Introduction
The study and analysis of personality trait are extremely
beneficial as it helps in understanding the reason why people have different
thought patterns, behaviours, and feelings. In short, personality traits can be
defined as the aspect of consistency and stability scored by different people
in various circumstances. Different psychologists across the globe have
classified character traits into two broad categories identified as introvert
and extrovert. These same psychologists further agree that there is no purely
extrovert or introvert but the dominant trait with other minor features of the
other character traits is used in the identification of personality. In his lessons,
Professor Jonathan emphasized that there are four different introversion that
includes anxiety, thinking, social and restrained. He adds that even the
introverts have these features in varying degrees (Ratele, 2019). In this regard, it is evident that both
introverts and extroverts share significant character traits but to different
degrees.
Because of the above
revelations, it is evident that introverts and extroverts share identical
traits but in different degrees. This research paper aims to ascertain the
critical differences between these two personality traits
Extroverts
Over the period, different people have classified this group of
people as outgoing and friendly people. Even though this identification might
true it is not the only indicator of extroversion character traits. According
to Gordon, people with this kind of trait generally
obtain energy when they around people. Extroverts are commonly regarded as
sociable and action-oriented people, they are enthusiastic, talkative,
out-going, and friendly(2016). Despite the above description of extroverts,
other people express some negative attributes associated with this group where
they are noted as easily distracted, attention-seekers and people who are
unable to spend time alone
Some of the common factors common with extroverts are listed
below
1.
Like to communicate by taking
2.
They enjoy group work
3.
They are often frustrated by time to spend alone
4.
They have a broad interest
5.
They often look outside for sources of inspirations and ideas
6.
They love talking about feelings and thoughts
7.
They love to engage in risk-taking behaviors
How to know when one is an extrovert
They love to talk
Extroverts often enjoy talking to strangers as they explore
conversations with completely new strangers when they learn new ideas and how
different people live their lives. Extroverts do not enjoy the company of their
friends and family members or even their co-workers because they are already
used to them. Because of this capacity, they have a wide range of friends owing
to their ability to meet and enjoy new company.
Socializing helps
extroverts to be inspired and energized
One of the leading features of this character trait is to
ascertain the impact of social interactions. When social interactions increase
the energy and the feeling of being refreshed then the extrovert trait is
dominant. In this regard, an extrovert person will choose to spend spare time
with a group rather than be alone.
Problem-solving
through discussion
When extroverts are experiencing disparities in life, they often
prefer to talk with others to figure out possible solutions. When this happens,
they are often able to find solutions from friends, family, and colleagues in
workplaces. This is contrary to introverts who prefer to think about their
problems by spending time alone.
Extroverts are
described as approachable and friendly
These kinds of people are extremely sociable and they find it
easy to meet new people making new friends. They are social and easy to
approach and this makes them open to new friends, conversations and also
learning new ideas. They often share their thoughts and feelings freely while
introverts are often perceived to be closed and alone. Finally, the results of
the study conducted in Australia have revealed that most extroverts are risk
takes which stimulate the production of dopamine (Ratele, 2019). Dopamine is the chemical that escalates the
reward system in the brain.
Introverts
Introverts are the specific group of people that operate
on the opposite of extroverts. They are energized by spending their time alone
and they are not engaged with many social activities. Generally, psychologists
have identified a set of characteristics that can be observed to ascertain that
an individual is an introvert (Gordon,
2016). These classes of
people are considered quiet and reserved where they are not willing to explore
new territories. Additionally, they are believed to be shy and silent which
describes them as passive individuals. Apart from the above descriptions, they
also have other positive attributes that include calmness and reliability.
These are ideal features that make advance career levels.
How to identify introverts
They don’t like being around lots of people
Research findings note that introverts do not like spending time
with lots of people because this drains their energy. On the contrary, they
often retreat to be alone for an extended amount of time. Contrary to
extroverts who like to meet new people, introverts often prefer to spend time
with family and close friends
They enjoy solitude
The perfect afternoon for an introvert is defined by his hobbies
and personal interests. They are often refreshed after spending hours reading
their books, watching their preferred program or just having nature walk with
friends.
They often have close
friends as a small group
Contrary to the perception that introverts do not like people,
psychological findings have asserted that they do enjoy the company of close
friends. These types of people prefer to establish long-lasting relationships
where they get to know one another with intimacy and closeness. Because of this
trait, introverts have few friends where they prefer one-on-one meetings and
discussion rather than large group discussions.
Perceived to be quiet and not easy
Key phrases for describing them are mellow, reserved, quiet, and
mistakenly shy. Their reserve nature should never be confused with timidity.
Introverts prefer to carefully choose their words with the attribute of not
wasting time on endless chit-chats.
They are unfocused and
distracted due to stimulation
Introverts are not designed to spend time on hectic environments
and activities because this will cause them to be overwhelmed thereby leading
to boredom. Research findings also note that introverts are more easily
distracted than extroverts
Self-awareness
The level of self-awareness amongst the introverts is higher
than extroverts because they spend more time focusing on their internal
structures and experiences. In this regard, they have more motivation and
self-awareness through knowledge and understanding attributed to self
–quietness. They often explore their hobbies, or they just spend time thinking
about themselves. Given the mentioned activities, introverts are more
self-aware than extroverts (Shoesmith,
2015).
Hans Eysenck theory and the genetic differences between
introvert and extroverts
This theory developed by the psychologist Han posits that every
person has three large traits that are identified as extraversion,
psychoticism, and neuroticism. Each person has different levels of these traits
and they intern determine the personalities of the people. The following are
illustrations based on Han’s theory
Neuroticism (emotional
instability-stability)
Eysenck understands that neuroticism is a condition of emotional
instability and he uses this to explain cases of anxiety, hysteria, and
depression. In his explanation, he terms neurotic people as the ones that react
exaggeratedly and they have difficulty returning to normal emotional levels. This
majorly affects extroverts (Ratele,
2019). On the other hand,
he highlights introverts as emotionally stable and calm which makes them gain
self-control
Extraversion
(introversion-extraversion)
Because of this genetic difference, Han states that people with
a greater score in extraversion tend to have higher social, impulsiveness. They
are optimistic and show ingenuity. On the other hand, introverted people are
calm, more pessimistic and less social. The significant difference between the
two attributes is the level of cortical arousal (Gordon, 2016). Therefore it is evident that the difference between introvert
and extrovert is the aspect of the psychological or genetic setup.
Advantages of being an
introvert
o
Introverts choose their words carefully and their words have
more weight
o
They can process a greater volume of information
o
They have a higher level of focus
o
Introverts are the quiet type meaning they can be good tenants
to the demanding landlords
Disadvantages of being introverts
·
They often find verbal communication to be difficult
·
Introverts often make a first bad impression because they are
good at making friends and impressions
·
They are not accustomed to the social norms
·
Many introverts find networking difficult and they opt to avoid
it
Advantages of extroverts
o
Extroverts have a fast growth ladder in social life, school or
career
o
They are always active and yearns to be part of the winning team
o
Extroverts can easily express their feelings because of their
expressive nature
The disadvantages of being extroverts
o
This trait can be unknowingly annoying and offensive when they
speak without thinking
o
They often lack self-awareness
o
This trait can make people do things because they think they are
friendly while they are not
Famous extroverts
There is a long list of famous extroverts who have risen to the
top positions of leadership and professional careers. Some of them are listed
below as follows
1.
Steve Jobs-Innovator
2.
Bill Clinton-President
3.
Boris Yeltsin- President
4.
Muhammad Ali- boxer
5.
Marie Antoinette- Queen
6.
Margaret Thatcher- Prime minister
Famous Introverts
1.
Bill Gates
2.
Elon Musk
3.
J.K. Rowling
4.
Warren Buffet
5.
Eleanor Roosevelt
6.
Emma Watson
7.
Meryl Streep
Conclusion
To understand why extroverts and introverts are different, it is
essential to understand that they have different genetical formations that
influence their behaviors. Psychological theories of Hans Eysenck assert that
every person is endowed by all the traits but the dominants lead to labeling as
either introvert or extravert. The research has proven that introverts are more
self-conscious while extroverts are quicker in advancing professional or career
ranks. In this regard, extroverts and introverts are indeed so different but
the difference is not based on their superiority. On the other hand, the
difference is based on the dominant traits, the formation of the genes during
child development. Both introverts and extroverts can ascend to the highest
level of leadership as shown by the list of famous people who have excelled in
various capacities.
References
Gordon, L. (2016). INTROVERTS IN AN EXTROVERTS'
WORLD: Most lawyers are introverted, and that's not necessarily a bad
thing. ABA Journal, 102(1), 36-41. Retrieved April 4,
2020, from www.jstor.org/stable/24806712
Ratele, K. (2019). Scholarly extraverts and
introverts. In The World Looks Like This From Here: Thoughts on African
Psychology (p. 83). Johannesburg: Wits University Press. Retrieved
April 4, 2020, from www.jstor.org/stable/10.18772/12019093900.38
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