Sensing (S) and Intuiting (N) are the two ends of a scale of preference for how you take in information. (The N is for Intuiting rather than the I, because I is used in the Extravert/Intovert pair)
Information gathering preferences (S vs N)
S: take in information through their 5 senses, the “real world”. Facts, empirical data, what actually exists. Values common sense, practical solutions and past experience. Think: Dr Temperance Brennan on Bones.
N: also uses the 5 senses, but pays more attention to intuition, gut feeling, hunches. Looks for associations, patterns, possibilities, underlying meanings. Think: Agent Seeley Booth on Bones.
S Strengths:
- prefer factual, concrete information
- focus on specifics, the present
- pragmatic (whatever works)
- realistic
- practical
- down-to-earth
N Strengths:
- inspired and imaginative
- future focus
- focus on potential & possibility
- innovator
- big picture
Distribution (approximate)
Sensing: 75%
Intuiting: 25%
For a good, accessible, practical (very N!) book, try What Type am I?