







The Essential Difference by Simon Baron-Cohen

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How male or female is your brain?

The following tests were developed by Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge. Take the interactive empathy quotient test. Take the interactive systemising quotient test. Baron-Cohen's theory is that the female brain is predominantly hard-wired for empathy, and that the male brain is predominantly hard-wired for understanding and building systems. He calls it the empathising-systemising (E-S) theory. Empathising is the drive to identify another person's emotions and thoughts, and to respond to these with an appropriate emotion. The empathiser intuitively figures out how people are feeling, and how to treat people with care and sensitivity. Systemising is the drive to analyse and explore a system, to extract underlying rules that govern the behaviour of a system; and the drive to construct systems. Read the full article here. The tests work out your empathising quotient (EQ) and systemising quotient (SQ). The interactive version, which will calculate your results for you, requires Flash (version 5). Alternatively, the plain HTML version allows you to print off the questionnaire and calculate your own scores. In either case, do both the SQ and EQ questionnaires then click on the link at the end for "your brain type". This will tell you whether you have a male brain, a female brain or if you're perfectly balanced. You can post your results or comments on the tests on the Essential Difference talkboard. Or you can send us an email at life@guardian.co.uk Disclaimer

Please note that psychological test scores are not diagnostic. If you score in the low E range, this is by no means an indicator that you have any kind of problem. Although research indicates that some people with a diagnosis (eg of autism or Asperger Syndrome) may score in the low E range, it is NOT the case that a low E score is indicative of a problem. A diagnosis is the result of an extensive assessment, not the result of a test score. And a diagnosis it typically only relevant for individuals who are seeking help because they are suffering in some way. If you are concerned about yourself, NOT as a result of this test but for other long-standing reasons, you should consult your GP. Flash version Download the free Flash Player

These tests need Macromedia Flash Player (version 5) to work - click here to download it. The interactive EQ test

The empathy quotient is intended to measure how easily you pick up on other people's feelings and also how strongly you are affected by other people's feelings. The interactive SQ test

The systemising quotient gives a score based on how interested you assess yourself to be in the operateion of systems and processes. Already have Flash? Having problems?

If you already have Flash and you are experiencing problems (such as strangely low scores or crashes) you should check which version you have. You can do this by going to the plug-ins section in your browser preferences. If you don't have version 5, we recommend you upgrade at the link above. HTML version The non-interactive EQ test

The empathy quotient is intended to measure how easily you pick up on other people's feelings and also how strongly you are affected by other people's feelings. 1. Print out the questions page (link below) and circle your answers.

2. Score your results using the guide provided. To get your EQ, simply add up all your points.

3. Once you have both your EQ and SQ, follow the link at the end of the questionnaire to work out what type of brain you have.

EQ test questions page The non-interactive SQ test

The systemising quotient gives a score based on how interested you assess yourself to be in the operateion of systems and processes. 1. Print out the questions page (link below) and circle your answers.

2. Score your results using the guide provided. To get your SQ, simply add up all your points.

3. Once you have both your EQ and SQ, follow the link at the end of the questionnaire to work out what type of brain you have.

SQ test questions page















