What term is used to describe the degree to which people are shy and passive?

The term that describes the degree to which individuals are shy and passive is introversion. Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a preference for solitary activities and a tendency to feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and feelings rather than seeking external stimulation from social interactions. People who score high in introversion may often prefer quiet environments and may need more time alone to recharge after socializing.

This concept is distinct from extroversion, which refers to the opposite personality trait where individuals are more outgoing, energetic, and enjoy engaging with others. The Pygmalion Effect and Fundamental Attribution Error are psychological concepts related to expectations and how we interpret the behavior of others, but they do not pertain to the shy or passive nature of individuals. Thus, introversion is the most accurate term to describe the characteristics of being shy and passive.