Extraversion and introversion

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This page is about the type dichotomy. See Information aspects for the aspect/element dichotomy of the same name.

Extroversion / Introversion is one of the 4 Jungian dichotomies, and one of the 15 Reinin dichotomies. Extroverts tend to focus on the characteristics and behavior of objects (people, things, events) outside the observer. In contrast, introverts tend to focus on their own response to and perception of objects. Augusta likened the difference between extroverted and introverted information to the difference between bodies and fields in physics. "Bodies" are objects with mass and certain qualities, while "fields" are the realm of interaction between bodies.

Elements, information aspects, and types can all be considered extroverted or introverted. An extrovert's leading function is extroverted, and an introvert's leading function is introverted. However, each type's Model A contains all eight elements, half of which are extroverted and half of which are introverted. Depending on which element a person is using at any given moment, his perception and behavior will be more extroverted or more introverted. Extroverted types are often called extratims (from 'extraverted type of information metabolism'), and introverted types introtims.

The extroverts are: ILE, ESE, EIE, SLE, SEE, LIE, LSE, and IEE.

The introverts are: SEI, LII, LSI, IEI, ILI, ESI, EII, and SLI.

[edit] Typical characteristics

In group tasks, extroverts are more likely to take the lead position because of their tendancy to initiate ideas rather than react to the ideas presented by others. In casual group conversations, extroverts tend to be those who introduce new topics to the conversation, while introverts just comment on the topics that are already initiated. When extroverts reply to a topic of discussion, they tend to give their personal view of the topic even if it changes the direction of the discussion.

[edit] Extroverts

1. Generally displays more energy expending behaviour.
2. Tends to be more active and initiating.
3. Tends to overdo things, may appear zealous.
4. Usually more initiative-driven leadership style.
5. Inclined to feel that it is up to him to establish contact, also in terms of initiating and maintaining relationships, with other people.
6. Difficulty with maintaining low levels of physical or mental energy for longer periods, more difficulty with relaxing.
7. Broader gesticulation during conversations.

[edit] Introtims

1. Has generally a more energy-saving behaviour.
2. Tends to be more passive, with more modest initiative.
3. Conservative in undertakings, not inclined to do more than that which is necessary.
4. Usually more stability-driven leadership style.
5. Comfortable with letting others take the initiative in establishing contact in the context of a relationship.
6. Relative ease with relaxing and comfort with maintaining a low level of energy for longer periods.
7. More constrained gesticulation during conversations.

[edit] Misconceptions

A common misconception, usually influenced by some interpretations of MBTI or even of Jung's typology, is that extroverts are extroverted as in "socially outgoing", and introverts are introverted as in "socially reserved". In socionics terms, however, that is not so. An introvert may be extremely socially outgoing and even prefer a situation with broad and intensive social interaction as in a large group; an extrovert may be socially reserved in terms of preferring social interactions limited to a very small number of select individuals. What is more important, in terms of socionics extroversion/introversion, is whether the individual is inclined to take the initiative in establishing the social interaction (of whatever kind), or prefers to let others take this initiative.

[edit] Further reading

• Extraversion and introversion (psychology) — Comparison of extroversion and introversion in Jung's typology and socionics with the meaning of these terms in modern psychology