The Four Temperaments, as taught by David Keirsey, are a way of segregating types into common goals or motivations. It can be a valuable tool in profiling, especially when a subject is narrowed down to type types of different temperaments.
The Four Temperaments are as follows:
SJ – Sensor-Judger (nickname: Guardians). These are all types with S and J in their 4 letter code. They share Introverted Sensing as a common function and they seek to uphold structure in what is otherwise perceived as a chaotic world.
SP – Sensor-Perceiver (nickname: Artisans). These are all types with S and P in their 4 letter code. They share Extraverted Sensing as a common function and they seek stimulation and sensory pleasure.
NF – iNtuitive-Feeler (nickname: Idealists). These are all types with N and F in their 4 letter code. They share iNtuition and Feeling, but no necessarily any of the same cognitive functions. They seek to facilitate personal and inter-personal meaning and growth.
NT – iNtuitive-Thinker (nickname: Rationalists). These are all types with N and T in their 4 letter code. They share iNtuition and Thinking, but not necessarily any of the same cognitive functions. They seek to achieve knowledge and competence.