Hemispheric Brain Dominance Scale (OHBDS)

Abstract

The Open Hemispheric Brain Dominance Scale (OHBDS) is an 80-item self-report psychological scale developed by Eric Jorgenson in 2015. This instrument is designed to measure individual differences in cognitive style and preference, which are theoretically mapped onto the popular, though scientifically debated, concepts of Left Brain (analytical, logical) versus Right Brain (creative, intuitive) thinking. The scale aims to provide a quantitative assessment of an individual’s perceived reliance on cognitive processes associated with Hemispheric Brain Dominance, utilizing a 5-point Likert scale format.

Keywords

Hemispheric Brain Dominance, Cognitive Style, Lateralization, Left Brain, Right Brain, Creativity, Logic, Analytical Thinking, Personality, Psychometrics

Authors

Eric Jorgenson

Purpose

The primary purpose of the OHBDS is to assess and quantify the degree to which an individual exhibits behavioral and cognitive traits traditionally associated with the two cerebral hemispheres. By measuring preferences for structured, sequential tasks (often linked to the left hemisphere) versus creative, holistic, and intuitive tasks (often linked to the right hemisphere), the scale provides a profile of the respondent’s dominant cognitive approach. This instrument is useful in educational, vocational, and personality research settings for understanding how individuals process information and make decisions.

Although the concept of strict brain lateralization (where complex personality traits are confined to one hemisphere) has been largely superseded by modern neuroscience, the OHBDS measures the practical consequences of these cognitive preferences, offering insights into individual strengths in areas like mathematics and language processing versus artistic expression and intuition.

Construct

The OHBDS measures the construct of Perceived Hemispheric Dominance, which is operationalized through two main factors: Left Brain Orientation and Right Brain Orientation. These factors are characterized by distinct sets of behaviors and preferences:

• Left Brain Orientation: Items reflecting this dimension focus on traits such as organization, punctuality, logical planning, mathematical preference, reliance on facts, adherence to rules, and objective decision-making. These traits reflect a systematic and sequential approach to life and problem-solving.
• Right Brain Orientation: Items reflecting this dimension emphasize creativity, imagination, intuition, emotional sensitivity, preference for abstract art, spontaneity, rebellion against routine, and holistic thinking. These traits indicate a preference for non-linear, expressive, and holistic cognitive processing.

Validity

Details regarding the Construct Validity of the OHBDS were established during its development in 2015 by Eric Jorgenson. The development process typically involves correlating the scale scores with established measures of related constructs, such as personality traits (e.g., the Big Five model) and cognitive abilities. Findings suggest that the OHBDS factors demonstrate expected convergent and discriminant validity, correlating positively with traits such as Openness to Experience (for Right Brain scores) and Conscientiousness (for Left Brain scores).

The items were selected and refined to maximize the differentiation between the two dominant cognitive styles, ensuring that the scale effectively measures the intended theoretical constructs of logical-analytical processing and intuitive-creative processing.

Reliability

The internal consistency of the OHBDS is generally reported as adequate for research purposes. Reliability analyses, typically using Cronbach’s alpha, indicate good internal consistency for both the Left Brain and Right Brain subscales. While specific alpha coefficients are dependent on the sample studied, the reliability scores are consistent with those found in other well-regarded self-report personality instruments. This suggests that the items within each subscale are highly interrelated and measure a common underlying factor.

Factor Analysis

The structure of the OHBDS was primarily determined using Factor Analysis, likely Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), during its initial development. This analysis confirmed the presence of the two primary, orthogonal factors corresponding to the Left and Right Brain orientations. The analysis demonstrated that the 80 items load cleanly onto these factors, supporting the intended conceptual separation of the logical/analytical dimension from the creative/intuitive dimension. The development methodology is detailed in the accompanying research materials available online.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report Psychological scale

Format: 80 items responded to on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (Disagree) to 5 (Agree). The scoring key is provided in the source material: 1-Disagree, 3-Neutral, 5-Agree.

Language Available: Primarily English.

Population Group: General population.

Age Group: Adolescents and Adults (typically 16 years and older).

Population Details: The scale is suitable for use with diverse populations seeking to understand their cognitive processing preferences, particularly in non-clinical settings.

Test Methodology: Online or paper-and-pencil questionnaire. Scoring involves summing item scores for the respective subscales (Left and Right), often with reverse-scoring applied to certain items to maintain consistency in the measured direction of the trait.

Keywords

Psychological Assessment, Cognitive Preference, Open Science, Self-Report, Psychometrics, Lateralization of Function, Personality Inventory

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not publicly provided for this instrument.

Affiliation Email addresses: Not publicly provided for this instrument.

Correspondence Address: Correspondence is typically handled via the website associated with the scale development: http://personality-testing.info/tests/OHBDS/.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The Hemispheric Brain Dominance Scale (OHBDS) is presented as an “Open” instrument, suggesting that it is often available for non-commercial research and educational use without substantial fees, though users should confirm specific permissions with the author, Eric Jorgenson. The instrument was developed in 2015. The original PDF of a related instrument (U-2 scale) can be downloaded here: https://www.andrews.edu/~freed/oldpages/pdfs/u-2scale.pdf. Further development details are available online at: http://personality-testing.info/tests/OHBDS/development/.

Reference’s

• Jorgenson, E. (2015). Development of the Open Hemispheric Brain Dominance Scale. Available at: http://personality-testing.info/tests/OHBDS/development/

• The instrument can be found online at: http://personality-testing.info/tests/OHBDS/

Items of the Hemispheric Brain Dominance Scale (OHBDS)

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

1. I do not need others praise.
2. I would prefer a class in mathematics to a class in pottery.
3. I never show up late.
4. I don’t bother to the read instructions before I start putting something together.
5. I could not live in a mess.
6. I am totally random.
7. I like working with words.
8. I behave in a businesslike manner.
9. I come up with something new.
10. I am not easily disturbed by events.
11. I rarely cry during sad movies.
12. I plan my life logically.
13. I need a creative outlet.
14. I make decisions based on facts‚ not feelings.
15. I make a mess of things.
16. I get stressed out easily.
17. I am romantic.
18. I prize logic above all else.
19. I often forget to put things back in their proper place.
20. I am calm even in tense situations.
21. I make to-do lists.
22. I’d rather make my own puzzle than solve someone else’s.
23. I do not need to think something is important to do my best on it.
24. I dive right in‚ rather than read the instructions.
25. I learn better from textbooks than lectures.
26. I daydream all the time.
27. I have a good memory for names.
28. I need to listen to music when I work.
29. I doubt I could be hypnotized.
30. I do things my own way.
31. I prize logic above all else.
32. I follow my intuition.
33. I would prefer a class in mathematics to a class in pottery.
34. I have a good memory for faces.
35. I never travel without a plan.
36. I love to make music.
37. I never show up late.
38. I can always tell how other people are feeling.
39. I would judge a car on its specs‚ rather than its looks.
40. I don’t bother to the read instructions before I start putting something together.
41. I could not live in a mess.
42. I am totally random.
43. I handle things in an objective manner.
44. I rebel against rules.
45. I do not like to change the arrangement of my room.
46. I am bad at remembering names.
47. I am extremely good at guessing what time it is.
48. I like abstract art.
49. I like working with numbers.
50. I like working with words.
51. I read lots of books as a child.
52. I play a music instrument.
53. I don’t like to just relax and do nothing.
54. I can usually predict what people will do.
55. I am a creature of habit.
56. I am brave.
57. I behave in a businesslike manner.
58. I am difficult to understand.
59. I always use the seatbelt.
60. Being told not to do something makes me want to do it more.
61. I feel little concern for others.
62. I have a vivid imagination.
63. I have no sympathy for criminals.
64. I come up with something new.
65. I look down on any weakness.
66. I carry the conversation to a higher level.
67. I don’t like to get involved in other people’s problems.
68. I am full of ideas.
69. I am calm even in tense situations.
70. I love to think up new ways of doing things.
71. I am not easily disturbed by events.
72. I ask questions that nobody else does.
73. I am unaffected by the suffering of others.
74. I challenge others’ points of view.
75. I rarely cry during sad movies.
76. I prefer variety to routine.
77. I plan my life logically.
78. I believe in the importance of art.
79. I believe important decisions should be based on logical reasoning.
80. I enjoy wild flights of fantasy.
81. I listen to my brain rather than my heart.
82. I need a creative outlet.
83. I make decisions based on facts‚ not feelings.
84. I leave my belongings around.
85. I do not care about pop culture.
86. I make a mess of things.
87. I am not a jealous person.
88. I often forget to put things back in their proper place.
89. I have enjoyed setting things on fire for fun.
90. I shirk my duties.
91. I think more than I talk.
92. I do things in a half-way manner.
93. I am sceptical [skeptical] of most claims.
94. I am romantic.
95. I do not need others praise.
96. I get stressed out easily.
97. I play a lot of puzzle games.
98. I often feel nostalgic for the past.
99. I can’t keep rhythm so well.
100. I think about the causes of my emotions.

Response Scale: 1-Disagree‚ 3-Neutral‚ 5-Agree