Section 2-3: The T vs F Dichotomy and "R" Types.

Courtesy of findicons.com

As the MBTI defines them, I find there are no greater options between which there are no wiggle-room than the options of T vs F. I myself am described as an F, however I do not believe this to be a fair ruling. Like Harry Potter, I am going to go against the sorting hat, and talk my way out of being sent to house Slytherin.

The main issue that I have with the T vs F structure is that it is worded in such a way that any compromise between T and F is a victory for F regardless of decision made. I tend to make decisions that either align with T or are parallel to it. The reason I am classified as an F is that these decisions affect me emotionally, whereas a T apparently also stands for "Terminator" as they incorporate no emotions into their decision making process nor are they affected personally by the decisions they make. The "R" in R Type stands for Rational, as in, people will use both concepts from T and F lines of thought and go from there to make the rational decision. Not always as purely objective a choice, but equally pragmatic to the T choice.

The in class discussion used the example of two individuals buying cars and the differences in the decisions that they make. This model fits in nicely with the R type as well... so I will stick with it in presenting the concepts.

Scenario 1: The T type buys a Ford Focus.

Courtesy of car-pictures.cars.com

This guy is a cool customer, he's done all of his market research on the vehicles from several different manufacturers prior to purchase, He can tell you the MSRP of the vehicle he is buying down to the cent, he knows all of the features he can afford and this is not an emotional decision for him. he's probably getting a grey car today as they are the most mass produced, and they hold the highest resale value. Sure, he might barter to get a free car starter or couple of dollars off, but at the end of the day that's just gravy, he knows exactly what he's getting and what he pays.



 Scenario 2: The F type buys a Ford... Focus? I meant Mustang.

Courtesy of hansenford.ca

Today is a really exciting day! for the first time a financed car is within his grasp. There was a Ford Focus on the lot last week, it was about 17,000$ or so... something like that anyways. it seemed really nice. BUTOMGWAIT. THERES A POWDER BLUE MUSTANG??? How much is it? ...Jeez, thats expensive... How many years? oh! but if he pays for that long the monthly payments will be the same as that focus! Insurance costs? He'll worry about that later, right now he's gotta find a trophy wife to tear up the tarmac with!




Scenario 3: The R type buys a Ford Focus... ST!

Courtesy of caronwhite.com

This is it. time to buy a Ford Focus. This car has been reviewed as very reliable, the price is affordable and thanks to some careful penny pinching he can afford to get the heated leather seats. He's ready to sign the papers at the desk when he sees something across the showroom floor. there's a Focus ST with a custom paintjob and sports suspension. No power windows or heated leather though... however, it's a much "cooler" car... how much is it? it's the same price? That's the car for him. keeps the budget in check, no unplanned expenses today, and his personal flair gets shown off.




See where I'm headed with this? Mr.R bought the same car as Mr.T, but changed the features of the decision to reflect his own feelings in regards to the matter. The entire basis for the "R" type argument is that many people will use both facets of "T" and "F" in decision making, and it's a rare thing that we use either one exclusively, especially when it comes to making a large decision. If I'm paying over 10,000$ for a car I can promise you two things... it will never be a Toyota Corolla, and it will never be grey. Why? Because I Hate Toyotas and Grey is the worst colour/shade ever... I'll drive a Red Grand Caravan for the same price.

Pictured: The worlds hands down ugliest car ever made... EVER.
-Courtey of consumerguide.com-