Basic information |
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Statements: | 20 |
Duration: | 3–5 minutes |
Type: | Self-Report Personality Quiz |
Left Brain Dimensions | Logic, Analysis, Sequencing, Detail Orientation, Language, Numerical Processing, Planning, Literal Thinking |
Right Brain Dimensions | Creativity, Intuition, Holistic Thinking, Imagination, Pattern Recognition, Emotional Expression, Rhythm, Abstract Thinking |
Seminal work: | Popularized in cognitive psychology and educational theory (split-brain research by Roger W. Sperry) |
Publishing year: | 2025 (BDQ-20) Version 2.1 |
Reference: |
Sperry, R. W. (1968). Hemisphere deconnection and unity in conscious awareness. American Psychologist, 23(10), 723–733. Gazzaniga, M. S. (2000). Cerebral specialization and interhemispheric communication: Does the corpus callosum enable the human condition? Brain, 123(7), 1293–1326. |
Instructions:
The Left Brain vs Right Brain Test (Brain Dominance Questionnaire – BDQ-20) is a self-report questionnaire designed to highlight whether an individual’s thinking style is more left-brained (logical, analytical, structured) or right-brained (creative, intuitive, imaginative). It contains 20 statements, and you need to choose the option that best describes your typical approach or preference. The results provide insight into your cognitive style by comparing left vs right brain dimensions. |
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Disclaimer: This self-assessment is inspired by research on split-brain theory and hemispheric specialization (e.g., Sperry, 1968; Gazzaniga, 2000). While based on these findings, the test is intended for educational and self-reflection purposes only. |
About Left-Brain / Right-Brain
The popular idea of left brain and right brain grew by early research in psychology and neurosciences. Roger W. Sperry and Michael S. Gazzaniga studied “split brain.” Their work showed two halves of the brain have different strengths. Left side of the brain is more focused on reasoning and logic, and right brain is involved in emotions and creativity.
Modern psychology rejects the idea of left brain and right brain and suggests no one is truly “just left-brained” or “just right-brained.” Instead, people may have different thinking and preferences. Some people may be comfortable with structured and logical tasks, while others may like creative and imaginative activities.
The self-assessment is NOT associated with the scientific work, but it helps explore your cognitive preferences or which side of thinking feels stronger or more natural to you.
Left Brain vs Right Brain Dimensions
Left Brain Dimensions | |
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Logic | Focuses on reasoning, facts, and rules. |
Analysis | Breaks problems into smaller parts. |
Sequencing | Thinks in steps and organized order. |
Detail Orientation | Pays attention to specifics and accuracy. |
Language | Strong in words, reading, and grammar. |
Numerical Processing | Handles numbers, math, and calculations. |
Planning | Organizes tasks with control and foresight. |
Literal Thinking | Takes things at face value, concrete thinking. |
Right Brain Dimensions | |
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Creativity | Generates new ideas and original solutions. |
Intuition | Understands things instinctively without step-by-step reasoning. |
Holistic Thinking | Sees the bigger picture and overall patterns. |
Imagination | Visualizes possibilities and dreams beyond facts. |
Pattern Recognition | Identifies shapes, connections, and rhythms. |
Emotional Expression | Expresses and interprets feelings. |
Rhythm | Relates to music, timing, and flow. |
Abstract Thinking | Explores concepts, metaphors, and ideas. |
According to brain dominance research, the brain is divided into two halves: the right one is responsible for creativity and emotions, and the left one is responsible for logical and analytical work, but they function together as a whole. In the 1960s and 1970s, neuropsychologists such as Roger W. Sperry and Michael S. Gazzaniga studied “split-brain” patients. They discovered that the left hemisphere is generally more involved in language, logic, and sequential processing, while the right hemisphere is more involved in spatial awareness, nonverbal cues, music, and holistic processing. For this work, Sperry was awarded the 1981 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Modern research shows that while the brain is divided into two halves and has specialized functions, both hemispheres work together, and people do not have a “left-brain personality” or “right-brain personality.” Instead, brain dominance may reflect cognitive preferences rather than fixed traits.
🧠 Scoring & Interpretation
Dimension | Items | Score Range | Interpretation |
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Left Brain Dimensions | |||
Logic | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = stronger reasoning & rule-based thinking |
Analysis | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = better step-by-step breakdown skills |
Sequencing | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = structured, order-based processing |
Detail Orientation | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = stronger focus on specifics & accuracy |
Language | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = stronger word, grammar, & verbal ability |
Numerical Processing | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = stronger math & quantitative reasoning |
Planning | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = better organization & foresight |
Literal Thinking | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = preference for concrete, direct meaning |
Right Brain Dimensions | |||
Creativity | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = stronger imaginative & original thinking |
Holistic Thinking | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = ability to see big picture connections |
Emotional Expression | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = stronger awareness & expression of feelings |
Visual-Spatial | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = stronger spatial & visual memory |
Imagination | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = preference for abstract & fantasy thinking |
Intuition | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = reliance on “gut feelings” over logic |
Rhythm & Music | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = stronger sensitivity to music & patterns |
Emotional Sensitivity | 4 | 0–20 | Higher scores = stronger empathy & social awareness |