As an expert in the field of psychology and linguistics, I can provide a comprehensive answer to your question regarding the opposite of introspection. Introspection is the process of looking inward to examine one's own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. It is a self-reflective process that is often associated with personal growth and understanding. The opposite of introspection would be a concept that involves focusing outwardly rather than inwardly.

The term that has been suggested as the closest antonym to introspection is 'extrospection'. Extrospection is not a widely recognized term, but it is used to describe the act of focusing on external factors, such as societal norms, external evidence, or information from the environment. This term encapsulates the idea of looking outward rather than inward, which is the essence of what you're asking for.

However, it's important to note that extroversion, a personality trait often associated with being outgoing and sociable, is not the same as extrospection. While extroverts may engage in extroverted behaviors, such as socializing and interacting with others, this does not necessarily mean they are not introspective. An extroverted person can still engage in introspection.

When considering the opposite of introspection, it's also helpful to look at activities that are typically associated with an outward focus. For example, scholarship involves the study of subjects outside of oneself, study often requires the examination of external materials, and investigation is the process of seeking answers from external sources. These activities can be seen as opposites to introspection in the sense that they involve a focus on external information rather than internal reflection.

It's also worth mentioning that the concept of extimacy has been used in some contexts to describe a form of social interaction that is superficial and lacks depth. While not a direct antonym of introspection, extimacy could be seen as the social equivalent of extrospection, where the focus is on outward appearance and interaction rather than deep, personal connections.

In conclusion, while there isn't a universally accepted direct antonym for introspection, the concept of extrospection comes closest to describing the opposite process. It involves a focus on external factors and information rather than internal reflection. Other activities such as scholarship, study, and investigation can also be considered opposites of introspection depending on the context, as they involve an outward focus on external information.

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The closest someone found for me at WikiAnswers: --There is no direct antonym other than the rarely used 'extrospection', seeking external or societal evidence or information. Any activity that involves scholarship, study, or investigation could be the opposite of introspection depending on the context.--Dec 4, 2012read more >>