PROJECT 5: WHAT-WHY-HOW-WHAT IF REPORT
Author: ZHAO YI – MAAI
What:
The subject I intend to research is human psychology and behavior relating to personalities and characteristics.
How can introverts create ways to express themselves effectively in working social situations?
Why:
I was initially inspired by the world of drag, where male performers embrace their opposite-gender personas to express their true selves. While I considered exploring gender research, I felt it would be inappropriate for a heterosexual individual to assume an understanding of the LGBTQ community’s thoughts, Instead, I turned inward to reflect on my struggles with introversion in public settings. Not only me but many people in the world have these issues. It’s not that everyone will behave introverted and struggle to express themselves, but in the workplace or public situations where they need to perform, they may unconsciously feel less confident and get stage fright.
How:
To conduct my primary research, I plan to conduct a range of both online and in-person interviews with introverts working in diverse fields. I will be focusing on introverts from a variety of professions, including drag performers, dancers, DJs, comedians, public relations specialists, and individuals who do not require extensive communication in their work, such as accountants. The main focus will be on stage performers. The questionnaire will cover various aspects such as age, gender, education level, occupation, cultural identity, etc.
For my secondary research, I intend to read books on human behavior, psychology, gender identity, and performance on stage. These topics will provide me with a better understanding of how individuals act about their psychology, the motivations behind their behaviors, how gender transition affects individuals, and the strategies employed by successful performers.
As part of my action plan, I will interview three individuals from each occupation, resulting in a total of 15 interviewees. The primary question will focus on how these individuals transform themselves from introverted to extroverted in unique ways to enhance their job performance. For drag queens or those with gender identity issues, the question will be expanded to include how gender transition affects them. The questionnaire will also be distributed to collect approximately 100 responses to gain insights into how individuals act in their working lives, regardless of their occupation.
My first intervention involves a social experiment called the “mask game.” I aim to gather 10 to 15 strangers at a small club and supply each of them with an exquisite mask. Using video documentation, I intend to capture their demeanor both before and after donning the masks, observing any potential shifts from introversion to extroversion. For my second intervention, while conducting participant interviews, I will create a dedicated information-sharing platform specifically for introverts to help them understand others’ socializing methods.
What if:
Attaining mastery in this area would have numerous positive implications. It would enable me to effortlessly transition from introversion to extroversion in various social and professional settings, thus providing me with a significant advantage in my future career. Moreover, it could prove beneficial for those who aspire to achieve their desired social and personal states.