1. We consider information to be a subjective phenomenon. It appears only in human’s mind at the moment when a person contacts with the external world and can be regarded as superposition of the information elements. So information elements are fruits  of  interaction, they do not have independent existence. (see more)

 

2. TIM identification in the SSS is based on the A-Model. To identify an individual Type of Information Metabolism (IM) we have to correlate a specific way of information processing with one of the 16 information processing models. In order to fulfill this task an identification expert has to identify all the IM parameters of respective A-model functions:  dimensions, signs and belonging to mental/vital processing tracks. Theoretically in order to Identify a person's TIM it’s enough to identify parameters of one function only, but in practice we usually identify all the 8 functions of the A Model to maximize reliability of TIM identification. Function parameters are detected using clearly defined  present/absent criteria.

(link http://socionicasys.org/teorija/dlja-novichkov/funkcii).

 

3. Material we work with when identifying a TIM is human speech (in oral or written form), because it has close links with person's mental activity. Our practice has convinced us, that a person cannot control his/her speech well enough to  dissimulate all the information processing tokens. Language composition, speech constructions and meaning convey such tokens. 

 

In SSS we do not use frequency of evoking of different information elements in speech as  a basis for TIM identification, because in such case it's impossible to use the present/absent approach. Besides, prevalence of certain information elements in speech depends not only on the TIM, but also on the function’s acquired experience (person’s education and way of life).  In the course of  an identification we focus mainly  on analysis of the meaning conveyed by the speech  and we are looking for tokens (indicators) of  dimensionality, sign and mental/vital quality of a respective IM function, so we can use the present/absent approach to identify the TIM. (link http://socionicasys.org/praktika/metodika/indikatory-funkcij)

 

4. We do not use the bipolar models, including logics/ethics, sensing/intuition, extroversion/introversion, rationality/irrationality “dichotomies”. Those sets of qualities are often presented as dichotomies, but in reality they do not form mutually exclusive polarities (link http://www.i-u.ru/biblio/archive/chelpanov_ul/ec4.aspx), hence they are not true dichotomies. Furthermore, some of them are not even clearly defined neither there exist methods of their quantitative estimation, so they lack practical value for us.

 

5. We do not rely on any descriptive traits of TIMs for the purposes of TIM identification. Such traits cannot be related to any quantitative scale (they merely describe a typical behavior). Moreover they are rather based on  acquired experience of functions, and there are no methods to separate the acquired experience from the phenomena related to the  A-Model.

 

6. We do not mix different models in our practice, because there is no correlation between them (for example the A-model and Afanasiev’s model).

 

7. We do not use the visual identification methods as a base method of TIM identification, because there is no univocal correspondence between one’s physical constitution and the respective A-Model.  However, visual appearance stereotypes can be used  at the stage of hypothesis advancing.

 

8. Neither we use TIM stereotypes  as a base method of TIM identification, because TIM stereotypes  are formed  mostly on the level of the  Ex dimension,  hence, are intrinsically individual. (link http://socionicasys.org/biblioteka/statji/obraz-tima)

 

9. When identifying a TIM we work in groups of 2-3 persons in order to minimize the  blind spot effect of individual experts. We also use techniques aimed to minimize expert subjectivity level. (link http://socionicasys.org/praktika/metodika/obshchie-pravila-analiza)

 

In general, our method is aimed to exclude all inaccurate and blurry tools from the identification practice, and to further tune the accurate tools. Also we train experts’ minds to work with such tools.

 

Our method stands out from all the other identification methods  by  its approach. It can’t be simplified or reduced  without compromising its main advantage – the high accuracy.  To use the method an expert should complete an appropriate training.  Identification results based on this method are repeatable and demonstrate convergence. However a high quality result can be obtained only by sticking to the spirit and  letter of the approach in its key aspects.

 

For more information:

 

1. http://socionicasys.org/forum/sborniki-po-temam-f73/opredelenie-tima-po-metodike-shss-t4453.html (Forum Materials)

2. http://socionicasys.org/biblioteka/statji/tochnost-diagnostiki-tima-sravnenie-dvuh-podhodov