Friday Fun: The “Q” Test

Are you a good liar?

I ran across this interesting quirky test online yesterday and I thought you would enjoy it. It’s from the book Quirkology.

Are you a good liar? Most people think that they are, but in reality there are big differences in how well we can pull the wool over the eyes of others. There is a very simple test that can help determine your ability to lie. Using the first finger of your dominant hand, draw a capital letter Q on your forehead.

Now which side does your Q end on? Read more

Some people draw the letter Q in such a way that they themselves can read it. That is, they place the tail of the Q on the right-hand side of their forehead. Other people draw the letter in a way that can be read by someone facing them, with the tail of the Q on the left side of their forehead. This quick test provides a rough measure of a concept known as “self-monitoring”. High self-monitors tend to draw the letter Q in a way in which it could be seen by someone facing them. Low self-monitors tend to draw the letter Q in a way in which it could be read by themselves.

High self-monitors tend to be concerned with how other people see them. They are happy being the centre of attention, can easily adapt their behaviour to suit the situation in which they find themselves, and are skilled at manipulating the way in which others see them. As a result, they tend to be good at lying. In contrast, low self-monitors come across as being the “same person” in different situations. Their behaviour is guided more by their inner feelings and values, and they are less aware of their impact on those around them. They also tend to lie less in life, and so not be so skilled at deceit.

I ended up being a high self-monitor, but I really don’t care too much what people think about me, though I am extremely conscience of how I communicate with others. I am always putting myself into their shoes so I often look at how I might appear from the outside looking in, if that makes any sense. It’s important to me that people understand me as I want to be understood so I guess I would agree, I am a high-self monitor. Mind you, I have no idea how accurate or true this is, but its fun nonetheless.

I do have to wonder if where you place the “Q” end is related to if you are right or left-handed. Anyone draw the “Q” end on the opposite side you write with?

What are you? Feel free to share the rest of us!