One question. One answer. And supposedly, it reveals whether you think like a psychopath.
It doesn’t, of course. But that’s not the point.
The Psychopath Quiz is a famous internet “test” that has circulated for years with a dramatic claim attached: answer this one riddle correctly, and you think like a killer. It’s an urban myth. It’s not a real psychological test. But it’s irresistible on the air, it’s easy to do, and it creates talk as listeners try it on their friends and coworkers. It works best for multi-personality shows, and it’s a great one-time bit for Halloween week. (It’s probably only good once, so make that once count.)
Spark a Spooky Conversation With The Psychopath Quiz
The Psychopath Quiz works because it’s a puzzle with a twist. The riddle is simple, but the “correct” answer is so dark and illogical that most people never get it. When someone does, the cast’s reaction (“Why did you know that?!”) is instant comedy.
It also taps into our love of simple answers to complicated questions. The idea of a one-question test that reveals a hidden dark side is ridiculous, and that’s exactly why people love sharing it. Everyone wants to test their friends.
How to Play
Option 1: The Victim
Pick one cast member to be the “victim.” Don’t tell them in advance that it’s a setup. Read the riddle and let them answer on the air. Then reveal the “correct” answer, and let the cast react to whether they got it right.
Option 2: The Cast Test
On team shows, have listeners predict which cast member is most likely to “test positive.” Then have every cast member take the test. The results (and the cast’s reactions) are the entertainment.