Socionics (Model K): from four factors to five
Socionics (Model K) starts from the classical four factors and 16 types. Drawing on Talanov’s proposal of Questim and Declatim functions (Qi, Qe, Di and De), it introduces neurotic tendency as an independent fifth factor, Q/D. Socionics (Model K) defines types and intertype relations through five basic factors, the further traits formed by their products, and function definitions across layers 1–5. Its 32 types are read through this whole structure.
The five basic factors are R (Irrationality / Rationality), E (Extraversion / Introversion), Q (Questim / Declatim), N (Intuition / Sensing) and T (Logic / Ethics). With two poles per factor, there are 2⁵ = 32 types and 2⁵ − 1 = 31 nonempty factor products.
Type Q/D and trait Q/D
The type suffixes -Q and -D reflect function structure, including Qi, Qe, Di and De. Type Q/D and trait Q/D use the same letters but describe different things.
As a trait axis, Q/D describes reopening an established evaluation for reconsideration versus retaining it as a basis for further processing.
These operations shift dynamically with the situation. A single behavior does not determine a person’s type.
Different operations within the same person
Someone receives new information about a proposal they considered promising and revisits the grounds of that evaluation. Here, they reopen it.
The same person then uses the evaluation reached through that review to work out how to implement the proposal. Here, they retain it.
Both moments can occur for either a -Q or a -D type. Neither suffix means a person uses only one operation.
The 32 types of Socionics (Model K)
Classical socionics has 16 types, 15 Reinin traits and four quadras. Model K defines 32 types, 31 traits and eight quadras. The 31 include the five basic factors. Even when a trait keeps an older name, its definition and type assignments follow current Model K.
Trait Q: reopening / Trait D: retaining →
Reflect on when the operation changes
What information leads you to reopen an evaluation? What do you need to establish before using it as a basis for the next step? Notice these shifts within yourself at work or in conversation. To understand type, also consider the other traits and the arrangement of functions.
Socionics, MBTI, 16Personalities and the Big Five compared →