MST-21 – Multisensory Imagery Test
A free self-test for all 7 sensory modalities: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, body sensation and emotion. Methodology modeled on PSI-Q research (Andrade et al., 2014).
What does the MST-21 measure?
The MST-21 is aphantasie.org's own self-assessment. Its structure and scoring follow the methodology of established research questionnaires on multisensory imagery vividness (PSI-Q: Andrade et al., 2014; VVIQ: Marks, 1973); all items are original formulations. It is a self-assessment, not a psychometrically validated instrument, and does not replace clinical assessment.
The MST-21 (Multisensory Spectrum Test) is a self-test by aphantasie.org, based on PSI-Q research (Plymouth Sensory Imagery Questionnaire, Andrade et al. 2014, doi:10.1111/bjop.12050). It measures imagery vividness across 7 sensory modalities with 3 original items each (scale 0–10).
The test helps determine whether you have multisensory aphantasia — meaning not only a lack of visual imagery, but also auditory, olfactory or other sensory imagery.
The MST-21 is a self-report measure, not a psychometrically validated instrument. It serves as a personal orientation tool and does not replace clinical assessment.
Methodological basis
- Andrade, J. et al. (2014). Assessing vividness of mental imagery: The Plymouth Sensory Imagery Questionnaire. British Journal of Psychology, 105(4). doi:10.1111/bjop.12050
- Zeman, A. et al. (2015). Lives without imagery – Congenital aphantasia. Cortex.
Take the MST-21 Test
Take 10 minutes in a quiet, undisturbed environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the MST-21
What is the MST-21?
The MST-21 (Multisensory Spectrum Test) is an original self-test by aphantasie.org, based on PSI-Q research (Andrade et al., 2014). It contains entirely original items for 7 sensory modalities.
Is the MST-21 scientifically validated?
The MST-21 follows the methodology of the validated PSI-Q (Andrade et al. 2014), but contains original items and has not been separately psychometrically validated. It is a self-report measure for personal orientation — not a diagnostic instrument.
What is the difference between the MST-21 and the PSIQ?
The PSIQ (Plymouth Sensory Imagery Questionnaire) is the original instrument by Andrade et al. (2014) — a scientifically validated questionnaire. The MST-21 is our own self-test with the same methodology and original items. More about the original PSIQ: /tests/psiq
Can I have aphantasia in one sense but not others?
Yes, this is possible and relatively common. About 74% of aphantasic individuals have only visual aphantasia, while 26% are affected in other senses too. The MST-21 helps identify these individual differences.
More Tests & Topics
About the Original PSIQ
History and significance of the PSIQ (Andrade et al. 2014) in research.
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions about the MST-21 Test
What is the MST-21?
The MST-21 (Multisensory Spectrum Test) is an original self-test by aphantasie.org, based on PSI-Q research (Andrade et al., 2014). It contains entirely original items for 7 sensory modalities.
Is the MST-21 scientifically validated?
The MST-21 follows the methodology of the validated PSI-Q (Andrade et al. 2014), but contains original items and has not been separately psychometrically validated. It is a self-report measure for personal orientation — not a diagnostic instrument.
What is the difference between the MST-21 and the PSIQ?
The PSIQ (Plymouth Sensory Imagery Questionnaire) is the original instrument by Andrade et al. (2014) — a scientifically validated questionnaire. The MST-21 is our own self-test with the same methodology and original items. More about the original PSIQ: /tests/psiq
Can I have aphantasia in one sense but not others?
Yes, this is possible and relatively common. About 74% of aphantasic individuals have only visual aphantasia, while 26% are affected in other senses too. The MST-21 helps identify these individual differences.