Right-Left Brain Dominance Test

Abstract

The Right-Left Brain Dominance Test is a brief, self-report inventory designed to categorize individuals based on behavioral and cognitive preferences traditionally associated with the popularized model of cerebral lateralization. This instrument employs a forced-choice format across ten items, contrasting behaviors indicative of logical, sequential, and organized thinking (typically assigned to the left hemisphere) against those representing creative, abstract, and divergent thinking (assigned to the right hemisphere). The resulting score is intended to provide a quick assessment of an individual’s perceived dominant cognitive style.

Keywords

Brain dominance, cerebral lateralization, cognitive style, dichotomy, self-assessment, sequential thinker, creative thinking, logical reasoning

Authors

The specific academic author or publisher of this particular version of the Right-Left Brain Dominance Test is not formally cited within the source material. The instrument appears to be a derivative or educational adaptation of the popular concept of hemispheric dominance. The distribution source points to Jana Din as the facilitator of the workshop material.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this scale is descriptive and educational: to allow respondents to quickly identify their preferred mode of operation—whether they lean toward highly structured, detailed, and analytical methods (Left-Brain dominance) or toward spontaneous, abstract, and holistic approaches (Right-Brain dominance). The scale is typically used in educational or professional development settings to facilitate discussions about learning styles, communication, and teamwork, based on the assumed dichotomy of cognitive processing.

The scoring system explicitly links a higher number of “A” responses to being “left-brained dominant,” characterized by traits such as being rational, methodical, and sequential, while a higher number of “B” responses suggests “right-brained dominant” traits, including creativity, emotionality, and divergent thinking.

Construct

The scale measures the psychological construct of perceived cognitive preference, framed within the concept of brain dominance. This concept, while popular in self-help and educational literature, posits that individuals utilize one hemisphere of the brain (left or right) significantly more than the other, thereby developing distinct personality and behavioral profiles. The items differentiate between two primary behavioral clusters:

• Left-Brain Cluster (Type A): Focuses on order, organization (e.g., clean desk, organized closets), adherence to methods (tried and true), sequential completion of tasks, and reliance on logical reasoning and planning.
• Right-Brain Cluster (Type B): Focuses on flexibility, creativity (e.g., creating new methods, original art), abstract thinking, inspiration-driven work pace, and divergent problem-solving.

It is crucial to note that modern neuroscience largely refutes the simplified notion that individuals are strictly “left-brained” or “right-brained” in a functional sense, viewing the concept as a neuromyth. Cognitive functions typically involve complex interactions between both hemispheres.

Validity

Information regarding the formal validity (e.g., construct validity, criterion validity) of this specific ten-item Right-Left Brain Dominance Test is not provided in the source material. Given its structure as a brief, non-academic self-assessment, it is highly likely that this instrument has not undergone rigorous psychometric validation. Its validity relies entirely on face validity—that is, the items appear intuitively related to the behavioral characteristics associated with the left-brain/right-brain dichotomy.

Reliability

No data concerning the reliability (e.g., internal consistency using Cronbach’s Alpha, test-retest reliability) of this scale is available. Without such data, the consistency and stability of the measurements derived from this test cannot be determined. Users should treat the results as indicative of personal preference rather than a stable psychological measure.

Factor Analysis

Formal factor analysis has not been reported for this instrument. A psychometric analysis would typically be required to confirm whether the 10 items truly cluster into two distinct, independent factors (Left-Brain preference and Right-Brain preference) as intended by the scoring methodology.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-Report Inventory / Forced-Choice Assessment

Format: The test consists of 10 paired statements (A vs. B), requiring the respondent to select the option that best describes their behavior or preference.

Language Available: English (as presented in the source content).

Population Group: General population, often utilized in educational or training settings.

Age Group: Adolescents and Adults capable of self-reflection on organizational and creative behaviors.

Population Details: This is a generic test not normed on any specific clinical or demographic population.

Test Methodology: Respondents select either A or B for 10 items. The total count of A responses and B responses determines the result. If A > B, the individual is classified as left-brained dominant (rational, methodical). If B > A, the individual is classified as right-brained dominant (creative, divergent).

The original PDF can be downloaded here: http://www.hect.org/images/workshop/2015-16/Child_Development/Jana_Din/Right_Left_brain_dominance_test.pdf

Keywords

Cognitive preference, hemispheric dominance, learning styles, organization, creativity, analytical thinking, Jana Din, psychological scale

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Information Not Provided

Affiliation Email addresses: Information Not Provided

Correspondence Address: Information Not Provided

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

Permissions: The instrument appears to be distributed freely for educational or non-commercial use, particularly in workshop settings, based on its public availability. Formal copyright status is unknown.

Fee: None specified; presumed free for educational purposes.

Test Year: The specific year of creation is unknown. The source link suggests distribution in the 2015-2016 period, but the scale itself is likely based on concepts popularized much earlier.

Reference’s

Formal academic references supporting the development or validation of this specific scale are absent. The instrument relies on the general, widely discussed, but oversimplified premise of left-brain/right-brain cognitive specialization.

Items of the Right-Left Brain Dominance Test

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

Which Side Are You On? Circle either “A” or “B” that most accurately describes you.

1.

A. At home‚ my room has organized drawer and closets. I even try to organize other things around the house.

B. At home‚ I like the “lived-in” look. I clean as I see a need and when I have the time.

2.

A. My desk is usually clean and has everything in place.

B. I leave my work out on my desk so I can work as I am inspired by ideas.

3.

A. I like using the “tried and true” method.

B. I like creating new methods.

4.

A. I follow directions carefully when I build a model‚ make a craft‚ etc.

B. I like to build a model my way‚ making my own creation.

5.

A. I complete one project at a time.

B. I like to start many different projects‚ but do not like to finish them.

6. When I am asked to write a report on a subject‚ I……..

A. research information‚ then outline and organize my writing.

B. work in my own self-inspired direction.

7. When I had to do a project in class‚ I…..

A. used my parents’ ideas‚ a book’s illustrated project or modeled another student’s project who received an “A+” from my teacher.

B. loved the challenge‚ and like a “mad scientist‚” I produced a unique project.

8. When I am in ch‎arge of a big job with many people working‚ I usually…

A. organize‚ give everyone their responsibilities‚ make lists‚ and make sure everyone finishes their part on time.

B. work at my own pace‚ let others work on the job as they want. I want to take care of needs/problems as they arise.

9. Which of these activities would you like to do the most?

A. planning the details for a trip/project

B. creating an original art form

10. I hate it when other people…..

A. are indecisive about what activities to do when I am with them.

B. plan activities in step-by-step detail when I am with them.

Scoring the Left/Right Brain Test

Add the number of “A” responses.

Write the sum here.____

Add the number of “B” responses.

Write the sum here.____

If you have more “A” responses than “B” responses‚ then you are left-brained dominate.

This means you……..

• are very rational
• analyze people and situations
• usually favor the subjects of math/science
• are methodical
• are a sequential thinker
• use logical reasoning
• like to work with things that can be seen or touched

If you have more “B” responses than “A” responses‚ you are right-brain dominate.

This means you…….

• are very creative
• are usually emotional
• like to be different from others
• handle situations easily
• like to think abstractly
• enjoy the arts (music‚ art‚ drama)
• are a divergent thinker