Wagner Preference Inventory
Discover your dominant thinking style with the Wagner Preference Inventory. Are you left-brained (logical) or right-brained (intuitive)? Take this free online test to understand your cognitive preferences.
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About This Test
The Wagner Preference Inventory (WPI) is a neurobehavioral inventory designed to measure hemispheric preference. Developed by Wagner and Wells (1985), it helps identify whether you tend toward left-brain (logical, analytical) or right-brain (creative, intuitive) thinking styles.
How It Works
The test consists of 12 questions. In each question, you choose from a group of four activities which you would like to do the most. Your preferences reveal patterns in your cognitive style and hemispheric dominance.
What It Measures
The WPI measures hemispheric preference - whether you tend to process information more through your left hemisphere (logical, sequential, verbal) or right hemisphere (creative, holistic, visual). This can help you understand your natural cognitive strengths and learning preferences.
Scientific Background
The Wagner Preference Inventory was developed by Rudolph F. Wagner and Kelly A. Wells and published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology (1985). It is based on research into brain lateralization - the idea that different cognitive functions are processed preferentially in different hemispheres of the brain.
Disclaimer
This test is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The left-brain/right-brain dichotomy is a simplified model of brain function. In reality, both hemispheres work together in most cognitive tasks. This test should not be used for clinical or diagnostic purposes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question? Let us know.
What is hemispheric preference?
Hemispheric preference refers to the tendency to rely more heavily on one hemisphere of the brain for certain types of cognitive processing. While both hemispheres work together, individuals may have a natural inclination toward either left-brain (analytical, logical) or right-brain (creative, intuitive) thinking styles.
Is the left-brain/right-brain theory scientifically valid?
While the strict left-brain vs right-brain dichotomy is an oversimplification, brain lateralization is a real phenomenon. Different cognitive functions do tend to be processed more in one hemisphere than the other. However, both hemispheres communicate and work together in most tasks. The WPI measures preferences, not absolute abilities.
Can I change my thinking style?
While you may have a natural preference, thinking styles are not fixed. You can develop both analytical and creative thinking skills through practice. Understanding your preference can help you identify areas for growth and leverage your natural strengths.
How was this test developed?
The Wagner Preference Inventory was developed by Rudolph F. Wagner and Kelly A. Wells and published in their 1985 paper 'A refined neurobehavioral inventory of hemispheric preference' in the Journal of Clinical Psychology. The test was designed to provide a quick assessment of cognitive style preferences.
