How Does Society Perceive Introverts and Extroverts? Do These Perceptions Have Warrant?

 At this point in my research, I was planning on finalizing and distributing the survey that I had shared earlier on this blog, along with continuing my investigation of the behavioral differences between these two groups and the reasons for which they occur.  However, for this blog post, I have decided to lead my research on a tangent, inspired by a link that Ms. Hetrick, my AP English II teacher, sent me.  This link leads to an article titled "Here Are the Things Introverts Say on Facebook," where author Melissa Dahl shares with readers the (supposed) typical subjects/words that introverts and extroverts post about on Facebook (this link will also be located at the bottom of this post: http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2014/12/here-are-the-things-introverts-say-on-facebook.html).  Dahl reports that "the things you say on Facebook apparently reveal a lot about your personality, according to a large new study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology that finds an association between words used in Facebook posts and personality traits."  She goes on to describe the usual words that (according to the study) introverts, as well as extroverts, use in their Facebook status updates, those being for introverts "stereotypical introvert-y things" such as computer, internet, read, and anime (words that one supposedly would use if they were "holed up at home").  In describing words used by extroverts in status updates, she notes that they reportedly post "enthusiastic notes that are more likely to acknowledge the existence of other people," using words such as party, girls, amazing, tonight, and love.  The image at the beginning of this post accompanies this article, with the word clouds on the left meant to represent the posts of extroverts and those on the right meant to represent those of introverts.  This article is somewhat fascinating in that it does identify a link between the activities, if not the thoughts, of introverts and extroverts and the individuals' personalities themselves, but it is moreso intriguing in that both Dahl and the study that she describes seem to support these typical stereotypes.  Researchers conducting the study concluded that introverts, who require less stimulation than extroverts and thus are less likely to go out that they are, are likely to stay indoors, which fuels the subjects for which they post about and thereby the words that they use.  Being "holed up at home," introverts are more supposedly more likely to post about something they found on the internet, read in a book, or watched on the televisions, as they reportedly spend more time at home.  Conversely, being the social butterflies that they are expected to be, Dahl describes that extroverts, who are more likely to be out and about than introverts, will post about a party, being with their "girls,' or having an amazing night.  Whereas there does seem to be a natural link within these relationships, I began to wonder if we may have misconceptions about introverts and extroverts.  We as members of society naturally assume that introverts almost never leave their homes and that extroverts never return to them until 2:00 a.m.  Even Dahl labels some subjects as "stereotypical introvert-y things," and the results of the study seem to be conveniently close to what one would hypothesize.  While it seems that the study's methods were legitimate and valid (they used a personality quiz app to determine whether the subjects whose posts they studied were introverts or extroverts), one has to still wonder what society takes for granted about introverts and extroverts, how many of these assumptions are actually correct, and what society can do to alleviate these misconceptions.  For the time being, I can think of no possible solutions to misconceptions other than increasing communication between the two groups of individuals and possibly educating others on the misconceptions that we hold and the truths that lie behind each group.  Recently, I found an article titled "7 Persistent Myths About Introverts & Extroverts," which I feel serves as an accurate and sufficient list to communicate some of the misconceptions present in society (this link will also be located at the bottom of this post: http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/09/11/7-persistent-myths-about-introverts-extroverts/).  The first myth listed in this article is that all "introverts are shy."  While there are many shy introverts, being an introvert does not mean that one is also without a doubt a shy.  The article explains that introverts may "seem shy because they tend to think before they speak," meaning that many other introverts can also be outgoing, but they need time to respond in a situation or conversation simply because they are looking for the correct response.  This point includes a quote from Susan Cain in her book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, which is that "shyness is the fear of social disapproval or humiliation, while introversion is a preference for environments that are not overstimulating.  Shyness is inherently painful; introversion is not."  Along these same lines, the second myth listed in the article is that "introverts do not make good speakers."  If forced to speak on a whim, rather than provided the proper of amount of time for preparation, an introvert may not be able to communicate their points as well as an extrovert, as the amount of stimulus provided to them at once may prove overwhelming.  However, if granted time to prepare a speech or a lecture, introverts can be just as good at public speaking as extroverts, if not better.  For example, the article lists a number of acclaimed public speakers that, in their daily lives, are social introverts.  In fact, one of these acclaimed introverts, a former Harvard University psychology lecturer, literally becomes sick if they are exposed to too much stimuli.  The flood of ideas that attacks an introvert may be too daunting if they are forced to relate them on the spot, but they may actually prove to be competent at public speaking if provided the resources to be organized.  Moving on, the third myth listed in this article is that "introverts aren't happy, or extroverts are happier," which is not the case.  Just as the article relates, introverts and extroverts can have two different views of what "happy" constitutes.  Whereas introverts may seek personal time for self-reflection and recollection, extroverts may see a life filled with the hustle and bustle as ideal.  As the article explains, introverts and extroverts "are happy in different ways."  Introverts may only be happy in low-key, calm situations where the rest of society is not watching, while extroverts may be best satisfied in high-energy situations where everyone is watching.  Moreover, humans gauge each other's happiness based on its visibility, which may be the leading factor behind this confusion.  Like explained before in this blog, the fourth point in the article is that "you are either an introvert or an extrovert."  As explained before, the range of social introversion/extroversion is moreso a continuum, rather than two categories, where most individuals fall in between.  While some individuals may exhibit defining qualities that represent their introversion/extroversion, most individuals vary in behavior based on the situation.  The fifth myth listed in this article is that "extroverts are bad listeners."  In reality, extroverts can actually be great listeners, if engaged in one-on-one conversation.  By being the more engaging of the two types in conversation, they may actually be able to draw otherwise shy individual out of their shells of isolation.  With their constant use of communication, extroverts can possibly make others feel comfortable and included.  The sixth myth listed in this article is that "extroverts don't like quiet or time alone."  Whereas extroverts may not necessarily need such quiet or time alone as often as introverts, the article notes that, like everybody, they too "do need this type of time to recharge...they [just] need it in shorter doses and different ways."  Finally, the last myth touched on by this article is that "extroverts are shallow."  Truthfully, introverts and extroverts just have different methods of processing information, and extroverts may just need to process information through the exploration of numerous deep and complex conversations.  By dominating a conversation, an extrovert may actually be searching for others' reactions so as to understand their opinions of the subject(s) they are discussing.  Overall, society believes that it understands its members.  However, as illustrated in this case, surface impressions do not reveal the entire story.  Both introverts and extroverts are thrown into a negative light at times, but more often than not, it is caused by misconceptions about the two groups.  I will continue to search for how to study society's perceptions about the value of these two groups, as well as how to improve these perceptions relating to personality and value.  Additionally, I ask that when my survey regarding the behavioral differences between social introverts and extroverts (and other related issues) is finally posted that you please participate, and I thank you in advance.  As a piece of advice, begin to look at other possible reasons behind a person's or group's behavior before instantly associating it to a stereotype or generalization, and share these findings with your friends and peers.

http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2014/12/here-are-the-things-introverts-say-on-facebook.html
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/09/11/7-persistent-myths-about-introverts-extroverts/

 WORKS CITED:
Dahl, Melissa.  "Here Are the Things Introverts Say on Facebook."  Science of Us.  New York Media LLC, 12 Dec. 2014.  Web.  19 Dec. 2014.
Tartakovsky, Margarita.  "7 Persistent Myths about Introverts & Extroverts."  Psych Central.  Psych Central, n.d.  Web.  19 Dec. 2014.

Understanding the Effects of Genetics and Environment on Behavioral Differences

 ("Genes and Environment")

Are the behavioral differences between introverts and extroverts moreso due to genetics or environment?  In my prior post, I explained that genetics and environment may contribute equally to behavioral differences in individuals, and that most traits are due to one or the other.  After sitting down with my mentor, Dr. John Peles, who teaches behavioral genetics at Penn State University, Greater Allegheny campus, I have gained a better understanding of the subject and how it relates to the differences between introverts and extroverts, as well as the methods through which human behavior is tested for genetic and environmental influences.  Dr. Peles explained to me that most human behavioral traits are actually found in genetic coding, but that they can still be influenced by environment.  In fact, he described that, in the case of most behavioral traits, genetics has fifty-percent, or half, of the influence, while environment has the other fifty-percent, or half, of the influence.  In other words, he explained to me that, in most cases, humans are genetically predisposed to certain behavioral traits (such as those linked to introverts and/or extroverts), but that environment still plays a key role in determining the expression of said traits.  Referring to such relationship as a "genotype-environment interaction" (genotype is defined as genetic makeup), Dr. Peles described that in some cases, our genotypes influence how we respond to situations, but the situation itself sometimes changes how we respond to subsequent similar situations.  As a disclaimer, genetics and environment do not always play equal roles in determining expression of human behavior - in some cases, genetics and instinct override environmental influences, while in others, environment overrides genetics and instinct - but on average, this fifty-percent rule holds true.  This helps to explain the behavioral differences between introverts and extroverts, for it appears that both genes and environment determine which group an individual associates with.  In many cases, an individual who is genetically predisposed to being an introvert or extrovert (based on stimuli need or pure behavioral encoding) will place themselves in a situation that is conducive to their needs and comfort.  This factor, which is also an attribute of the "genotype-environment interaction," can push individuals further into their respective categories as introverts or extroverts.  However, in some cases, individuals become introverts or extroverts as a result of "pure environment."  For example, an individual may be genetically predisposed to being an extrovert, as they require more stimuli than a genetically predisposed introvert, but because of an embarrassing event or social ridicule, they may be pushed to become an introvert.  As another example, an individual may be genetically predisposed to being an introvert, as they require less stimuli than a genetically predisposed extrovert, but because of attention received through peers, they may be pushed to become an extrovert by accepting the situation and appeasing said peers.  On a different note, Dr. Peles and I also examined the different methods through which researchers determine whether a behavioral difference is influenced by genetics or by environment.  This research was necessary for the fact that I may employ similar methods later in my own research in the field, as well as for the reason that I should generally understand how researchers have determined phenomenon such as the aforesaid fifty-percent rule.  Most experts studying the influences on behavioral differences either a method called the "sibling approach" or a method called the "adoption approach."  In the case of the sibling approach, researchers compare behavioral differences between individual siblings and between individual twins, searching for any attributes that may be due to genetics.  Because siblings generally grow up in the same environment, as they are raised in the same household, it is believed that most of the behavioral differences that they exhibit will not be due to environment.  Rather, by comparing such behavioral differences against pairs of monozygotic twins, who both are exposed to the same environment and genes, researchers can determine to what scale certain genes predispose individuals to behavioral traits.  In the case of the adoption approach, researchers investigate behavioral differences between pairs of twins who have been exposed to different families.  If the twins were separated at birth, so long as they are identical and monozygotic, they will have the same genes, but not the same environment.  Thus, researchers can determine if behavioral traits are due to environment by looking at the behavioral differences exhibited by separated identical twins.  Overall, by understanding how behavioral genetics and the influence of environment works, we can logically explain the behavioral differences between introverts and extroverts.  In my next post, I plan to look at some specific examples in which introverts and extroverts show signs of genetic or environmental influence in their behavioral differences.

As this graphic illustrates, most behavioral traits in an individual are a result of a combination of nature (genes) and nurture (environment), as well as individual choices ("Nature? Nurture? Neither? More?").

Also, for an update on my survey, I believe that the one that I previously posted should be sufficient for the beginning stages of this study, so I plan to be distributing it soon to classrooms, throughout communities, and online.  Please keep a lookout for it in the coming weeks; I would greatly appreciate it if you could fill it out when it becomes available so that I can begin some data studies.


Works Cited:
"Genes and Environment."  Academic Help.  Academic Help, 6 Oct. 2014.  Web.  4 Dec. 2014.
"Nature? Nurture? Neither? More?"  PhD in Parenting.  Squarespace, 15 Dec. 2010.  Web.  4 Dec.

Enter Week 6, Stage 2 of the Analysis Between Social Introverts and Extroverts

In my previous post, I promised to begin research to answer the question regarding whether the behavioral differences between social introverts and extroverts are due to genetics (nature) or environment (nurture).  Apparently, however, behavior is due to a combination of both genetics and environment.  Thus, these differences must also be due to both nature and nurture.  "When a species' environment varies little from generation to generation, or in communication when" the messages are very clear-cut,  genetic information is the best determinant for behavior (Breed and Sanchez).  However, in order for behavioral development to occur, individuals must be able "to learn a specific piece of information at the right stage of development."  Such ability, known as imprinting, is affected by environment, as different external factors play into the information that the individual receives.  Based on the social environment and physical world around them, individuals must learn to conform to different roles and niches, although their decisions to adopt such roles may be indicative of their genetic predispositions.  However, these predispositions through genetics do not definitively associate individuals with certain behaviors, for if they did, "a person might be uncontrollably locked into bad parenting, violent behavior, or drug addiction."  Rather, differing influences from society, culture, and politics may urge individuals to adopt different behaviors.  In theory, "genes and environment act to complement each other in yielding behavioral solutions to" challenges posed by society and/or for survival.  Individuals may have innate/instinctive behavioral responses embedded within their genetic code, although they must also learn from their ever-changing environment, thereby shaping their behaviors (Breed and Sanchez).  Thus, in reality, both genetics and environment help to control behavior, which explains, to some extent, the behavioral differences between introverts and extroverts.  Although my next post will go into detail on this application, introverts and extroverts are likely predisposed genetically to act socially withdrawn or socially involved, but their behaviors may be shaped by the environment and situations that they are raised in and habituate.  The effects of genetics and/or environment in behavior can also be observed in animals, as noted through the illustrations below.

"Information about where to forage, what prey to select, and how to handle the prey after striking is likely innate [given with the genetic code] in species like this [the rattlesnake above]" (Breed and Sanchez).

"Imprinting by the parents on their goslings help to keep the family together [and shape their behaviors through environmental influence]" (Breed and Sanchez).

Additionally, at the bottom of this post is the draft for the first survey in this project.  This draft still requires some editing, but I intend to begin distributing it to as many people as possible (PT students, neighbors, etc.) before I make the next post in two weeks.  Specifically, this survey covers the general feelings of individuals concerning the behavioral differences between and social roles of introverts and extroverts.

To whom it may concern:

            For my AP English Literature and Composition class this year, my fellow classmates and I are engaging ourselves in “twenty-percent projects,” individual research projects that are meant to fill twenty-percent of the time, work, and effort spent in the class.  My twenty-percent project is centered on the behavioral differences between social introverts and extroverts, although it also focuses on society’s views regarding the two groups.  In order to gauge society’s perceptions regarding social introverts and extroverts, as well as to view the typical responses of these so-called introverts/extroverts in different situations, I require the participation of other individuals in my studies.  Please fill out the initial survey below, answering honestly, confronted with a promise of complete privacy and anonymity.  Choose the one option per prompt that best fits your opinion, designating your selection with either a circle of the choice or a check in the same box as the choice.  More surveys will likely follow in the future that cover more specific areas regarding the behavioral differences of these two groups and their roles in society.  Participants’ answers in this survey may later be quantified by the researcher for statistical analysis in addition to the qualitative analysis (hypothetical example: INTROVERT = 1, EXTROVERT = 2, AMBIVERT = 3).  Your support and cooperation are greatly appreciated.  (Note: An ambivert is an individual who may be regarded as a balance or mix between an introvert and an extrovert.  They may possess some qualities of an introvert and others of an extrovert, or their situational responses and the qualities that they express may vary.  Although they will not be a group that will be of central focus in this project, their presence should still be recognized, as many individuals fit into this category.)

Thank you in advance,

            Josh Peles

Which would you identify yourself as?		INTROVERT			AMBIVERT				EXTROVERT
When you are at a party, you…	SIT IN THE CORNER AND ATTEMPT TO AVOID HUMAN CONTACT (WHY WERE YOU INVITED TO THE PARTY?)			RESPECTFULLY SOCIALIZE WITH ONLY A FEW FRIENDS AND CLOSE ACQUAINTANCES		SOCIALIZE WITH MOST FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES ALONG WITH SOME STRANGERS	SOCIALIZE WITH STRANGERS, ALTHOUGH FRIENDS ARE PREFERRED			SEEK OUT NEW PEOPLE TO TALK TO (EVEN THOUGH YOU WEREN’T INVITED TO  THE PARTY)
When you are alone, you…	SAVOR THE PERSONAL TIME AND WISH THAT LIFE CONSISTED OF TOTAL ISOLATION			PREFER THE SITUATION OVER BEING WITH OTHERS, BUT STILL RECOGNIZE THE VALUE OF SOCIETY IN LIFE		FEEL SOMEWHAT LONELY, ALTHOUGH YOU ENJOY THE PERSONAL TIME TO THINK	WOULD MUCH RATHER BE WITH OTHERS, BUT STILL ACCEPT THE SITUATION			CONSTANTLY CRAVE THE COMPANY AND ATTENTION OF OTHERS
Society in general seems to accept introverts.	STRONGLY DISAGREE			DISAGREE TO SOME EXTENT		SITUATIONAL RESPONSE	AGREE TO SOME EXTENT			STRONGLY AGREE
Society in general should accept introverts.	STRONGLY DISAGREE			DISAGREE TO SOME EXTENT		SITUATIONAL RESPONSE	AGREE TO SOME EXTENT			STRONGLY AGREE
Society in general seems to accept extroverts.	STRONGLY DISAGREE			DISAGREE TO SOME EXTENT		SITUATIONAL RESPONSE	AGREE TO SOME EXTENT			STRONGLY AGREE
Society in general should accept extroverts.	STRONGLY DISAGREE			DISAGREE TO SOME EXTENT		SITUATIONAL RESPONSE	AGREE TO SOME EXTENT			STRONGLY AGREE
It is healthy to be an introvert.	STRONGLY DISAGREE			DISAGREE TO SOME EXTENT		SITUATIONAL RESPONSE	AGREE TO SOME EXTENT			STRONGLY AGREE
It is healthy to be an extrovert.	STRONGLY DISAGREE			DISAGREE TO SOME EXTENT		SITUATIONAL RESPONSE	AGREE TO SOME EXTENT			STRONGLY AGREE
It is healthier to be an ambivert than a pure introvert or extrovert.	STRONGLY DISAGREE			DISAGREE TO SOME EXTENT		SITUATIONAL RESPONSE	AGREE TO SOME EXTENT			STRONGLY AGREE
Behavioral differences are driven by…			GENETICS (NATURE)			BOTH		ENVIRONMENT (NURTURE)

This concludes the update at this point in my research.  Until I talk with you again, learn how to talk at parties (for all of you current introverts) and to appreciate personal time by yourself (for all of you current extroverts).





Works Cited
Breed, Michael D. and  Leticia Sanchez.  "Both Environment and Genetic Makeup Influence Behavior."  Scitable.  Nature Education, 2010.  Web.  20 Nov. 2014.  <http://www.nature.com/>.

Rethinking the Qualifications for Introverts and Extroverts

Currently, I am in stage one of my research for this project, which is the research through literature stage.  While in this stage, I have made several discoveries about the behavioral differences between social introverts and extroverts, including the fact that current social perceptions of these two types of people may be based on archaic definitions.  Most Americans define introverts and extroverts using a Jungian-type inventory (named after Freudian contemporary Carl Jung), meaning that they associate extroverts with being loud while associating introverts with being shy.  However, this type of identification method appears outdated, as most psychologists now define these two types of people depending on where they get their energy and motivation from, the options being themselves or other people.  Whereas most extroverts may generally be loud and most introverts may generally be shy, these qualities should serve moreso as associations with the personality than as the definitive guidelines for identification.  In general, extroverts require more external stimulation than introverts.  Extroverts need motivation from other people and often express their emotions while seeking stimulation; introverts, on the other hand, can be easily over-stimulated and may focus internally as they struggle with sensory overload if they focus too much on external stimuli.  Introverts feel the need to bottle up their motions so as to keep everything in order, focusing moreso on concepts and ideas than on people and things, which are the focus of extroverts.  While extroverts are usually relaxed and confident, actively looking to change the world and preferring commotion over peace, introverts are usually timid and reserved, simply looking to understand the world and preferring quiet so as to focus their energies.  Extroverts are more accessible for social interactions than introverts, but introverts, while sometimes taking interests in a smaller number of subjects when compared to extroverts, often have both the patience and the focus to think and work more deeply.  Although neither extroverts nor introverts possess extremely negative qualities, they can often misinterpret the others' actions in a negative manner.  Introverts, who prefer to stay reserved, may see extroverts as being shallow and pushy as they attempt to express themselves, while extroverts, who seek action and interaction, may view introverts as shallow and egocentric as they plan the best course of action, often requiring peace and quiet as they focus internally on the subject.
What drives these differences between introverts and extroverts?  What factors cause these two groups of people to respond differently to the same situation?  To begin with, as mentioned in previous posts, there are few pure introverts and/or pure extroverts.  Depending on the situation, an individual may act like an introvert or extrovert at different times.  However, most individuals do lean toward one end of the spectrum for the majority of situations.  Many researchers present evidence that imply that these behavioral differences may be due to genetics, or rather, the way that the brain functions.  As previously mentioned, some of these differences are due to disparities in the absolute thresholds for individuals, meaning that differing amounts/levels of stimuli are required to arouse individuals, and by effect, that differing amounts/levels of stimuli may eventually overwhelm them as well.  In addition, research has shown that introverts and extroverts use different areas of their brain when responding to situations.  In a 2005 study, researchers concluded that extroverts may respond more strongly to social challenges, taking risks, and adventures because two regions of their brains, the amygdala and the nucleus accumbens, exhibit stronger responses than those of introverts.  This suggests that extroverts may process surprise and reward differently than introverts, leading them to be more susceptible to taking risks.  In a 2012 study conducted by Randy Buckner of Harvard, Buckner found that larger, thicker gray matter is present in the prefrontal cortex, a region linked to abstract thought and decision-making, of introverts as opposed to extroverts.  He suggested that this may account for the reason why introverts may wait and ponder a situation while extroverts often prefer to take action and live in the moment.  Surprisingly enough, traces of introversion and extroversion are present even in babies.  Supposedly forty percent of babies are "behaviorally uninhibited," or extroverted, meaning that they react calmly to stimulation, while fifteen to twenty percent of infants qualify as having "extreme shyness," or being introverted, meaning that they thrash about and cry in reaction to stimulation.  After extensive research, it appears that the levels of activity of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, as well as the levels of activity of the amygdala, strongly influence the reactions of and behavioral differences between social introverts and extroverts.
I plan to continue in stage one of my research for this project for at least a few more weeks, although I may also, at the same time, begin stage two of research, that being research through surveys, polls, and interviews.  One of the next subjects that I will be researching in stage one will be the effect of environment on individuals, determining whether they will be introverts or extroverts.  For additional information and material on the subjects discussed in this post, which I will continue to elaborate on in further posts, please refer to the following websites, which helped me in my own research:

"Extraversion vs. Introversion"
"Life's Extremes: Outgoing vs. Shy"
"The Brain Of An Introvert Compared To That Of An Extrovert: Are They Really Different?"


 Works Cited:
Bushack, Lecia.  "The Brain Of An Introvert Compared To That Of An Extrovert: Are They Really Different?"  Medical Daily.  IBT Media Inc., 21 Aug. 2014.  Web.  7 Nov. 2014.
"Extraversion vs. Introversion."  ChangingMinds.org.  Changing Minds, n.d.  Web.  7 Nov. 2014.
Hadhazy, Adam.  "Life's Extremes: Outgoing vs. Shy"  LiveScience.  Purch, 25 Sept. 2011.  Web.  7 Nov. 2014.