Understanding the Extraversion Trait
What Does Extraversion Mean?
Extraversion measures how much someone draws energy from social interaction versus solitude. High scorers are outgoing, talkative, and seek out stimulation from other people. Low scorers (introverts) recharge through quiet, independent activity. It's one of the five OCEAN traits, with IPIP-NEO facets covering friendliness, gregariousness, assertiveness, activity level, excitement-seeking, and positive emotion.
High vs. Low Extraversion
High Extraversion: People who score high in Extraversion tend to enjoy group settings, meeting new people, and taking initiative in conversations. They often feel energized after socializing. This can come with a lower tolerance for extended solitary work. They tend to think out loud, process ideas through conversation, and often gravitate toward roles that put them in front of other people.
Low Extraversion: People who score low in Extraversion tend to prefer small groups or working alone. They often think carefully before speaking. This isn't shyness or social anxiety, it's simply where they get their energy from. They tend to process ideas internally before speaking, and often do their best thinking during uninterrupted, quiet stretches of time.
How This Trait Is Scored
Your Extraversion score comes from the IPIP-NEO-120, a public-domain Big Five instrument. Read the full methodology for how facet scores are combined. full methodology.
Take the free Big Five testFAQ
Is introversion the same as social anxiety?
No. Introversion describes an energy preference; social anxiety is a distinct emotional response, not part of this trait.
Can an introvert be a good leader?
Yes. Research links effective leadership to many traits beyond Extraversion, including listening skill and follow-through.
Is Extraversion the same as confidence?
No, confidence is about self-assurance, while Extraversion is about where you get your energy from. Someone can be a confident introvert or an anxious extravert.
Do extraverts make better salespeople?
Not necessarily, some research finds "ambiverts," people near the middle of the scale, perform best in sales roles because they balance talking and listening.