Introversion Scale

This introversion scale was developed by McCroskey to be distinct from measures of communication apprehension. An examination of the literature on introversion indicated that other introversions scales have included items that were tapping apprehension about communication. Items were drawn from the work of Eysenck, with items which referenced communication excluded. This permits the measurement of introversion without the contamination of communication apprehension items and allows the examination of both introversion and communication apprehension as predictors of communication behaviors independently of each other. The correlations of this measure with the PRCA-24 have been around .30. Alpha reliability estimates have been above .80. Items to measure neuroticism are used as filler items and are not scored with the introversion items.
 

DIRECTIONS: Below are eighteen statements that people sometimes make about themselves. Please indicate whether or not you believe each statement applies to you by marking whether you:

Strongly Disagree = 1; Disagree 2; are undecided =3; Agree = 4; Strongly Agree = 5
 

_____1. Are you inclined to keep in the background on social occasions?

_____2. Do you like to mix socially with people?

_____3. Do you sometimes feel happy, sometimes depressed, without any apparent reason?

_____4. Are you inclined to limit your acquaintances to a select few?

_____5. Do you like to have many social engagements?

_____6. Do you have frequent ups and downs in mood, either with or without apparent cause?

_____7. Would you rate yourself as a happy-go-lucky individual?

_____8. Can you usually let yourself go and have a good time at a party?

_____9. Are you inclined to be moody?

_____10. Would you be very unhappy if you were prevented from making numerous social contacts?

_____11. Do you usually take the initiative in making new friends?

_____12. Does your mind often wander while you are trying to concentrate?

_____13. Do you like to play pranks upon others?

_____14. Are you usually a "good mixer?"

_____15. Are you sometimes bubbling over with energy and sometimes very sluggish?

_____16. Do you often "have the time of your life" at social affairs?

_____17. Are you frequently "lost in thought" even when you should be taking part in a conversation?

_____18. Do you derive more satisfaction from social activities than from anything else?
 
 

Scoring: To determine your score on the Introversion Scale, complete the following steps:

Step 1.  Add scores for items 1 & 4

Step 2.  Add the scores for items 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, & 18

Step 3.  Complete the following formula:

Introversion = 12 - Total from Step 1 + Total from Step 2
 

Your score should be between 12 and 60. If you compute a score outside that range, you have made a mistake in computing the score. Note: Items 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 17 are not used in computing your introversion scale.

Individuals scoring above 48 are highly introverted; those scoring below 24 have low introversion (are extraverted). Those scoring between 24 and 48 are in the moderate range.

Sources:

Drawn from items recommended by:

Eysenck, H. J. (1970).  Readings in extraversion-introversion: Volume I. New York: Wiley-Interscience.

Eysenck, H. J. (1971).  Readings in extraversion-introversion: Volume II. New York: Wiley-Interscience.
 

Note:  Items 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 17 are not scored. They are items recommended by Eysenck for measuring neuroticism.