Herrmann Dominance Instrument HBDI


Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument

Ned Herrmann developed a four-quadrant model of cognitive preferences and a questionnaire called the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI). The Herrmann Brain Dominant Instrument is based on the idea that one part of the brain is dominant over the others.

Herrmann created his Brain Dominance Instrument based on his Whole Brain Model Theory. He created his model to illustrate that each person’s brain basically has four quadrants when it comes to the process of thinking and learning. The two halves of the brain (right and left) are further divided into a front and back half, making four sections in the brain.

Each of these sections or quadrants are characterized by different learning or thinking styles. Depending on which quadrants you engage, your learning and thinking processes can be significantly different.



Herrmann’s Model

Herrmann’s model divides the brain into four different systems with four preferred styles. His model emphasizes the fact that there are really four parts of the brain where dominance’s exist:

A: Left cerebral hemisphere – analytical

B: Left limbic system – sequential

C: Right limbic system – interpersonal

D: Right cerebral hemisphere – imaginative





Brain dominance leads to thinking style preferences, which impact what you pay attention to and how and in what way you learn best.

Each quadrant has preferred learning or thinking activities.

  • The A quadrant thinkers prefer quantifying, analyzing, theorizing and processing logically.
  • The B quadrant thinkers prefer organizing, sequencing, evaluating and practicing.
  • The C quadrant thinkers prefer sharing, internalizing, moving and being involved.
  • The D quadrant thinkers prefer exploring, discovering, conceptualizing and synthesizing.




People have varying degrees of dominance in these quadrants. However, individuals are typically more dominant in one of these four areas, which is often manifested by his or her personality type.

However, although a person may be dominant in one area, the research has found that people often use more than one style or quadrant. In fact, most people have primary and secondary preferences for quadrants.

A person may have a primary preference which is an areas of the brain he or she goes too easily and is comfortable with. They also will typically have secondary preferences which are areas of the brain that can be accessed when necessary. There are also preferences which a person may have difficulty accessing or may avoid using.


A Quadrant: Analytical Thinking

  • Qualities: logical, factual, rational, analytical, critical, technical, mathematical, and quantitative.
  • Preferred activities: collecting data, problem solving, judging ideas based on facts, using statistical and scientific data, and logical reasoning.

B Quadrant: Sequential Thinking

  • Qualities: conservative, controlled, sequential, structured, articulate, organized, detailed, and planned.
  • Preferred activities: collecting data, planning, implementing, time management, and organizing schedules.

C Quadrant: Interpersonal Thinking

  • Qualities: kinesthetic, emotional, spiritual, musical, sensory, feeling.
  • Preferred activities: listening to and sharing ideas, personal interaction, teaching, and expressing ideas.


D Quadrant: Imaginative Thinking

    • Qualities: Visual, holistic, intuitive, Imaginative, innovative, artistic, spatial, and conceptual.
    • Preferred activities: Looking at the big picture, generating ideas, taking initiative, causing change, and brainstorming.




Personality Types


Quadrant A:  Theorists (analytical)

Quadrant B: Organizers (sequential)

Quadrant C: Humanitarians (interpersonal)

Quadrant D: Innovators (imaginative)





Innovators – Prefer cooperative learning and group discussion, role-playing, and dramatization. They take a holistic approach and are very visual.



4MAT Learning Style Model

Gregorc mind styles model

Kolb Learning Style Model

VAK Learning Preference

Honey Mumford Learning Style

Felder-Silverman Learning Style

Herrmann’s Brain Dominance HBDI

Left-brain and Right-brain Preferences

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator MBTI


Print Friendly, PDF & Email