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THE PRESENT STUDY was an attempt to verify experimentally certain implications of Jungian theory. Jung's concepts of introversion and extraversion were used as the take-off point because these have been accessible to prior experimentation and definition, although the dearth of research in which the introvert/extravert dichotomy is utilized as an actual independent variable in an experiment is notable. Specifically, the study was designed to test the relationship of these Jungian personality variables to certain aspects of fantasy production.
In Jungian theory, the major sub-strata of the ego are the personal unconscious, and the collective unconscious composed of archetypal material. The conscious orientation of the ego and the two unconscious systems have as a goal a uniting, and a synthesizing on the higher level of personality development, i.e. in the self. The endeavour to unite opposing forces in the personality is accomplished by means of the transcendent function. What is meant by ‘transcendent function’ is the symbolic/fantasy process.
The two attitude types of personality, introversion and extraversion represent characteristic ways of perceiving and reacting to external as well as internal stimuli. The introverted attitude produces a greater potentiality for reflectiveness and indicates a greater subjective concern than does the extra-verted attitude. It was postulated, because of these factors, that the introvert would be more closely connected with both the personal and the collective unconscious. Two hypotheses were generated for testing from these conclusions:
Introverts will produce quantitatively more fantasy than will extraverts.
The introvert in his fantasy will produce more references to the anima/ animus archetype than will the extravert.
The procedure of uniting opposing forces in the personality is given the term ‘individuation process’ by Jung. Emphasis is on the role of fantasy as the transcendent function and