Basic and Developed Use
Each cognitive process can be engaged in a basic, unsophisticated way reflecting our natural human capabilities. Almost everyone can engage each process in some basic way. Beyond this, you will engage some cognitive processes in a more sophisticated, developed way. This is usually the result of innate preference plus lifelong growth and practice, which equals development.
Perceiving—how we focus our attention and gather information
Cognitive Process. -- Basic (Passive) Use. -- Developed (Active) Use
extraverted Sensing (Se) -- Notice sensory data in the environment. -- Trust your instincts and take action relevant to the moment and current context.
introverted Sensing (Si) -- Recall tangible data and experiences. -- Stabilize a situation by comparing it to what is expected, known and reliable.
extraverted Intuiting (Ne) -- Notice abstract patterns as they emerge. -- Shift a situation's dynamics and explore imaginative potential possibilities.
introverted Intuiting (Ni) -- Receive "ah-ha" insights and realizations. -- Persue a greater level of awareness to transform who you are and how you think.
Judging—how we organize our experiences and make decisions
Cognitive Process -- Basic (Passive) Use -- Developed (Active) Use
extraverted Thinking (Te) -- Follow steps, points and time tables. -- Create structure, reason by measures and evidence, and implement complex plans.
introverted Thinking (Ti) -- Adhere to definitions and impersonal principles. -- Analyze a problem using a framework, and find an angle or leverage by which to solve it.
extraverted Feeling (Fe) -- Honor others' needs and preferences. -- Connect with people by sharing values and taking on their needs as yours.
introverted Feeling (Fi) -- Adhere to personal beliefs about what's important. -- Evalute situations and choose what you believe is congruent with your personal identity.
Development is more than basic or developed use of processes in isolation. Excellent use of a cognitive process involves both basic and advanced use as appropriate, and ability to deploy other processes in its service. Average to good use usually means we can use the process in limited situations or use it well but only with the aid of other processes. Poor use means basic use at most. Finally, we may get ourselves into trouble when we don't use a process at all.