This test can show whether you are an extrovert or an introvert

The Tower of Hanoi is a classic mathematical puzzle.

Traditionally, it involves three rods and a number of discs stacked in ascending order that must be re-stacked in the same order on another rod while adhering to the following rules:

• Only one disc can be moved at a time
• A disc can only be moved if it's at the top of a stack
• No disc can be stacked upon a smaller disc

Sound complicated? We've put a solution below if you don't want to try to work it out for yourself.

How easy you find the puzzle could give an indication about your personality, however, according to a new study.

Writing in the journal Psychological Studies, researchers asked 195 participants to complete a computer simulation of the Tower of Hanoi before answering questionnaires about their personalities, and how important having fun was in their lives.

They found that extroverts were more likely to complete more variants of the puzzle in a three-minute period, suggesting those who are good at problem-solving are also good at living their lives to the full.

That crossword suddenly seems a lot more appealing...

Tower of Hanoi: A solution

HT Research Digest. The full paper can be seen here (£). Main image via Ævar Arnfjörð Bjarmason/Creative Commons

Quiz: Can we guess if you're an introvert or an extrovert?