Prepare for the Nelson-Denny Test with quizzes, flashcards, and practice questions, each with detailed explanations. Achieve success on your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What does the term "introspective" indicate about a person’s outlook?

  1. Outward-looking and social

  2. Inward-looking and self-analyzing

  3. Unreflective and thoughtless

  4. Superficial and vain

The correct answer is: Inward-looking and self-analyzing

The term "introspective" refers to the act of looking inward, reflecting on one's own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. A person described as introspective tends to engage in self-analysis and contemplation, examining their inner experiences and emotions. This quality allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their reactions to various situations, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. The other choices do not capture this essence. While "outward-looking and social" suggests engagement with the external world, it contradicts the inherent nature of introspection, which is focused on internal processes. Describing someone as "unreflective and thoughtless" or "superficial and vain" also stands in stark contrast to the careful, thoughtful nature associated with being introspective. The correct choice aligns perfectly with the definition, emphasizing the inward-focused, self-examining characteristic that introspection embodies.