Signaling Systems Ratio Questionnaire Test

Understand whether you rely more on sensory detail or abstract concepts in about 11 minutes. Use the 57 quick items to improve communication, learning, and motivation.
Start Online Test
Questions5711 minutes
Hi! My name is Freudly, i am an AI therapist, I will give you an interpretation of the test after you complete it.
08:30
October 2, 2025
October 2, 2025
Material has been updated
25,655 views
1,336 completions
1,178 likes
Verified by Daniel Hall
Psychologist with 25 years of experience
Share
Scale Explorer

How the Scales are Structured

example score
16/30
Imagination (I)
Measures the tendency toward dreaminess and impressionability, with lower scores reflecting stronger imaginative capacity.
More imaginative
Balanced
Less imaginative
613More imaginative1422Balanced2330Less imaginative
A score of 16 falls in the Balanced range, suggesting a moderate tendency toward dreaminess and impressionability.
example score
31/50
Self-Regulation (SR)
Measures the ability to reflect on one’s actions and anticipate events, where lower scores indicate stronger self-regulation.
High self-regulation
Moderate self-regulation
Low self-regulation
1023High self-regulation2436Moderate self-regulation3750Low self-regulation
A score of 31 falls in the Moderate self-regulation range, suggesting an average tendency to reflect on actions and foresee outcomes.
example score
14/40
Analytical Thinking (AT)
Measures the tendency to analyze actions, their sequence, and the deliberateness of decisions, where lower scores reflect stronger analytical thinking.
Strong analytical thinking
Moderate analytical thinking
Lower analytical thinking
818Strong analytical thinking1929Moderate analytical thinking3040Lower analytical thinking
A score of 14 falls in the Strong analytical thinking range, suggesting a pronounced tendency to think through steps and decisions carefully.
example score
21/50
Willpower (W)
Assesses readiness for voluntary effort, persistence, and determination in goal-directed behavior.
Stronger willpower
Moderate willpower
Lower willpower
1023Stronger willpower2436Moderate willpower3750Lower willpower
A score of 21 falls in the Stronger willpower range, suggesting relatively well-developed volitional qualities and perseverance.
example score
21/30
Imagery-Based Memory (IBM)
Assesses whether memory relies more on stable mental images versus more symbol- and logic-based encoding within the signaling systems framework.
More figurative (image-based)
Balanced
More symbolic/logical
614More figurative (image-based)1522Balanced2330More symbolic/logical
A score of 21 falls in the Balanced range, suggesting a fairly even use of imagery and symbolic/logical strategies in memory.
example score
21/45
Emotionality (E)
Emotionality reflects how vividly a person emotionally perceives events, their sensitivity, and potential mood variability (lower scores indicate greater emotional development).
More emotionally developed
Balanced emotionality
More restrained emotionality
921More emotionally developed2233Balanced emotionality3445More restrained emotionality
A score of 21 falls in the “More emotionally developed” range, suggesting vivid emotional responsiveness and sensitivity compared with higher scores on this scale.
example score
32/40
Activity (A)
Measures overall behavioral activity, tendency toward above-norm actions, and degree of social contact, with lower scores indicating higher activity.
High activity
Moderate activity
Lower activity
818High activity1929Moderate activity3040Lower activity
A score of 32 falls in the Lower activity range, suggesting comparatively less behavioral activation and social engagement than is typical on this scale.
example score
98/145
Second Signaling System (SSS)
Assesses the relative development of the second signaling system, reflecting abstract, verbal-logical processing (with lower scores indicating stronger development).
More developed
Mixed/average
Less developed
048More developed4997Mixed/average98145Less developed
A score of 98 falls in the “Less developed” range, suggesting comparatively lower reliance on abstract, verbal-logical signaling and a greater tilt toward concrete, image-based processing relative to this scale.
example score
72/145
First Signaling System (FSS)
Measures how strongly a person tends to rely on concrete, sensory impressions (first signaling system) rather than abstract symbols.
More primary-signal oriented
Balanced
Less primary-signal oriented
048More primary-signal oriented4997Balanced98145Less primary-signal oriented
A score of 72 falls in the Balanced range, suggesting a relatively even use of concrete sensory impressions and more symbolic, abstract processing.
example score
2/66
Signaling Ratio (SR) (SR)
Assesses the balance between Pavlov’s first (sensory-imagery) and second (symbolic-abstract) signaling systems based on the signal coefficient.
Second-system dominant
Balanced
First-system dominant
-66-1Second-system dominant0Balanced166First-system dominant
A score of 2 falls in the First-system dominant range, suggesting a slight preference for processing information through concrete sensory impressions over abstract symbols.
Start Online Test
just completed the test
DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Students and adult learners
41%OF USERS
They take it to understand whether they learn better through vivid examples and sensory detail or through concepts, symbols, and theory.
Managers and team leads
34%OF USERS
They use it to adapt communication, task framing, and motivation to how each person processes information.
Psychologists and coaches
25%OF USERS
They include it in assessments to quickly identify a client’s dominant thinking style and choose suitable interventions.
BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.
RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE

Scale Results
— Explained Clearly
Your scores across each test scale are translated into plain, usable insights. You won’t just get numbers — you’ll learn how your results impact your daily life, emotional state, and overall well-being.
AI-Powered
Interpretation
You’ll receive a structured, clinically-grounded explanation. Our AI analyzes patterns and relationships between scales to provide a coherent interpretation, without exaggerated language.
Statistical
Comparison
See how your results compare to others. Anonymized platform data is used to create a percentile scale, which identifies whether your results are typical.
Practical
Recommendations
You’ll receive clear, actionable guidance tailored to your profile. These easy-to-implement suggestions focus on coping, self-regulation, and realistic next steps.
AI-Powered
Insights
Get insights on behavioral and thought patterns you might not notice on your own. By uncovering subtle connections between your responses, you’ll better understand what may be driving your current results.
Discuss with
an AI Therapist
Clarify, reflect, and explore your results right away. Talk through your experience, ask questions, and explore meanings in a calm, non-diagnostic dialogue.
Start Online Test
Used in 52+ countries
Benchmarking

See How You Compare

Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.
Imagination (I)
Average
17.3
Normal range
12.821.8
min.
6
max.
30
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Self-regulation (S)
Average
34.7
Normal range
28.740.8
min.
10
max.
50
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Analytical thinking (At)
Average
25.6
Normal range
20.630.7
min.
8
max.
40
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Willpower (W)
Average
22.9
Normal range
1629.8
min.
10
max.
50
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Figurative Memory (FM)
Average
17.1
Normal range
13.420.9
min.
6
max.
30
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Emotionality (E)
Average
20.2
Normal range
13.826.6
min.
9
max.
45
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Activity (A)
Average
23.7
Normal range
19.228.2
min.
8
max.
40
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Second-order Signaling (SS)
Average
80.1
Normal range
56.8103.4
min.
0
max.
145
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Primalsignalness (P)
Average
108.5
Normal range
82.4134.7
min.
0
max.
145
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) (SR()
Average
-21
Normal range
-45.53.5
min.
-66
max.
66
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Featured On
CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this questionnaire measure?
It estimates the balance between two information-processing modes: reliance on concrete sensory impressions and reliance on abstract symbols and concepts.
How should the items be answered?
Select the option that best matches typical behavior, not an ideal response. Answer every item using first impressions and avoid overanalysis.
How long does it take to complete?
Average completion time is about 11 minutes. The questionnaire contains 57 items.
What do the results mean?
Scores indicate whether image-based processing or symbol-based processing is more prominent, or whether the two are balanced. Results describe cognitive preferences and do not determine ability, intelligence, or clinical status.
How can the results be used in practice?
Results can guide communication methods, learning supports, and task framing by matching information to the preferred processing mode. They are most useful when considered alongside other assessment information.
WHAT THE TEST MEASURES
About This Assessment
Questionnaire on the Balance of Signaling Systems Test

Signaling Systems Ratio Questionnaire Test - Symptoms and Signs

This measure is designed to characterize individual differences in reliance on perceptual, image-based impressions versus more abstract, symbol-mediated processing. The Signaling Systems Ratio Questionnaire provides an index of the relative balance between these information-processing tendencies.

The instrument consists of 57 items and typically requires about 11 minutes to complete. It is commonly used as a brief self-report screener to support clinical interviewing, psychoeducational formulation, or consultation when cognitive style may influence learning, communication, or problem-solving. The Signaling Systems Ratio Questionnaire was developed by Albert Mehrabian and is generally interpreted in terms of a relative preference for concrete, sensory-affective cues versus verbal-conceptual representations.

Author: Albert Mehrabian
Literature: McCrae, R. R., & Costa, P. T., Jr. Personality in adulthood: A five-factor theory perspective. Guilford Press. 1990.; Anastasi, A., & Urbina, S. Psychological testing. Prentice Hall. 1997.
Test Question Form
You Might Also Like
Assessment of the Structure of Signaling Systems
This measure is designed to characterize individual differences in informat…
Start Test
Attitudes Toward Lying Questionnaire
This questionnaire assesses how an individual evaluates the acceptability a…
Start Test
Hex Signaletics Questionnaire
This brief self-report measure is designed to support rapid, high-level cha…
Start Test
Popular tests
Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI)
This self-report measure is used to assess narcissism as a personality trai…
Start Test
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS)
This measure is used to rapidly quantify the current severity of obsessive…
Start Test
CRAFFT Screening Test (CRAFFT 2.1)
This brief screening measure is designed to identify potential alcohol and…
Start Test
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
This measure is commonly used to quickly screen for the presence and severi…
Start Test
Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)
This self-report measure is used to assess occupational burnout symptoms in…
Start Test
Adolescent Anxiety Questionnaire
This measure is designed to support a brief appraisal of anxiety symptoms a…
Start Test
Emotional Creativity Inventory (ECI)
This self-report measure assesses individual differences in the originality…
Start Test
Horne–Ostberg Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ)
Circadian preferences influence typical patterns of alertness and sleep tim…
Start Test
Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI)
This measure is designed to assess attitudes toward women, including both o…
Start Test
Internalized Misogyny Scale (IMS)
This measure is designed to assess internalized negative beliefs and stereo…
Start Test
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)
This self-report measure assesses the degree to which individuals appraise…
Start Test
Impulsive Behavior Scale (SUPPS-P)
Impulsivity is a multidimensional construct that is often assessed with bri…
Start Test
Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, Revised (CIWA-Ar)
This rating scale is used to rapidly assess the severity of alcohol withdra…
Start Test
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS)
This measure provides a brief self-report assessment of current or typical…
Start Test
Light Triad Scale (LTS)
This self-report measure assesses prosocial personality tendencies and orie…
Start Test
Suicidal Ideation Scale
In clinical settings, the Suicidal Ideation Scale is used to structure an i…
Start Test
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Scale (BDD-D)
This brief self-report measure is designed to screen for and quantify distr…
Start Test
Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
This measure is a brief self-report inventory used to screen for anxiety sy…
Start Test
Differential Test of Perfectionism
This instrument is used to screen for perfectionism-related attitudes and t…
Start Test
Locus of Control Scale
This measure assesses generalized expectancies regarding the degree to whic…
Start Test
New Apathy Scale
This brief self-report measure is used to screen for apathy-related symptom…
Start Test
Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ)
This measure assesses individual differences in alexithymia, including diff…
Start Test
Social Intelligence Scale
This brief self-report measure is designed to support rapid screening of in…
Start Test
Fear Test
This measure is designed to evaluate individual differences in fear-related…
Start Test
Neuroticism Level Scale
The measure is intended for brief screening of an individual’s propensity t…
Start Test
Aggressiveness Indicators Screening Questionnaire
This screening tool is designed to quickly identify behavioral indicators a…
Start Test
Comments
Leave a Comment