Psychologist Ben Ambridge explores humans’ ‘Psy-Q’ through series of simple maths questions

New book seeks to explore more than the IQ

(TOUSSAINT KLUITERS/AFP/Getty Images)

We all know about our IQ - our general intelligence. But what exactly is our ‘Psy-Q’?

Ben Ambridge, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Liverpool, recently set out to explore the Psy-Q by attempting to look into how much we, as humans, know and understand about what makes us tick, also analysing how good we are at predicting other people’s behaviour - and even our own.

The aim of his latest book - his first which is catered to a general audience - is to share the answers psychology has come up with to explain how and why humans do all the things they do through a series of interactive tests, quizzes, puzzles, games and illusions.

So, by taking the following short test - using three simple maths questions, courtesy of the scientist and The Guardian - find out what style of thinking you have:

Reflecting in his blog on the power of the studies in the book, Ambridge says Psy-Q doesn’t just describe these studies, ‘it is these studies’, adding: “You’ll measure your personality, intelligence, moral values, thinking style, impulsivity, skill at drawing, capacity for logical reasoning, musical taste, multitasking ability, susceptibility to illusions (both visual and mental) and preferences in a romantic partner.

“You’ll learn how we as a species think, feel, see and respond to others. You’ll be surprised, delighted, amazed, amused, frustrated, horrified and downright baffled. You’ll turn psychologist and ask friends and family to complete the studies in order to compare your results.”