Introvert Extrovert Type Test About This Test
Introversion and extroversion are among the most studied dimensions of
personality. But here's what most tests miss: they treat them as opposite
ends of a single scale, as if being more introverted means being less
extroverted. Research suggests that isn't quite right. Many people show
high introversion and high extroversion in different contexts — they think
deeply and prefer small groups, but can also move through social
environments with genuine ease when the situation calls for it.
This test measures introversion and extroversion as two separate dimensions.
The result is nine distinct types — and a much more accurate picture of
how you actually operate.
About Introversion
Introverts tend to have the following characteristics.
• Relationships
Introverts prefer spending time in small groups. They value deep, meaningful conversations with like-minded people. They tend to think before speaking, which may slow their responses, but allows for thoughtful and insightful dialogue.
• Way of Thinking
They are more focused on their own thoughts and feelings than those around them. They have a habit of thinking things through carefully and seeking the essence of matters.
• Areas of Activity
Introverts are often found in research, the arts, invention, craftsmanship, and professional fields. Their deep thinking allows them to generate groundbreaking ideas that can change the world.
About Extraversion
Extroverts tend to have the following characteristics.
• Relationships
They prefer being in large groups and actively enjoy interacting with people who have different perspectives. They tend to have a bright and welcoming presence that naturally brings people together.
• Way of Thinking
They tend to focus more on the thoughts and feelings of others rather than themselves. They are skilled at showing consideration and compassion in their actions.
• Areas of Activity
Extroverts are often found in customer service, human resources, teaching, and conducting roles. They thrive in situations that involve interacting with people and find great fulfillment in doing so.
This assessment analyzes your personality across 9 types based on introversion and extraversion. Each type comes with its own characteristics and points to be aware of. We hope you find it helpful. Now, let's get started with the assessment!
How This Test Was Developed
Want to learn more? Below is a detailed explanation of how this assessment was developed.
①Prior Research
Multiple established instruments informed this test's development.
The MBTI [1], based on Jung's theory of psychological types, includes
an EI scale that distinguishes extroversion from introversion. While
widely used, it has been criticized for limited statistical validation.
The YG Personality Test [2] measures twelve personality traits, one
of which — the T scale — assesses introversion and extroversion of
thinking style.
The Big Five personality framework [3] treats extroversion–introversion
as one of five core dimensions and has been extensively validated in
research worldwide.
The MMPI [4] includes a Social Introversion subscale (Scale 0) among
its clinical scales, providing clinically oriented measurement.
A key observation across these instruments: most measure the strength of
one dimension only, rather than both introversion and extroversion
independently. Some theorists [5] have proposed that people can be
genuinely high in both — "ambiverts" who draw on different orientations
depending on context. This test was developed to capture that possibility.
②Question Items
A development team of a Certified Public Psychologist (Japan), a Certified
Clinical Psychologist (Japan), and a graduate of a psychology master's
program used brainstorming and KJ-method grouping to construct 10
questions per dimension, for a total of 20 items.
Introversion Questions (grouped by theme)
Thinking style:
I think things through carefully.
I enjoy research and investigation.
I consider causes and consequences before acting.
Relationships:
It takes me time to build relationships.
I prefer deep connections over many casual ones.
I find highly social situations draining.
Activity:
I tend to think before taking action.
I think before I speak.
Decision-making:
I take time before making decisions.
I plan things carefully.
Extroversion Questions (grouped by theme)
Thinking style:
I generally think optimistically.
I tend to think lightly and move forward.
I listen carefully to others' perspectives.
Relationships:
I want to connect with many different people.
New topics and ideas interest me.
I enjoy spending time in groups.
Activity:
I enjoy taking on new challenges.
I like variety and change in daily life.
Decision-making:
I make small decisions quickly.
I'm willing to act boldly.
③Scoring
Each question is answered on a 3-point scale:
Yes = 2 points / Sometimes = 1 point / No = 0 points
Introversion score (0–20):
16 or above: High introversion
12–15: Moderate introversion
11 or below: Low introversion
Extroversion score (0–20):
15 or above: High extroversion
11–14: Moderate extroversion
10 or below: Low extroversion
④Type Classification
The combination of introversion and extroversion levels produces nine
types, using the official English names from the type reference file.
High introversion / High extroversion: Leader
High introversion / Moderate extroversion: Strategist
High introversion / Low extroversion: Scholar
Moderate introversion / High extroversion: Pioneer
Moderate introversion / Moderate extroversion: Balanced
Moderate introversion / Low extroversion: Deep Fan
Low introversion / High extroversion: Energetic
Low introversion / Moderate extroversion: Easygoing
Low introversion / Low extroversion: Zen Mind
⑤Result Descriptions
For each of the nine types, we wrote a description covering characteristic
strengths, growth areas, and suited career paths. These draw on the prior
research reviewed above and on the clinical experience of the development team.
⑥Limitations of This Scale
This instrument has not undergone formal statistical validation, including
factor analysis or reliability and validity testing. It reflects the
knowledge and judgment of its developers. Results should be treated as a
starting point for self-reflection, not as a clinical assessment, and are
not suitable for academic research purposes.
⑦References
[1] Nakazawa, K. (1997). Basic research on the Japanese version of the
MBTI. Kwansei Gakuin University Journal of Humanities.
(Originally published in Japanese; title translated by the authors.)
[2] Shimizu, K., & Yamamoto, R. (2017). Internal structure of the 12
scales of the YG Personality Test: Bifactor Geomin rotation of
categorical factor analysis. Kwansei Gakuin University Journal of
the Department of Sociology.
(Originally published in Japanese; title translated by the authors.)
[3] Wada, S. (1996). Construction of the Big Five Scales of personality
trait terms and concurrent validity with NPI. Japanese Journal of
Psychology, 67(1), 61–67.
(Originally published in Japanese; title translated by the authors.)
[4] Noro, H., Arakawa, W., & Ide, S. (Eds.). (2011). A practical MMPI
handbook: From administration to clinical application. Kongoh Shuppan.
(Originally published in Japanese; title translated by the authors.)
[5] Davidson, I. J. (2017). The ambivert: A failed attempt at a normal
personality. Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences,
53(4), 313–331. doi: 10.1002/jhbs.21868
Additional references:
Fukushima, O. (1968). An examination of the introversion–extroversion
dimension: Relationship between the two orientations and neuroticism.
Japanese Journal of Educational Psychology, 16.
(Originally published in Japanese; title translated by the authors.)
Yamashita, R., & Yokoyama, K. (2016). A literature review of the concept
of introversion–extroversion: Definitions across Jung, Rorschach, YG,
16PF, MPI, and NEO-PI-R. Sophia University Annual Report of Psychology,
40, 9–18.
(Originally published in Japanese; title translated by the authors.)
About the Developers
Tatsushi Kawashima
Graduate School of Psychology, Mejiro University
National Licensed Psychologist (Japan)
Certified Psychiatric Social Worker (Japan)
Mikiko Kamei
Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University
National Licensed Psychologist (Japan)
Certified Clinical Psychologist (Japan)
