Because of this, they are frequently used during the interview process for graduate jobs, and you should be prepared to face them. The questions require you to recognise patterns and similarities between shapes and figures. As a measure of reasoning, it is independent of educational and cultural background, and can be used to indicate intellectual potential. These types of question are very commonly used in graduate and management selection, and are of particular value when the job involves dealing with abstract ideas or concepts. This can apply to many technical jobs. You will often encounter them where the job you are applying for involves:
A high degree of problem-solving Dealing with complex data or concepts Developing strategies or policies Performing non-routine tasks where initiative is required
However, as they also provide the best measure of your general intellectual ability, they are very widely used. You will usually find some questions of this type whichever assessment you are given. Credit: Psychometric Success This means that you will need to identify more rules to solve the problems and that the complexity of these rules is likely to increase. Abstract reasoning tests use diagrams, symbols or shapes instead of words or numbers. They involve identifying the underlying logic of a pattern and then determining the solution. Questions tend to involve the repetition or change of the following:
Shape Size Colour Pattern
Abstract reasoning questions use symbols arranged in a straight line or a pattern. You are required to identify the missing symbol or the next in the sequence. You can expect to be given slightly longer time for these questions than for verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning questions. Thirty minutes to complete 20 questions would be typical. The test has 10 questions and you should aim to complete the test within 15 minutes. All questions are multiple-choice. Make sure you read a question in full before answering. Answers and explanations to the questions are provided at the end of the test.
1. Which Figure Completes the Sequence?
You will get access to three PrepPacks of your choice, from a database that covers all the major test providers and employers and tailored profession packs. Credit: Psychometric Success These types of questions are particularly suited to information technology jobs, because they closely mirror how analysts and programmers approach software design. Even if you are not applying for an IT-based job, it is worth familiarising yourself with this type of question as they can and do appear in more general abstract reasoning tests, particularly where the job requires analysis of business processes.
Diagrammatic Reasoning Question Types
In the first example, the diagram shows ‘inputs’ and ‘outputs’ made up of short ‘strings’ of letters. The ‘operators’ or ‘processes’ are shown in the small boxes. You need to determine what effect each of the ‘operators’ or ‘processes’ is having on the ‘input’ in order to produce the ‘output’ shown.
Swapping letters Moving letters Adding letters Removing letters
In this diagram, the black diamond appears twice and must be having the same effect each time. The sequence of operations is from top to bottom and each operator acts on the figure that it is attached to. Use this information to answer the questions below. Subsequent operations may need to be applied to the ’new’ figure – not to the one shown. Credit: Psychometric Success Credit: Psychometric Success Here are our five key tips: Remember to listen carefully to the instructions you are given and to read the questions carefully. Sometimes a series of similar-looking questions will be presented but the question may change throughout. Underlining keywords will keep you focused. To successfully complete abstract reasoning tests, you need to be able to think creatively and use lateral thinking to solve novel problems. You need to see the relationships between shapes and figures, identify rules and similarities, and quickly apply these to identify the answer.
