Model T · V.L.Taranov 2006

Model T

A Neurophysiological Model of Socionics Functions

A neurophysiological model proposed by V.L.Taranov in 2006. It describes each position of Jung's four functions (intuition, sensing, logic, ethics) using two neurophysiological parameters: excitatory filter (H/L) and inhibitory filter (H/L). Its scope is only the four positions (program, creative, contact, activation). The model's core discovery is the structural law that "the program function is always unbalanced, while the creative function is always balanced."
MT

Section 01

What is Model T

What is Model T

Model A stayed at qualitative descriptions like "the leading function is strong" and "the vulnerable function is weak." Taranov asked a deeper question — what is the neurophysiological basis of that "strength"? The answer he proposed was a model of threshold settings for excitatory and inhibitory channels.
Model T describes four positions: program (①), creative (②), contact (③), activation (④). This corresponds to the first half of Model A's mental ring. Each position's function is defined by two axes: "at what signal strength does it fire (excitation)" and "at what signal strength does it stop (inhibition)."
"The excitatory and inhibitory values of the program and activation functions differ (unbalanced). The excitatory and inhibitory values of the creative and contact functions are equal (balanced)."
V.L.Taranov, 2006 — The Fundamental Law of Model T
4

Section 02

Four Function Positions

The Four Function Positions

Taranov uses these names for the four functions of Model A's mental ring. Note that they partly differ from Augusta's naming (leading, creative, role, vulnerable).
①
Program Function
Program Function
Unbalanced
The core of TIM. Its excitatory and inhibitory filter values differ (unbalanced), so it operates autonomously and persistently. The basis for the "hard to stop" property. Corresponds to Model A's leading function (①).
②
Creative Function
Creative Function
Balanced
A flexible implementation means for realizing the program function's purpose. Excitation and inhibition are equal (balanced), so switching according to the situation is easy. The "easy-to-use, versatile" property. Corresponds to Model A's creative function (②).
③
Contact Function
Contact Function
Balanced
A function that receives information through "contact" with the outside. Being balanced, it responds flexibly to external signals. The only function that can temporarily inhibit the program function. Corresponds to Model A's role function (③).
④
Activation Function
Activation Function
Unbalanced
A function "mobilized" by external stimuli. Being unbalanced, it is easily controlled by the contact function. The endpoint where signals from the program function arrive last. Corresponds to Model A's vulnerable function (④).
Taranov's naming vs. Augusta's: Taranov calls ③ "Contact" rather than "Role," and ④ "Activation" rather than "Vulnerable." The function numbers and elements are the same, but the focus on their psychological role differs.
⚙

Section 03

Two Filters

Two Independent Filters

Model T's most important principle: the excitatory and inhibitory filters are two completely independent axes, and the H/L values of each represent entirely different concepts.
Excitatory Filter
On switch — TIM's extraversion/introversion
H/L values reflect the TIM's overall extraversion/introversion, not an element's extraversion/introversion. The first two functions of an extraverted TIM are H, an introverted TIM's are L. The latter two functions (③④) are reversed.
HExtraversion
Selective tuning to high-intensity signals. Appears in ①② of an extraverted TIM.
LIntroversion
Selective tuning to low-intensity signals. Appears in ①② of an introverted TIM.
Inhibitory Filter
Off switch — element color (black/white)
H/L values reflect the element's "color" (black/white). Independent of the TIM's direction. Black elements are L (extratimacy), white elements are H (intimacy).
HIntimacy
White elements (Ni·Si·Ti·Fi). Energy is held inward.
LExtratimacy
Black elements (Ne·Se·Te·Fe). Energy is released outward.
Independence of the four concepts: Extraversion (H excitation), introversion (L excitation), intimacy (H inhibition), and extratimacy (L inhibition) are four independent concepts. For example, ILE's ①Ne: ILE itself is an extraverted TIM → excitation H; Ne is a black element → inhibition L (extratimacy). It is not H because it is Ne.

Element Signs: I / S / L / E

Taranov represents each function as a three-tier diagram: top = excitatory filter / middle = element sign / bottom = inhibitory filter. The middle sign denotes Jung's four function domains by a single letter.
I
Intuition
Intuition
Ne · Ni
Ne → inhibition L (extratimacy)
Ni → inhibition H (intimacy)
S
Sensing
Sensing / Force
Se · Si
Se → inhibition L (extratimacy)
Si → inhibition H (intimacy)
L
Logic
Logic / Law
Te · Ti
Te → inhibition L (extratimacy)
Ti → inhibition H (intimacy)
E
Ethics
Ethics / Relation
Fe · Fi
Fe → inhibition L (extratimacy)
Fi → inhibition H (intimacy)
Three-tier badge example for ILE (from the PDF):
H
I
L
① Ne
extraversion/intuition/extratimacy
H
L
H
② Ti
extraversion/logic/intimacy
L
S
L
③ Se
introversion/sensing/extratimacy
L
E
H
④ Fi
introversion/ethics/intimacy
⚖

Section 04

Balanced & Unbalanced

Balanced & Unbalanced Functions

Model T's central discovery: the program function (①) and activation function (④) are always unbalanced, while the creative function (②) and contact function (③) are always balanced.
Unbalanced (ex ≠ inh)
Program (①) and Activation (④)
H
I
L
Extraverted TIM ①
L
E
H
Extraverted TIM ④
Excitatory and inhibitory values differ. Operates autonomously and persistently; switching is difficult. The basis for "the program function's unstoppable passion" and "the activation function's intense reaction."
Balanced (ex = inh)
Creative (②) and Contact (③)
H
L
H
Extraverted TIM ②
L
S
L
Extraverted TIM ③
Excitatory and inhibitory values are equal. Allows flexible response and easy switching depending on the situation. The basis for "the creative function's versatility" and "the contact function's ability to inhibit the program."
Mechanism that determines balance:
Extraverted TIM (H excitation) + white element (H inhibition) = H/H balanced (e.g., ILE ②Ti)
Extraverted TIM (H excitation) + black element (L inhibition) = H/L unbalanced (e.g., ILE ①Ne)
Introverted TIM (L excitation) + white element (H inhibition) = L/H unbalanced (e.g., LII ①Ti)
Introverted TIM (L excitation) + black element (L inhibition) = L/L balanced (e.g., LII ②Ne)
Two rules (from the PDF):
Excitatory filter rule: ①② share the same excitatory filter value. Extraverts have H, introverts have L. ③④ are reversed relative to ①②.
Inhibitory filter rule: The inhibitory filter value is determined by element color (black=L/white=H), alternating between adjacent functions. The first function's inhibitory value is the inverse of its excitatory value.
16

Section 05

All 16 Types

All 16 Types — Model T Formulas

Model T formulas for all 16 types as published in Taranov's PDF (Table 1). From left to right: ① program · ② creative · ③ contact · ④ activation.
TypeName① Program　② Creative　③ Contact　④ Activation
ILE Seeker
H
I
L
H
L
H
L
S
L
L
E
H
SEI Mediator
L
S
H
L
E
L
H
I
H
H
L
L
ESE Enthusiast
H
E
L
H
S
H
L
L
L
L
I
H
LII Analyst
L
L
H
L
I
L
H
E
H
H
S
L
EIE Hero
H
E
L
H
I
H
L
L
L
L
S
H
LSI Inspector
L
L
H
L
S
L
H
E
H
H
I
L
SLE Reformer
H
S
L
H
L
H
L
I
L
L
E
H
IEI Prophet
L
I
H
L
E
L
H
S
H
H
L
L
SEE Politician
H
S
L
H
E
H
L
I
L
L
L
H
ILI Critic
L
I
H
L
L
L
H
S
H
H
E
L
LIE Entrepreneur
H
L
L
H
I
H
L
E
L
L
S
H
ESI Guardian
L
E
H
L
S
L
H
L
H
H
I
L
LSE Administrator
H
L
L
H
S
H
L
E
L
L
I
H
EII Humanist
L
E
H
L
I
L
H
L
H
H
S
L
IEE Counselor
H
I
L
H
E
H
L
S
L
L
L
H
SLI Craftsman
L
S
H
L
L
L
H
I
H
H
E
L
MK

Section 06

Model K — Extension of Taranov's Theory

Extension in Model K

Taranov's original Model T is described using only H/L binary values. Model K, developed by the Japan Socionics Association, takes this as a starting point and adds two parameters, extending it into a more precise descriptive system.
Taranov's Model T (original)
2 parameters × 4 positions
Excitation (H/L) × Inhibition (H/L)
→ 4 patterns
H
I
L
L
I
H
L
I
L
H
I
H
Model K Extension
4 parameters × 4 positions
Excitation (H/L) × Mode (T/P) × Inhibition (H/L) × Direction (R/E)
→ 16 patterns
Extension Parameter I
T/P (Tonic / Phasic)
Temporal pattern of excitation. T (tonic): once ignited, sustains for a long time. P (phasic): fires intensely for a short time and quickly subsides.
Extension Parameter II
R/E (Repressive / Expressive)
Direction of inhibition. R (repressive): contracts energy inward. E (expressive): releases energy outward as action or speech.
Connection to Model K's 64-function code system: By combining Model T's H/L binary with Model K's T/P · R/E extensions, each function code (e.g., the 64 codes such as +Ne-p, -Ti-c) carries its own unique "neurophysiological profile." For example, +Ne-p is HT/LE (high-intensity tonic excitation / low-threshold expressive release), and -Ti-c is HP/HE (high-intensity phasic excitation / high-threshold expressive release).
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What is Socionics? → 32 Types → Relations → Traits → Groups → Quadra → Functions → Function Theory Guide → Psychological Blocks → Model A Guide → Taranov Theory → Psychology Theory Guide → Theoretical Foundations (Five Thinkers) → Augusta's Classical Socionics → Column → Statistics →