A teacher traces how Eysenck's theory of personality grew:
First dimension: Neuroticism vs. emotional stability, the degree to which people have control over their feelings.
Second dimension: ________
Later work: Psychoticism vs. Sociability, which interacts with the other two dimensions.
Which of the following fills the blank?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → The degree to which people are socially outgoing or socially withdrawn
Option (1) The degree to which people are imaginative, curious and open to new ideas — Incorrect. This describes openness to experience, a factor of the Five-Factor Model of Costa and McCrae.
Option (2) The degree to which people are socially outgoing or socially withdrawn — Correct. Eysenck's second dimension is extraversion vs. introversion. It refers to how socially outgoing or socially withdrawn people are. Active, gregarious people lie at one end; quiet, reserved people at the other.
Option (3) The degree to which people are helpful, co-operative, friendly and caring — Incorrect. This describes agreeableness, another Big Five factor. Eysenck's theory has no such dimension.
Option (4) The degree to which people are achievement-oriented, dependable and self-controlled — Incorrect. This describes conscientiousness, also a Big Five factor. It belongs to the five-factor model.
NCERT (2026-27): “Eysenck’s Theory “(2) Extraversion vs. introversion : It refers to the degree to which people are socially outgoing or socially withdrawn. At one extreme are those who are active, gregarious, impulsive and thrillseeking. At the other extreme are people who are passive, quiet, cautious and reserved.” |