Extraversion and introversion

Extraversion / Introversion is one of the 4 Jungian dichotomies, and one of the 15 Reinin dichotomies.

Introduction

Extraversion as a socionic trait is defined by the leading function of a type. If the leading function is extraverted, the type is called “extraverted” or “extratim”; conversely if the leading function of type is introverted, then this type is called “introverted” or “introtim”. It should be kept in mind that the model of every type has both extraverted and introverted elements. Depending on which element is involved, a person may appear to be more “extraverted” or more “introverted” in that moment.

In socionics, “extraversion” is a perceptual quality defined by a focus on the characteristics and behavior of objects (people, things, events) outside the observer. In contrast, “introversion” means a focus on the observer’s response to and perception of objects.

Extraverts: qualities of objects are taken for granted, while interrelationships between objects are seen as being malleable; change interaction of objects to better fit qualities of objects.
Introverts: interrelationships are taken for granted, while qualities of object are seen as being malleable; adapt qualities of objects to better fit their interrelationships.

Augusta likened the difference between extraverted and introverted perception 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.

Carl Jung believed that introversion and extraversion were present in everyone, but that one attitude-type is invariably dominant. He described the extravert as trusting what is received from the outside world while regarding implicit factors and motivations of secondary importance, while the introvert may be well aware of external conditions, but he is not motivated by them, rather he responds primarily to his internal impressions of the external events. See the extraverted type, the introverted type, and extraversion and introversion.

In socionics, IM elements, information aspects, and types can all be treated as extraverted or introverted.

Extraverted and introverted types

Typical characteristics

Extraverted types

  1. Psychic energy more often flows outwards.

  2. Energy level increases when interacting with a large group of people.

  3. Energy level decreases when they are alone.

  4. Energy level is generally higher.

  5. More often focused on their surroundings.

  6. Tend to be more active and initiating.

  7. Often make new friends easily.

  8. Often better at presenting themselves.

  9. Often prefer to work in a team.

Introverted types

  1. Psychic energy more often flows inwards.

  2. Energy level increases when they are alone.

  3. Energy level decreases when interacting with a large group of people.

  4. Energy level is generally lower.

  5. More often focused on their thoughts and feelings.

  6. Tend to be more passive, less initiating.

  7. Often do not have many friends.

  8. Often better at concentrating.

  9. Often prefer to work alone.

Note on sociability and extraversion/introversion

A common misconception, also compounded by some interpretations of MBTI or even of Jung’s typology, is that extratims are extraverted as in “socially outgoing”, and intratims are introverted as in “socially reserved”. In socionics terms, however, that is not the case. An introtim may be socially outgoing and even prefer a situation with broad and intensive social interaction as in a large group; an extratim 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 extraversion/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.