Ambiverts


The Merriam-Webster [online] dictionary defines an ambivert as "a person having characteristics of both extrovert and introvert" and if we view extraversion-introversion as a spectrum, then ambiverts fall right in the middle.


Stephen Cherry commenting on Susan Cain's TED talk on his blog notes that:
For me Cain’s talk came to life, the light bulb went on, when she spoke not of introversion and the qualities of introverts but about ambiverts.  Like their ambidextrous cousins, these are people who do not really prefer one way of functioning over another. They are equally comfortable with the situations where the introvert feels most at home and situations where the extrovert  is having a good time.
Ambiverts are equally happy to see a meeting in their diary as to see a space for writing a report. They enjoy a party and, guess what, they equally enjoy a good book. They find both satisfying and rewarding and like to have a varied life.  They have enough introversion to be able to take stuff on board slowly and enough extraversion to be able to push ideas out without feeling depleted. They can write a book and talk about it without feeling that one or other task is all a bit too much.

In terms of our project, we therefore expected ambiverts to display less strong preferences than the introverts or extraverts and to be equally comfortable with all forms of activity. Five of the students who participated in the study self-identified as ambiverts.

Five ambiverts took part in this study

Results

The performance of the ambiverts was surprisingly variable and they performed least well when working alone.  They achieved their best scores when working in pairs.  One ambivert student, commenting on pair working on the student questionnaire noted that "we learn new words and use them in the same time.  We practice all new words in lessons."  She felt that this pattern of working was very helpful for her.  Another ambivert commented "I'm not talking very much [outside the class] and the exercises are good to learn more words."

Ambiverts performed best when working in pairs

In terms of  their enjoyment of different activities, the ambiverts who were present for all four lessons were least enthusiastic about group working. One ambivert commenting on the pairwork lesson said "it's very fun and better way to practice". Another said "I like doing on my own and after that we check in group.  It was helpful."


Ambiverts were most enthusiastic about working alone and pairwork.

Watch Danilo talking about how a variety of activities suits his ambivert personality.



Watch Magda talking about herself as an ambivert.