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Modification of Incoming Sensory Data |
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©Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc
Studies have identified factors that combine to influence one’s position on the EAI Continuum. One of those factors involves:
The thalamus, located above the brain stem, “triages” incoming sensory stimuli and routes the data to decoding sites in the cortex. The Reticular Activating System (RAS) in the brain stem amplifies or reduces intensity of incoming sensory data—in some brains. The relative amount of amplification or reduction influences your innate position on the EAI Continuum.
The more the RAS reduces the intensity of incoming sensory stimuli the more extraverted the brain tends to be and the more it craves significant levels of stimulation.
The more the RAS amplifies or magnifies the intensity of incoming sensory stimuli the more introverted the brain tends to be and the more it requires protection from stimulation.
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 Extraverts 15%
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70%
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Introverts 15% |
| • RAS reduces size and intensity (think "tabletop exercise" with miniature figures and objects) |
• RAS magnifies size and intensity (think "bigger-than-life" with Jack-and-the-beanstalk figures and objects) |
| • Can handle large amounts of data / stimulation – more resistant to punishment |
• Can become overloaded quickly by too much input – more sensitive to punishment |
| • Tend to need lower doses of pain and sleeping medications |
• Tend to need higher doses of pain and sleeping medications |
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Extroversion-Introversion