University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Strong Silent Type: The Inward Life of the Introvert

Martin, Dustin

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/16368

Description

Title
The Strong Silent Type: The Inward Life of the Introvert
Author(s)
Martin, Dustin
Issue Date
2010
Keyword(s)
  • introversion
  • extraversion
  • introvert
  • extravert
  • individualistic
  • collectivistic
  • big five personality psychology
  • RHET 233
  • Spring 2010
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to illuminate the lives introverted students on the University of Illinois campus, and in particular offer insight, based in theoretical and personal discussions, as to the motives and preferences underlying their particular personality orientation. The stereotypes surrounding introverts are addressed, as well as how introverts may come to view extraversion as a societal norm, rather than viewing their personality as one of many possible healthy ones. Finally, it may offer some insight into promoting inclusion on campus for a minority group which may be primarily overlooked, and adjusting university policies in order to foster the strength and health of the student’s social network, as well as their own well being. This has implications not only within the realm of the introvert population, but also in the search for acceptance of other minority groups, and creating a more inclusive campus environment.
Series/Report Name or Number
Rhetoric 233 (Principles of Composition) is an intermediate expository writing course where students refine their skills in critical reading, argumentation, revision, anticipating audience, and editing. In this course, students explored the relationships between language, culture and identity, as well as examined the ways that writers understand their surrounding cultures, contexts, and audiences (and what that means for their writing). They explored how writers use language to not only express themselves or their ideas, but also to do something—act politically, resist dominant structures, express agency, enact change, etc. As part of the Ethnography of the University Initiative (EUI), a major part of this course was to produce an in-depth research project, where students chose some aspect of language, culture, and community/identity to study on the University. They engaged in ethnographic research methods, which included collecting data, observing and participating in their chosen culture, recording their findings, and analyzing what they collected and recorded.
Type of Resource
text
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/16368

Owning Collections

Student Communities and Culture PRIMARY
The university offers an extraordinary opportunity to study and document student communities, life, and culture. This collection includes research on the activities, clubs, and durable social networks that comprise sometimes the greater portion of the university experience for students.