As we know, the socionic type is described using the A model, consisting of eight functions of information metabolism. Mathematically, to define these functions, it is sufficient for us to have three pairs of dichotomous properties that describe their operation: Mental/Vital, Accepting/Producing and Inert/Contact. By combining all of these properties through binary multiplication, we can discover that the actual number of properties that define the function is actually seven pairs (mathematically, it is “two to the third power minus one”). Thus, we can divide all the properties of the IM functions into primary and secondary (including Ordered/Cluttered, Strong/Weak, Tracking/Insulating and Valued/ Unvalued).
Since we divide the information metabolism into three stages (perception, processing and assimilation), properties are also divided in a similar way. For example, the property of inert/contact is a property of information processing, whereas strong/weak is a property of its assimilation. In other words, to describe the work of a particular function, we must understand well what features each property contributes to its work.
Since some properties stem from others, we can link them together both mathematically and in the semantic field. For example, tracking functions are mental inert and vital contact functions – they are oriented toward tracking and controlling incoming information, which is a logical consequence of how the underlying pairs of properties should be combined (it is difficult to imagine a mental inert function that is also insulating, as this is a contradictory combination).
Properties are also classified as primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary properties are those that underlie the division of types into socionic temperaments. What unites them is that they occur in our psyche based on the properties of information: mental/vitality is based on the dynamic/static aspects, accepting/producing is based on their rational/ irrational nature, and ordered/cluttered is based on introversion/extraversion. Accordingly, each pair of primary properties sets in our type its own pair of type traits with names similar to the properties of information.
In turn, secondary properties are also tied to their stage of working with information, but unlike primary ones, they produce two pairs of type traits: one in relation to irrational aspects and the other to rational aspects. For example, strong/weak divides types into intuitive/sensing and ethics/logics: these traits can be combined with each other in any combination.
We also distinguish the tertiary pair of properties – valued/unvalued. Its peculiarity is that it is responsible for the entire metabolism. Mathematically, it is formed at the intersection of independent pairs of primary and secondary properties. For example, valued functions are mental strong, accepting tracking and ordered inert.
Speaking about the properties of functions, we can observe the following regularity: comparing any pair of functions, they will always have three common working properties and four non-matching ones. Knowing where and which properties intersect with each other, we understand the differences and similarities between the functions. For more information about their manifestations read the “Functions of the Model A” page.