What Does MPS Mean on the Rice Purity Test? Full Explanation
Have you ever been taking the Rice Purity Test, reached a question with the letters “MPS,” and thought… “What on earth does that mean?”
You’re definitely not the only one. “MPS” is one of the most confusing abbreviations in the entire test. It pops up in multiple questions and can leave people staring at their screen, unsure how to answer.
In this guide, I’ll explain exactly what MPS means, why it’s used, which questions include it, and how you should interpret it when taking the test.
What Does MPS Stand For?
MPS means “Member of Preferred Sex.”
It’s a neutral, inclusive way of saying “someone you are romantically or sexually attracted to.”
Instead of saying “a guy” or “a girl,” the test uses “Member of Preferred Sex” so the questions apply to people of all sexual orientations — straight, gay, bisexual, pansexual, etc.
Why Does the Rice Purity Test Use MPS?
The Rice Purity Test was originally created in the 1920s, but modern versions have been updated for today’s audience. Using “MPS” makes the test more inclusive and accurate for everyone taking it.
Without MPS, questions would have to repeatedly say things like “a person of the opposite sex” or “someone of the same sex,” which feels outdated and exclusionary. “Member of Preferred Sex” covers all possibilities in one clean phrase.
Examples of MPS Questions
Here are some common questions where you’ll see MPS:
- Held hands romantically with a member of preferred sex?
- Kissed a member of preferred sex on the lips?
- Been in a relationship with a member of preferred sex?
- Had a passionate kiss with a member of preferred sex?
- Been intimate with a member of preferred sex?
- Spent the night with a member of preferred sex?
In each case, you should answer “Yes” if you’ve done that activity with anyone you were attracted to regardless of their gender.
How to Answer MPS Questions Honestly
When you see “Member of Preferred Sex,” ask yourself:
“Have I done this with someone I was romantically or sexually interested in?”
If the answer is yes even once you mark “Yes.”
Important notes:
- It does not include family members or platonic friends.
- It focuses on attraction, not just the action.
- Your sexual orientation doesn’t matter — the phrase is designed to work for everyone.
Common Confusion Around MPS
Many people overthink this term. Here are the most frequent questions I see:
“What if I’m asexual or aromantic?” Answer based on your own experience. If you’ve never felt attraction, you would likely answer “No” to most MPS questions.
“Does it only count if I was in a relationship?” No. It counts as long as there was romantic or sexual attraction at the time.
“What if I’m questioning my sexuality?” Answer based on who you were attracted to when the experience happened.
MPS vs Other Common Terms in the Test
The Rice Purity Test uses several specific phrases. Here’s how they compare:
- MPS (Member of Preferred Sex): Someone you’re attracted to
- Kissed horizontally: Kissed while lying down
- Fondled: Intimate touching below the waist
- Gone streaking: Ran naked in public
- Sensual context: In a sexual or romantic situation
Understanding these terms helps you answer more accurately and get a truer score.
Why Understanding MPS Matters
Getting the MPS questions right affects your final score significantly because they appear multiple times throughout the test. Misunderstanding the term can lead to an inaccurate purity score.
More importantly, the use of MPS shows how the test has tried to evolve with society moving toward more inclusive language while keeping its core purpose intact.
Full Context: Where MPS Fits in the Test
MPS questions usually appear in the early-to-middle section of the test, covering romantic and physical experiences. They’re generally considered part of the “milder” half of the 100 questions, before the test gets into more extreme topics.
A high score (80+) usually means few or no “Yes” answers on MPS questions. A lower score (under 60) typically means several romantic or physical experiences with people the person was attracted to.
Final Thoughts
MPS simply stands for Member of Preferred Sex a short, inclusive way to ask about experiences with people you’re attracted to. Once you understand it, those questions become much easier to answer.
The Rice Purity Test was never designed to be perfect or scientific. It’s a fun, sometimes revealing tool for self-reflection and conversation. Understanding terms like MPS just helps you get the most honest and accurate experience possible.
So the next time you see MPS while taking the test, you’ll know exactly what it means and you can answer with confidence.
Have you taken the Rice Purity Test recently? What was your score, and did you understand the MPS questions? Drop your thoughts (and score if you’re comfortable) in the comments below.