Extroversion, Ambiversion, and Introversion Arlene R. Taylor PhD www.arlenetaylor.org Brain References

Native Languages Metaphor Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc In addition to any written and spoken Languages, the brain appears to have several brain-function native languages that are innate—naturally it requires less energy to use your own native languages Your brain is also multilingual in that it can converse with and understand (to some degree) the native languages of other brains… although it requires greater energy expenditures to do so when they differ from yours

Your Five Native Brain Languages Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc Represented by the five layers on the ‘Who I Am Pyramid’ The EAI layer involves the language of environmental comfort 

Three Labels (EAI) Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc Extroversion Ambiversion Introversion Describe the brain’s native language related to the type of environment in which it functions most energy-efficiently, the amount of stimulation in the environment that it needs to feel alive, alert, and energetic, and the giftedness it possesses that is best expressed when there is a match with the preferred environment

Your Highest Score Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc Usually represents your EAI Native Language Extrovert 15-16% ____/ 21 Ambivert 68-70% Introvert If your scores are tied, evaluate your history! How can you recognize and deal effectively with other EAI languages and still honor your own?

EAI Preferences Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc Extroverts 15-16% Ambiverts 68-70% Introverts Extroverts: Prefer tasks, activity levels, and environments with high levels of stimulation Ambiverts: Prefer tasks, activity levels, and environments with moderate stimulation 50:50 Introverts: Prefer tasks, activity levels, and environments with low levels of stimulation 6

Ambiversion is a label of exclusion— Extrovert (E) Ambivert (A) Introvert (I) Extremes of extroversion and introversion may be recognized within days of birth Ambiversion is a label of exclusion— If neither E nor I, then A 7

PET Scans - Dr. Debra Johnson Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc Extrovert Lower blood flow to brain (lower internal stimulation)  Dominant pathway is activated by dopamine (the feel-better chemical) A m b i v e r t s Introvert Higher blood flow rates to the brain (higher internal stimulation) is activated by acetylcholine (alertness, attention)

Special Giftedness Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc Extrovert – has a callus that allows the brain to function in situations that would overwhelm or shut-down other brains (If not ‘E’, observe and avoid trying to ‘keep up’ with them) Introvert - blocks additional input (no callus) when overwhelmed to allow processing of what has been absorbed Ambivert – does not exhibit these special forms of giftedness; needs about ½ stimulation and ½ recovery time

Metaphorical Aperture Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc Extrovert Can zoom in and focus narrowly – less easily distracted when focused on a task of high interest Easily bored, often needs to move to focus A m b i v e r t Introvert Takes in large amounts of data second for second Easily distracted and Overwhelmed by too stimulating an environment

Data Modification Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc Incoming sensory stimuli/data is triaged by the thalamus and sent to decoding centers Reticular Activating System (RAS) modifies incoming data for E and I Extrovert Data is reduced in size and intensity (‘table-top exercise’) A m b Introvert Data is magnified in size and intensity (‘jolly green giant’)

Data Modification, Cont’d Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc Extrovert Wants and can handle a great deal of sensory stimuli and input because everything is miniaturized A m b i v e r t Introvert Can become overwhelmed quickly with data / sensory input because everything is magnified

Energy Drains Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc Extrovert Energy is drained by an under- stimulating environment (bored, restless, delinquent) Need frequent breaks when trying to focus A m b i v e r t Introvert Energy is drained by too stimulating an environment (tired, depressed, sick) Can focus for long periods if interested

Energy Recharging Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc Extrovert Recharges by interacting with the outer world – recharges quickly so tends to spend energy very freely A m b i v e r t Introvert the inner world – takes longer to recharge so tends to spend energy cautiously

Norepinephrine Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc Hormone and a neurotransmitter (alertness, moods, resisting stress, sleep dreaming Extrovert Lower levels innately Tend to do well at high-stimulation / high-excitement tasks (e.g., swat teams, ambulance, bungee-jumping) A m b i v e r t Introvert Higher levels innately Tend to do better at tasks requiring careful attention (e.g., radar-screen tracking, complex accounting)

Stress and Recall Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc Extrovert Tends to have better short-term memory Tolerates high-tension situations better (e.g., exams, competition) Often must ‘move’ to learn A m b i v e r t Introvert May have better long-term memory but recall may fail under stress or pressure Tends to be more sensitive to stimuli at all levels

Teamwork Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc Extrovert Ambivert Introvert Prefers to avoid teams and is an independent worker (e.g., just ‘does it,’ a star performer, a deal maker) Can work with teams and teamwork Prefers to avoid teams and is an independent worker (e.g., research, writing, composing) Prefer to be chair or boss of the team Prefer to be a resource specialist

Faster! Faster! Pedal to the metal!

“Appointment you say. No, Thursday is out “Appointment you say? No, Thursday is out. How about never—is never good for you?”

Who does society typically reward?

“What do you mean skippin’ and frolickin’ were never your thing?” 21

Who is more likely to go on a picket line?

“I’ve TOLD YOU . . . NOT in my study!” 23