Final answer:
Eysenck's theory states that introversion and extraversion are innate patterns of behavior influencing how individuals engage with the world, with introverts being more reserved and extraverts being more sociable. The theory also includes a neuroticism/stability dimension, affecting emotional responses and stress reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Eysenck's theory, introversion and extraversion are characteristic patterns of behavior that originate from biological bases and influence how individuals interact with their environment. Introverts are described as individuals who tend to be reserved, need time alone, and limit their interactions with others, reflecting a tendency towards solitary behaviors. On the opposite end, extroverts are sociable and outgoing, often seeking connection with others and deriving energy from those social interactions.
Additionally, Eysenck's theory includes the neuroticism/stability dimension, which describes emotional responses to stress. Individuals high in neuroticism may experience anxiety and an overactive flight-or-fight response even under low stress, whereas those high in stability require significantly more stimulation to elicit such a response and are typically more emotionally stable.
These two dimensions, extroversion/introversion and neuroticism/stability, divide personalities into four quadrants which correlate to traditional temperaments. This reflects Eysenck's belief in biologically determined temperament traits as key components of personality; traits that propel individuals to think, feel, and behave in certain ways consistently.