information metabolism" Lithuania, 1980.
    • Gulenko V. "Signs of Socionics functions" - "16", No 2, 1990.
    • Gulenko VV, Molodtsov AV "Foundations of socio-analysis" - K., 1991
    • Meged VV, Ovcharov AA "The concept of energy exchanges in model "A" and the construction of subtypes" Socionics, mentology and psychology of personality. MIS 1, 1994.
    • C. Jung "Psychological Types". M., 1992.


    See also:
    Poll: Best Subtype System
    Inert-Contact / Vertical / Club Subtypes
    Subtype Inconsistencies
    Subtypes can make activity relations closer to dual relations
    Do subtypes affect functions?
    How does subtype affect Reinin Dichotomies?

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    Comments 9 Comments
    1. EyeSeeCold's Avatar
      EyeSeeCold -
      The article is missing.
    1. mu4's Avatar
      mu4 -
      I removed it for now pending further translation. It's in a very untranslated state.
    1. EyeSeeCold's Avatar
      EyeSeeCold -
      Oh yea, well thanks to whoever translates it.


      I'm pretty sure now that Inert/Contact is the more appropriate subtype system than Accepting/Producing. The article in English would be great for checking that out.
    1. tcaudilllg's Avatar
      tcaudilllg -
      Disagree. Accepting/producing reveals that people can use the functions counter-clockwise as well as clockwise. That tells us a very great deal.

      In other news, they've still got a ways to catch up. Sometimes it's best not to overthink a concept.
    1. silke's Avatar
      silke -
      I actually like this subtyping scheme better than Accepting/Producing one or DCNH - it explains a few observations that I'm made before of social interactions.

      The Accepting/Producting subtype model never made much sense, since it implies that a given subtype will simultaneously emphasize two functions that are opposites i.e. Accepting/Ni-ILI would have both Ni and Se strengthened at the same time, while Producing/Te-ILI has both Te and Fi simultaneously strengthened - which contradicts both Jung's and socionics premise that intuitive and sensing functions, as well as thinking and feeling functions, are opposites of each other (thus you can't emphasize both N and S at the same time or T and F). This contradiction is avoided in the Contact/Inert system.

      Meged&Ovcharvo's Inert/Contact system also coincides with my rl observations better: that leading function subtype leads to focus on HA/activating function, and being creative-sub leads to a greater emphasis on suggestive/dual-seeking function.

      This could also explain something I've observed - that people of dominant function subtypes are more tolerant of their PoLR and ignoring functions when those are being expressed. People of creative function subtype are more prone to actively attacking this kind of information. On the other hand, people of creative function subtype are more tolerant of their demonstrative and role functions, while people of leading function subtype will take more aggressive stance towards expressions of these. ... Explains why conflictors can actually get along alright if they are of same subtype (both inert or both contact), because then they are both expressing functions that the other person is more tolerant of, which minimizes instances of open antagonism between them.
    1. mu4's Avatar
      mu4 -
      I think Inert/Contact is similar to 1st/2nd function subtypes, we can take the same approach with accentuated functions and apply it to Accepting/Producing functional dichotomy.

      1467 vs 2358
      1357 vs 2468

      I think there is possibility of Bold/Cautious(A Extratim subtype vs Introtim Subtype) subtypes as well as other subtypes based on differences in the the accepting/producting function, such as Evaluatory/Sitational.

      It's also possible for subtypes of any of the different functional dichotomies.

      Also this sort of subtyping thought experiment it's possible to have different representation of the subtype.

      Say a Contact ILE would have 2-3 functions accentuationed, which is Ti-Se. Taking myself as a example, I've typed myself ILE-LSI subtype(based on thinking that my 2nd and 3rd functions are more developed), and I think I can act like my supervisee sometimes. But this can also be a product of being an Evaluatory/Situational function dichotomy accentuation as well. However, the other function don't match, I don't have accentuated 6th and 7th function. This doesn't mean that there can't be someone else can't be a situational subtype. Looking at the functional dichotomies as areas of accentuation can allow for more nuanced description of the differences in functional accentuation within identical sociotypes. I don't think necessarily one system based on a functional dichotomy is better then another, just sometimes we need to focus on non-ego functions as a area of analysis.
    1. EyeSeeCold's Avatar
      EyeSeeCold -
      Quote Originally Posted by hkkmr View Post
      I think Inert/Contact is similar to 1st/2nd function subtypes, we can take the same approach with accentuated functions and apply it to Accepting/Producing functional dichotomy.

      1467 vs 2358
      1357 vs 2468

      I think there is possibility of Bold/Cautious(A Extratim subtype vs Introtim Subtype) subtypes as well as other subtypes based on differences in the the accepting/producting function, such as Evaluatory/Sitational.

      It's also possible for subtypes of any of the different functional dichotomies.

      Also this sort of subtyping thought experiment it's possible to have different representation of the subtype.

      But this can also be a product of being an Evaluatory/Situational function dichotomy accentuation as well. However, the other function don't match, I don't have accentuated 6th and 7th function. This doesn't mean that there can't be someone else can't be a situational subtype. Looking at the functional dichotomies as areas of accentuation can allow for more nuanced description of the differences in functional accentuation within identical sociotypes. I don't think necessarily one system based on a functional dichotomy is better then another, just sometimes we need to focus on non-ego functions as a area of analysis.


      That is a subtype mess lol. I think what you are talking about deals with perspectives, not actual static subtype. Either way, the lowest common denominator is Ego 2 subtype of Accepting-Inert-Evaluatory-Bold / Producing-Contact-Situational-Cautious.

      Say a Contact ILE would have 2-3 functions accentuationed, which is Ti-Se. Taking myself as a example, I've typed myself ILE-LSI subtype(based on thinking that my 2nd and 3rd functions are more developed), and I think I can act like my supervisee sometimes.
      I'd keep it at Beta ST because of ambiguity, though I think Irrationality/Rationality is a constant.
    1. Pookie's Avatar
      Pookie -
      I like how this is worded. It makes subtyping people that are different than my type much easier.
    1. glam's Avatar
      glam -
      bump

      i have been reading through an article "Compatible subtypes" on the compatibility of Vertical (Inert/Contact) subtypes, by Meged & Ovcharov.

      this article says that in Duality, the nature of Vertical subtype compatibility differs between duals of each combination of subtypes (Inert + Contact, Contact + Inert, Inert + Inert, and Contact + Contact), due to the differences in the enhanced functions for each respective type & their subtype.

      for "intellectual" compatibility: work, occupation, communication, productive activity, etc. - Opposite subtypes are most compatible. (Inert + Contact, or Contact + Inert)

      e.g. an Inert IEE (enhanced Ne/Ti/Te/Ni) and a Contact SLI (enhanced Te/Ni/Ne/Ti). they both have the same enhanced functions (Intuitive and Logical - NT functions) and therefore may be drawn to similar spheres of activity, as we see in the types of each Club (e.g. NTs = researchers, NFs = humanitarians, etc.)

      The most consistent in the work . . . Intuitive subtype of the IEE [Inert] and the second, logical subtype of SLI [Contact]. . . For example, a subtype of the [Inert] IEE . . . [even though the main sociotype is a Humanitarian type], is also adjacent to the scientific and theoretical setup by a characteristic increase in the vertical block A model of intuition and logic (as in type ILE). Those elements are [also] strengthened in the [Contact] sub-type SLI. Such a pair can be readily and productively engaged in the humanities . . . An [ethical] subtype of the IEE [Contact] and [sensing] subtype SLI [Inert] are more likely to humanitarian and social direction of the activity. In both cases, an extrovert rather IEE may be moderated. But if the program specifies the SLI, then the dual pair of related scientific and theoretical setting will be engaged in industrial and scientific activities. This is the main tipnaya orientation and additional SLI - in both. A second dual pair is willing to engage in productive and social activities.
      for emotional compatibility: relationships, romance, sex, etc. - Like subtypes are most compatible. (Inert + Inert, or Contact + Contact)

      e.g. a Contact IEI (enhanced Fe/Si/Se/Fi) and a Contact SLE (enhanced Ti/Ne/Ni/Te). the Contact IEI has enhanced SF functions, and the Contact SLE has enhanced NT functions; SF + NT = differing but compatible strengths and weaknesses.

      As for emotional compatibility, which is manifested on the ethical level of contacts, there are more compatible with the strengthening of subtypes opposite but complementary elements of information metabolism: sensory perceptions and intuitive features, the logic of relations and the ethics of emotion, volition and sensory intuition of time, the business logic and ethics of relations. . . . Such a pair of well-relax with each other and remove unnecessary stress, because their interests do not overlap, and there is mutual. In addition, they will have the same performance biorhythms. It is important for emotional and harmonious sexual relationship. In contrast, better communicate different subtypes. In this case, one will be effective at the beginning, and the second in its completion.
      these quotes are from a machine translation, and i added words & notes in brackets, as well as rearranged some words to try and clarify what seemed to be the intended meaning; apologies for the awkwardness.

      also, this post is only in regards to Duality; the article also goes on to address Inert/Contact subtype compatibility in regards to the other intertype relations.

      Original link (not translated): http://socionic.ru/index.php/2010-10...11-09-23-59-27

      CMS link here on 16t (translated): http://www.the16types.info/vbulletin/content.php/243