Week 11 – TEXT 4

WRITING PRACTICE I

Are You An Extravert?

Test
How extraverted are you? Find out with
this online test:
https://www.psychologistworld.com/influence-
personality/five-factor-test/extraversion-test

1
Published: 2.02.2017

Extraversion and Introversion

by Johannes Smith

A look at extraversion as a personality trait. What determines whether a person

is extraverted or introverted?

Do you thrive when you are the center of attention in a large group?
Are you the first person to introduce yourself at a party? Or, do you
turn shy at parties and situations in which you might have to speak
to strangers?

2
If you flourish in social situations, you may have an extraverted personality.
For decades, psychologists have used this personality trait to better
understand how our personalities differ. People with high levels of
extraversion tend to feel more comfortable in social situations. They are
usually outgoing, talkative, and are happy to be the center of attention even
in a group of strangers. Extraverts enjoy meeting new people and are happy
to take command when nobody else will lead. They will generally enjoy a
wide social network of friends and acquaintances resulting from their
outgoing behavior.

Whilst extraversion is associated with outgoing behavior - an external

activity - it also helps us to understand a person’s inner world. Psychologists
believe that a need for social stimulation drives extraverts' behavior. They
find it possible to meet this need by engaging in conversations with
strangers, or leading group in challenges at work. Extraverts feel a sense of
reward following such social experiences.

Extraversion vs Introversion

Some people are, of course, more extraverted than others, and to different
degrees. We can understand extraversion as varying in extent on an
introversion-extraversion scale. A person with a lower level of extraversion
may be described as an introvert. Introverts feel more comfortable when
socialising in small groups, and with people who they are familiar with.
They may find demanding social gatherings to be draining, and be reluctant
to draw attention to themselves in groups. As a result, introverts tend to
have fewer friends and associates but form strong relationships with those
friends they do have. Instead of seeking stimulation by socialising, they
receive it from within and are content with their own company. Introverts
tend to be quieter, more cerebral, and more reflective than extraverts.

As people tend to fall somewhere between two extremes of extraversion and

introversion, extraversion is measured on a continuum. Many people will
exhibit extraverted behavior to different degrees in particular situations. At
other times, the same people will behave in an introverted fashion. The term
ambivert is used to describe a person who falls in the middle of the
extravert-introvert scale.

3
What Causes a Person to be Extraverted ?

What factors cause a person to be more extraverted than another?

Sometimes, close relatives, raised in the same environment by the same
parents, will be extraverted. But at the same time, their brother or sister will
be an introvert. Do we become extraverted or introverted depending on the
way we are socialised? Or is the extraversion trait inherited from our
parents?

Nature

According to Eysenck (1956), biological factors play a significant role in

determining our personality traits. In a 1956 twin study, he found a stronger
correlation between extraversion amongst identical than fraternal twins,
suggesting a hereditary influence on this personality trait. He later claimed
that low levels of cortical arousal in extraverts lead them to seek stimulation
from their environment, whilst introverts’ increased cortical arousal reduces
their need to engage with external stimuli (Eysenck, 1979). (Extract 3 –
irrelevant)

A recent study has provided further support for the idea that biological
factors influence extraversion. In a paper published in the journal Social
Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, researchers in Italy, the US and UK
studied MRI scans from the Human Connectome Project. They found a
series of correlations between participants’ Five Factor personality traits and
brain structures. Specifically, the research revealed increased cortical
thickness amongst extraverts in the precuneus region of the brain (Riccelli et
al., 2017). Differences in brain structure were found in the precuneus of
extraverts, compared to introverts (Riccelli et al., 2017).

Nurture

Research also suggests that environmental factors could play a role in

personality development. Erik Noftle and Phillip Shaver (2006) found that
the mother-child relationship can affect extraversion levels. They
investigated attachment styles - the type of relationship formed between
mother and child during the early stages of childhood development. Noftle
and Shaver reported that children who formed a secure attachment with a
parent exhibited higher levels of extraversion than those who formed other
types of attachment.

4
Other studies have focussed on child-rearing styles and later interactions
between parents and their children, as influences on extraversion levels.
Researchers at Osaka University in Japan found that the children of
protective parents tended to exhibit lower levels of extraversion, for instance
(Nakao et al., 2000).

Parental discipline may also influence the development of a child’s

personality. Siegelman (1966) reported that sons who were punished by
their parents would exhibit more introverted behavior than those who were
less severely disciplined.

Extraversion and Happiness

Are extraverts happier than introverts? Studies have long supported a link
between extraversion and subjective well-being. Extraverts gain pleasure
from the attention and stimulation of social interactions with friends, family,
colleagues, and even strangers. Furthermore, extraverts’ enthusiasm for
social activities and their engagement with their environment has been
found to lead them to actively seek out more of these enjoyable experiences.

However, increased opportunities to socialise appear not to be the only

factor in extraverts’ happiness. Even whilst alone, extraverts report being
happier than introverts (Diener, 1992).

Links between extraversion and subjective well-being may lead people to

feel that their potential to achieve happiness has been predetermined by their
personality type. But this is not necessarily true. Researchers at Oxford
Brookes University have suggested that extraversion levels simply affect the
behavior that we use to find happiness, rather than determining it. Extraverts
enjoy social situations and therefore actively seek them out, whilst introverts
find them uncomfortable and look for solitude as a way of avoiding
unwanted social interactions (Hills & Argyle, 2001).

Researchers at Wake Forest University in North Carolina have suggested

that extraversion as a personality trait may not, in fact, be the cause of
happiness. Instead, they found in a series of experiments that people were
happier in situations in which they were required to behave as extraverts.
So, an introvert may act extraverted - push herself to be more sociable, for
instance - and feel more positive as a result (Fleeson et al., 2002).

5
References

1.Jung, C. G. and Godwyn Baynes, H. (1921). Psychologische Typen. Zurich:

Rascher.

2.Eysenck, H. J. (1967). The biological basis of personality. Transaction

Publishers.

3.Eysenck, H. J. and Eysenck, S. B. G. (1976). Eysenck personality

questionnaire. Educational and industrial testing service.

4.Eysenck, H. J. (1956). The inheritance of extraversion-introversion. Acta

Psychologica. 12, 95-110.

5.Eysenck, H. J. (1979). Crime and personality. Medico-Legal Journal. 47(1).

18-32.

6.Riccelli, R., Toschi, N., Nigro, S., Terracciano, A. and Passamonti, L.

(2017). Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. 2017 nsw175.
Retrieved from
https://academic.oup.com/scan/article/doi/10.1093/scan/nsw175/2952683/S
urface-based-morphometry-reveals-the.

7.Shaver, P. R. and Noftle, E. E. (2006). Attachment dimensions and the big

five personality traits: Associations and comparative ability to predict
relationship quality. Journal of Research in Personality. 40, 179-208.

8.Nakao, K., Takaishi, J., Tatsuta, K., Katayama, H., Iwase, M., Yorifuji, K.
and Takeda, M. (2000). The influences of family environment on personality
traits. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. 54(1), 91-95.

9.Siegelman, M. (1966). Loving and Punishing Parental Behavior and

Introversion Tendencies in Sons. Child Development. 37(4), 985-992.

10.Magnus, K., Diener, E., Fujita, F. and Pavot, W. (1993). Extraversion and
neuroticism as predictors of objective life events: A longitudinal analysis.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 65(5), 1046-1053.

11.Diener, E., Sandvik, E., Pavot, W. and Fujita, F. (1992). Extraversion and
subjective well-being in a U.S. national probability sample. Journal of
Research in Personality. 26(3), 205-215.

12.Hills, P. and Argyle, M. (2001). Happiness, introversion-extraversion and

happy introverts. Personality and Individual Differences. 30(4). 595-608.

6
13.Fleeson, W., Malanos, A. B. and Achille, N.M. (2002). An Intraindividual
Process Approach to the Relationship Between Extraversion and Positive
Affect: Is Acting Extraverted as "Good" as Being Extraverted? Journal of
Personality and Social Psychology. 83(6). 1409

7
 EXTRACT 1

Links between extraversion and subjective well-being may lead people to feel
that their potential to achieve happiness has been predetermined by their
personality type. But this is not necessarily true. Researchers at Oxford
Brookes University have suggested that extraversion levels simply affect the
behavior that individuals use to find happiness, rather than determining it.
Extraverts enjoy social situations and therefore actively seek them out, whilst
introverts find them uncomfortable and look for solitude as a way of avoiding
unwanted social interactions.

Find a word in Extract 1 similar in meaning to those below:

1. contentment, welfare (n.)

2. power, capacity (n.)
3. attain, accomplish (v.)
4. fixed, (pre)arranged (adj.)
5. isolation, detachment (n.)
6. escape, stay away from (v.)

What do the following words refer to in Extract 1?

1. their (line 2):

2. this (line 2):
3. it (line 5):
4. them (line 6):

EXTRACT 2

If you flourish in social situations, you may have an extraverted personality. For
decades, psychologists have used this personality trait to better understand
how our personalities differ. People with high levels of extraversion tend to feel
more comfortable in social situations. They are usually outgoing, talkative, and
are happy to be the center of attention even in a group of strangers. Extraverts
enjoy meeting new people and are happy to take command when nobody else
will lead. They will generally enjoy a wide social network of friends and
acquaintances resulting from their outgoing behavior.

Find a word in Extract 2 similar in meaning to those below:

1. thrive, do well (v.)

2. ten years (n.)
3. quality, feature (n.)
4. vary, be dissimilar (v.)
5. friendly, sociable (adj.)
6. contact, associate (n.)

8
 What do the following words refer to in Extract 2?

1. this (line 2)
2. They (line 4)
3. They (line 6)
4. their (line 7):

EXTRACT 3

Whilst extraversion is associated with outgoing behavior - an external activity -

it also helps us to understand a person’s inner world. Psychologists believe that
a need for social stimulation drives extraverts' behavior. They find it possible to
meet this need by engaging in conversations with strangers, or leading group
in challenges at work. Extraverts feel a sense of reward following such social
experiences.

Find a word in Extract 3 similar in meaning to those below:

1. link, connect (v.)

2. influence (v.)
3. satisfy (v.)
4. dialogue (n.)
5. difficulty (n.)
6. satisfy (v.)

What do the following words refer to in the extract?

1. it (line 1):
2. They (line 3):_______________
3. this need (line 3):_______________

EXTRACT 4

Are extraverts happier than introverts? Studies have long supported a link
between extraversion and subjective well-being. Extraverts gain pleasure from
the attention and stimulation of social interactions with friends, family,
colleagues, and even strangers. Furthermore, extraverts’ enthusiasm for social
activities and their engagement with their environment has been found to lead
them to actively seek out more of these enjoyable experiences.

9
 Find a word in Extract 4 similar in meaning to those below:

1. personal (adj.)
2. obtain, get (v.)
3. communication, exchange (n.)
4. exuberance/ eagerness(v.)
5. involvement(n.)

What do the following words refer to in Extract 4?

1. their (line 4): _______________

2. them (line 5): _______________

Now look at the following question. Identify the task, content, and controlling
idea.

Question: Discuss whether extroverts really make better leaders in the

workplace than introverts.

Task (Question word): ___________________________________________

Content: _________________________________________

Controlling idea (in the question): ___________________________

Based on the information in the Extracts 1-4 complete the claim below by
choosing two of the limitations: emotional, physical, interpersonal,
environmental.

Claim: In contrast to introverts, extroverts have an edge that boosts their

chances of success in the workplace as they enjoy distinct _________ and
_____________ advantages.

Decide which extract(s) would best support the claim above?

 Extracts ..................

10
Extract 1 Links between extraversion and subjective well-being may lead people
to feel that their potential to achieve happiness has been predetermined by their
personality type. But this is not necessarily true. Researchers at Oxford Brookes
University have suggested that extraversion levels simply affect the behavior that
individuals use to find happiness, rather than determining it. Extraverts enjoy
social situations and therefore actively seek them out, whilst introverts find them
uncomfortable and look for solitude as a way of avoiding unwanted social
interactions.

Extract 2 If you flourish in social situations, you may have an extraverted

personality. For decades, psychologists have used this personality trait to better
understand how our personalities differ. People with high levels of extraversion
tend to feel more comfortable in social situations. They are usually outgoing,
talkative, and are happy to be the center of attention even in a group of strangers.
Extraverts enjoy meeting new people and are happy to take command when
nobody else will lead. They will generally enjoy a wide social network of friends
and acquaintances resulting from their outgoing behavior.

Extract 3 Whilst extraversion is associated with outgoing behavior - an external

activity - it also helps us to understand a person’s inner world. Psychologists
believe that a need for social stimulation drives extraverts' behavior. They find it
possible to meet this need by engaging in conversations with strangers, or
leading group in challenges at work. Extraverts feel a sense of reward following
such social experiences.

Extract 4 Are extraverts happier than introverts? Studies have long supported a
link between extraversion and subjective well-being. Extraverts gain pleasure
from the attention and stimulation of social interactions with friends, family,
colleagues, and even strangers. Furthermore, extraverts’ enthusiasm for social
activities and their engagement with their environment has been found to lead
them to actively seek out more of these enjoyable experiences.

In Writing Task I (on p.11) you are expected to complete the paragraph by
paraphrasing and summarizing relevant evidence from the extracts. Which
extract would you summarize? Why?

11
Now select relevant evidence to paraphrase from the extracts 2 and 3 to
support the claim.

WRITING TASK I

Complete the paragraph below by paraphrasing and summarizing the parts you
have selected from the extracts:

In contrast to introverts, extroverts have an edge that boosts their chances of

success in the workplace as they enjoy distinct emotional and interpersonal
advantages.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
________________________ . As can be seen, extroversion is linked with a
greater motivation to achieve positive goals and it is closely associated with
experiencing positive emotions more regularly. As happy employees are usually
more satisfied, they tend to work harder and are perceived to be a better leader
as a result. Furthermore, it can be inferred that since extroverts enjoy the
company of others, they tend to adapt better to different social situations and are
adept at persuasion, which is a strong leadership skill. To sum up, the high
performance of extroverts in the workplace tends to come about as a result of the
combination of their emotional and social characteristics which have a cumulative
effect throughout one’s career.

Self-check:

 Did you keep your paragraph to a single subject?

 Does the evidence support the claim/ main idea? Is it relevant?
 Did you follow the 5-steps of summarizing?
 Is your language formal?
 Did you avoid contractions? (Don’t, it’s, etc.)?
 Did you cite borrowed information?
 Is the citation properly formatted?
 Did you use cohesive devices (linkers/transitional signals/connectors)?
 Are grammar and spelling correct?
 Did you use the correct punctuation?

12
Revision

Sample paragraph:
1
In contrast to introverts, extroverts have an edge that boosts their chances of success in the
workplace as they enjoy distinct emotional and interpersonal advantages. 2As Smith (2017)
states, social surroundings are generally more relaxing for highly extraverted individuals. 3
Extraverts enjoy being an attention-seeker as well as displaying sociable and communicative
behavior. 4Besides, not only do they like expanding their social network, but also they are
ready to take control when necessary. 5 According to the author, from the psychologists’ point
of view, what determines the way extraverts behave is the need for social stimulation. 6Getting
involved in dialogues with new people or becoming a natural leader in difficult situations give
extraverts the chance to satisfy this need. 7That is to say, extraverts are fuelled with the power
and contentment of their social interactions, which encourage them to look further for such
experiences (Smith, 2017). 8As can be seen, extroversion is linked with a greater motivation
to achieve positive goals and it is closely associated with experiencing positive emotions more
regularly. 9As happy employees are usually more satisfied, they tend to work harder and are
perceived to be a better leader as a result. 10Furthermore, it can be inferred that since
extroverts enjoy the company of others, they tend to adapt better to different social situations
and are adept at persuasion, which is a strong leadership skill. 11To sum up, the high
performance of extroverts in the workplace tends to come about as a result of the combination
of their emotional and social characteristics which have a cumulative effect throughout one’s
career.

Read the sample paragraph above and identify the topic sentence (claim/ main
idea), the concluding sentence, the evaluative comments, and the supporting
evidence.

Sentence 1:
Sentence 2:
Sentence 3:
Sentence 4:
Sentence 5:
Sentence 6:
Sentence 7:
Sentence 8:
Sentence 9:
Sentence 10:
Sentence 11:

13
 Now re-read the sample paragraph to see whether:

the paragraph No Yes

has a proper topic
sentence? (identify
the topic and the
controlling idea)
has achieved unity?
(make note if there
is any statement
damaging the unity)
is coherent? Does it
have a logical order?
(make note of the
problems if there
are any)
is cohesive? (make
note of all cohesive
devices)
has a proper
concluding
sentence? (write
down why or why
not)

14