systemising

Systemising refers to a cognitive style characterised by a propensity to analyse, model and predict the behaviour of systems. While individuals with high systemising skills can perceive underlying rules and patterns in technical, natural and social domains, those with lower systemising are more inclined towards interpreting emotions and interpersonal relations. The construct emerged in the 1970s from the work of psychologist Martin (later refined by Baron-Cohen and colleagues) who distinguished it from empathising. Research indicates that systemising and empathising exist on opposite ends of a spectrum, yet many people exhibit a mix of both traits.

In psychological assessment, the Systemising Quotient (SQ) is widely used to quantify this trait. The 75‑item questionnaire asks respondents to rate how likely they are to follow rules, become fascinated by systems, or build models. Scores range from 0 to 75, with higher scores indicating greater systemising ability. Studies have found that males, on average, obtain higher SQ scores than females, and schizophrenia and autism spectrum conditions are associated with excess systemising relative to average. In educational and occupational contexts, high systemising is linked with success in engineering, mathematics, computer science, and other technical fields. However, an excessive focus on systemising can sometimes impair social functioning if empathic concerns are neglected.

Theories of systemising stress the adaptive value of anticipating predictable outcomes, while critiques caution against over‑simplifying social behaviours. Nonetheless, systemising remains a central concept for understanding individual differences in analytical cognition and the design of learning environments.