Theory
What is cognitive type?
Cognitive type is the theory of how the brain interacts with information. There are eight cognitive processes, four of which make up your cognitive type. Your cognitive type determines how you observe, internalize and structure information. In other words, cognitive processes are the mechanisms, not the results.
How does cognitive type differ from other personality assessment tools?
Cognitive type is not the same as personality type. Many personality assessment tools measure the current state of your behaviors and preferences. For example, the Big 5 tests your agreeableness and conscientiousness. Both of these qualities tend to change over time. Likewise, the 16 personalities test focuses on social behaviors and archetypes. These are what we refer to as the content of personality.
In contrast, cognitive type is the structure of personality. People with the same underlying cognitive processes can exhibit completely different behaviors. Think factories with the same mode of production making different products. A "how" instead of "what" approach to personality is more congruent with reality. It's a robust tool for understanding behavior while accounting for individual differences.
In contrast, cognitive type is the structure of personality. People with the same underlying cognitive processes can exhibit completely different behaviors. Think factories with the same mode of production making different products. A "how" instead of "what" approach to personality is more congruent with reality. It's a robust tool for understanding behavior while accounting for individual differences.
Can I have more than one cognitive type?
Most of us have long suspected that our personalities are far too complex to fit into a single box. Good thing your cognitive type is not a box. It's the way in which your mind operates. How that translates into your daily life, romantic relationships and career prowess depends.
It's natural to relate to more than one personality type, but every one only has one cognitive type.
It's natural to relate to more than one personality type, but every one only has one cognitive type.
Do I use the other four cognitive processes subconsciously?
Every one only uses the four cognitive processes of their cognitive type. Some people relate to cognitive processes outside of their cognitive type. This is because interactions between existing cognitive processes can mimic other cognitive processes.
Method
How do you determine cognitive type?
We determine cognitive type by analyzing the subconscious cues in your video. These include body language, micro expressions and speech pattern. They're the telltale signs of you using your cognitive processes. We measure these cues against consistent criteria to determine your cognitive processes. Read more about our typing method here.
Is the Empirical Personality assessment accurate?
The Empirical Personality assessment is very accurate. We've been conducting independent research for years, typing hundreds of volunteers. This led to our discovery that certain cues are inextricable from cognitive processes. These cues are so consistent because they're the subconscious manifestations of cognitive processes. Categorizing and measuring these cues is the backbone of our typing method.
Our typologists independently arrive at the same cognitive type more than 95% of the time. Human error is always a possibility, which is why every video always gets a second pair of eyes. Furthermore, each cognitive process displays at least two separate cues. This acts as a failsafe. If a typologist misinterpreted a visual cue, the speech pattern cue would conflict. In this case, the typologist would have to reassess. Finally, at least two typologists must crosscheck with each other. If there's any discrepancy in the results, every one must reassess. All this has to happen before you receive your official assessment.
Our typologists independently arrive at the same cognitive type more than 95% of the time. Human error is always a possibility, which is why every video always gets a second pair of eyes. Furthermore, each cognitive process displays at least two separate cues. This acts as a failsafe. If a typologist misinterpreted a visual cue, the speech pattern cue would conflict. In this case, the typologist would have to reassess. Finally, at least two typologists must crosscheck with each other. If there's any discrepancy in the results, every one must reassess. All this has to happen before you receive your official assessment.
How does the Empirical personality assessment differ from other methods of typing?
Conventional typing relies on behavior and preferences, which we can change. This is why we sometimes see people who defy their cognitive type stereotype. The 16 boxes look neat on paper, but there are INTJ poets and INFP mathematicians in real life. This is also why people who use online testing often get different results as time goes by.
We can change our behavior to meet our goals and align with our beliefs. What we can't change are the subconscious cues our cognitive processes leave behind. What we've done is create reliable metrics to measure these subconscious cues. Thus, we're able to identify and quantify cognitive process use. Learn more about how we type.
We can change our behavior to meet our goals and align with our beliefs. What we can't change are the subconscious cues our cognitive processes leave behind. What we've done is create reliable metrics to measure these subconscious cues. Thus, we're able to identify and quantify cognitive process use. Learn more about how we type.
WHY DON'T YOU HAVE AN ONLINE TEST LIKE MANY OTHER WEBSITES OUT THERE?
Self-assessment can be a powerful tool. It gives you a picture of your self-image at the current moment. But it's only a snapshot. It fails to reveal the full story of your cognition. Not everyone can be unbiased in evaluating themselves. This is why people who use online testing often get different results over time.
Creating an online test that invites minimal bias is a big challenge. We're working on that. In the meantime, you can read more about our typing method. It's no secret. In fact, we're developing online classes to teach the science of typing.
Creating an online test that invites minimal bias is a big challenge. We're working on that. In the meantime, you can read more about our typing method. It's no secret. In fact, we're developing online classes to teach the science of typing.
How did you develop your typing method?
We developed our typing method through direct observation and experimentation.
Throughout the years, we met many personalities who didn't fit into their stereotype. Yet we believed there was some truth to personality theory. So we continued our research, observing hundreds of subjects. Then, we started noticing consistent binaries between people. These weren't binaries like introverted or extraverted, sensing or intuitive. They were innocuous binaries like smooth or staccato eye movement.
We saw correlations between binaries and hypothesized their relation to cognitive processes. Testing our hypothesis, we found consistent links between certain cues and certain processes. Our empirical evidence is as strong as our sample size, which continues to grow.
Throughout the years, we met many personalities who didn't fit into their stereotype. Yet we believed there was some truth to personality theory. So we continued our research, observing hundreds of subjects. Then, we started noticing consistent binaries between people. These weren't binaries like introverted or extraverted, sensing or intuitive. They were innocuous binaries like smooth or staccato eye movement.
We saw correlations between binaries and hypothesized their relation to cognitive processes. Testing our hypothesis, we found consistent links between certain cues and certain processes. Our empirical evidence is as strong as our sample size, which continues to grow.
My Assessment
What can I expect from the typing process?
After checkout, you'll receive via email a payment confirmation and a questionnaire. Record yourself answering all the questions and send the video to us. Two typologists will analyze your video to determine your cognitive type. You'll receive your result in a comprehensive report within 7 business days. For more details on the procedure, read our instructions page.
How long does it take to get my results?
Within 7 business days from the day you sent us your video.
What if I don't agree with my cognitive type assessment?
Here at Empirical Personality, we're dedicated to helping you discover your true cognitive type. It is not our responsibility to ensure that you believe your assessment. We do not issue refunds for the sole reason of you disagreeing with your assessment.
Can I still take part in the assessment if English isn't my first language?
Yes! If your English level is low, please speak in a language you're fluent in for your video. Then, transcribe your video. Finally, have someone or a translating tool translate your transcription into English. Send that our way and you're all set!
If your English level is moderate, it's okay to speak English in your video.
If your English level is moderate, it's okay to speak English in your video.
Can I still take part in the assessment if I have a psychological disorder?
Most likely yes! Some of our clients face psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. We very rarely come across psychological conditions that impede the eight cognitive processes. If your condition interferes with your subconscious cues, we will issue a full refund.
Can I still take part in the assessment if I'm not yet a legal adult?
We have experience typing people across a wide variety of ages. In most cases, your primary and secondary cognitive processes exhibit by your mid-teens. In the unlikely event that you don't display enough subconscious cues, we will issue a full refund.
Who will be able to view my video?
By default, only two typologists will view your video.
You can opt in to allow the use of your video for research and education purposes. In this case, your video may appear in our upcoming online classes on cognitive typing. This includes any promotional materials associated with said classes. Thanks for furthering understanding of cognitive type!
You can opt in to allow the use of your video for research and education purposes. In this case, your video may appear in our upcoming online classes on cognitive typing. This includes any promotional materials associated with said classes. Thanks for furthering understanding of cognitive type!
Services
Do you offer discounts for groups?
We offer a service that demands considerable time and expertise. Each client deserves equal care and dedication. Thus, we do not offer discounts for groups.
Do you teach your typing method?
Yes, you can learn the Empirical Personality typing method here.