Are You an Introvert or Extravert? Eysenck's Classic Test Reveals All

Article | Self-acceptance

Within each of us lies a powerful desire to understand the reasons behind our actions. Why do certain situations fill us with energy while others leave us feeling drained? Why does stress cause one person to become decisive and another to feel overwhelmed? These are timeless questions, and on the journey to self-knowledge, there are tools that, much like a mirror, help us see our own characteristics more clearly. One such classic instrument is the personality questionnaire developed by the British scientist Hans Eysenck, a researcher who dedicated his life to studying the intricacies of human character and intelligence.

This test is not an exam with right or wrong answers. Instead, consider it a dialogue with yourself, composed of 57 simple questions about your everyday reactions and preferences. It is designed to measure two fundamental personality traits: the direction of our psychological energy (outward or inward) and our resilience in the face of emotional storms.

The Main Dimensions: What Makes Us Tick?

At the core of Eysenck's model are two key axes that create a unique map of an individual's personality.

Extraversion – Introversion. This scale reveals how we direct our psychological energy and from where we draw it. Extraverts are individuals who "recharge" from social interaction. They thrive on being the center of attention, enjoying parties, engaging in conversations, and meeting new people. For them, the world is a stage. Introverts, conversely, find their energy in tranquility and solitude. They prefer deep, meaningful conversations with a few close friends over large, noisy gatherings and restore their strength by reading a book or taking a quiet walk in nature.

Neuroticism – Emotional Stability. This axis reflects our degree of emotional reactivity. Individuals who score high on neuroticism tend to experience frequent feelings of worry, anxiety, and intense emotional responses, even to minor stressors. Their inner world is often vivid but can be prone to rapid shifts. At the opposite end of the spectrum is emotional stability. People with this trait are generally calm, even-tempered, and not easily prone to panic. They withstand life's challenges with a steady and resilient demeanor.

Eysenck theorized that these traits have deep biological roots, connected to the specific workings of our nervous system. Understanding your position on these scales is not about applying "good" or "bad" labels; it is simply an explanation of your natural predispositions.

The Test: A Moment of Honest Reflection

We invite you to take this test. Please answer "yes" or "no" to each question, trusting your initial reaction. Do not overthink your responses—the most genuine answer is often the first one that comes to mind.

Do you often long for excitement?
Do you often need understanding friends to cheer you up?
Are you usually carefree?
Do you find it very hard to take 'no' for an answer?
Do you stop and think things over before doing anything?
If you say you will do something, do you always keep your promise, no matter how inconvenient it may be?
Do your moods go up and down?
Do you generally do and say things quickly without stopping to think?
Do you ever feel 'just miserable' for no good reason?
Would you do almost anything for a dare?
Do you suddenly feel shy when you want to talk to an attractive stranger?
Do you sometimes lose your temper and get angry?
Do you often do things on the spur of the moment?
Do you often worry about things you should have done or said?
Do you generally prefer reading to meeting people?
Are your feelings easily hurt?
Do you like to go out a lot?
Do you sometimes have thoughts and ideas that you would not like other people to know about?
Do you sometimes feel full of energy and sometimes very sluggish?
Do you prefer to have few but special friends?
Do you daydream a lot?
When people shout at you, do you shout back?
Do you often worry about feelings of guilt?
Are all your habits good and desirable ones?
Can you usually let yourself go and have a good time at a lively party?
Would you call yourself tense or 'highly-strung'?
Do other people think of you as being very lively?
After you have done something important, do you often feel that you could have done better?
Are you mostly quiet when you are with other people?
Do you sometimes gossip?
Do ideas run through your head so that you cannot sleep?
If there is something you want to know about, would you rather look it up in a book than ask someone?
Do you get palpitations or a thumping in your heart?
Do you like work that requires close attention?
Do you get attacks of shaking or trembling?
Would you always declare everything at customs, even if you knew you could never be found out?
Do you hate being in a crowd where people are joking with one another?
Are you an irritable person?
Do you like doing things in which you have to act quickly?
Do you worry about awful things that might happen?
Are you slow and unhurried in the way you move?
Have you ever been late for an appointment or work?
Do you have many nightmares?
Do you like talking to people so much that you never miss a chance to talk to a stranger?
Are you troubled by aches and pains?
Would you be very unhappy if you could not see lots of people most of the time?
Would you call yourself a nervous person?
Of all the people you know, are there some whom you definitely do not like?
Would you say that you are fairly self-confident?
Are you easily hurt when people find fault with you or your work?
Do you find it hard to really enjoy yourself at a lively party?
Are you troubled by feelings of inferiority?
Can you easily get some life into a dull party?
Do you sometimes talk about things you know nothing about?
Do you worry about your health?
Do you like playing pranks on others?
Do you suffer from sleeplessness?

Decoding the Results: Your Personality Map

Now, calculate your scores for the three scales using the key below.

E Scale (Extraversion, maximum 24 points):

Score one point for each 'yes' answer to the following questions: 1, 3, 8, 10, 13, 17, 22, 25, 27, 39, 44, 46, 49, 53, 56.
Score one point for each 'no' answer to these questions: 5, 15, 20, 29, 32, 34, 37, 41, 51.

N Scale (Neuroticism, maximum 24 points):

Score one point for each 'yes' answer to the following questions: 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 31, 33, 35, 38, 40, 43, 45, 47, 50, 52, 55, 57.

L Scale (Lie Scale, maximum 9 points):

Score one point for each 'yes' answer to questions: 6, 24, 36.
Score one point for each 'no' answer to questions: 12, 18, 30, 42, 48, 54.

Interpretation:

E Scale: If your score is above 12, you tend toward extraversion. You are sociable, impulsive, and enjoy being around people. If your score is below 12, you are closer to introversion—calm, thoughtful, and value your time alone.
N Scale: A score above 12 indicates a tendency toward neuroticism (emotional instability). You may be more prone to anxiety and be more emotionally sensitive. A score below 12 suggests emotional stability—you are generally calm and well-balanced.
L Scale: This scale measures social desirability—the tendency to present oneself in a favorable light. If your score is higher than 5, it's possible you may have a tendency to present yourself in a socially desirable way, or you may genuinely hold yourself to very high standards of conduct.

A Tool, Not a Verdict

Please remember that this test is just a snapshot, not a definitive diagnosis. It does not categorize people as "good" or "bad"; it simply illuminates our natural tendencies. Understanding that you are an introvert can explain why a day of silence is necessary to recover after a large social event. Acknowledging a high level of neuroticism can help you understand why you react so strongly to criticism, empowering you to develop strategies for managing those emotions.

Knowledge of your own traits is a key to living a more harmonious life. It enables you to better understand your needs, build more effective relationships, and find activities that bring you genuine fulfillment. We encourage you to view your results not as limitations, but as the unique pattern of your personality that makes you who you are.

Sources and Recommended Literature

Eysenck, H. J. (1967). The Biological Basis of Personality. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C Thomas Publisher.
In this foundational work, Hans Eysenck elaborates on the theory behind his personality model. The book provides a detailed argument for the connection between psychological traits like extraversion and neuroticism and the underlying physiological processes in the central nervous system. The chapters focusing on the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) and the limbic system are particularly crucial for a deeper understanding.
Eysenck, H. J., & Eysenck, S. B. G. (1975). Manual of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. London: Hodder and Stoughton.
This is the official manual for the questionnaire. It contains the full text of the test, comprehensive scoring keys, and extensive statistical data, including norms for various age and cultural groups. It remains the primary and most authoritative resource for anyone intending to use the test for research or applied psychological purposes.

Author: Helena Abernethy

11 October 2025