With an excellent score in your abstract reasoning test, you will be assuring employers that you possess great problem-solving skills.
If you have been asked to take an abstract reasoning test and you certainly do not know what to expect, the information in this article will help you achieve your career goals and excel beyond expectations.
What is Abstract Reasoning Test?
Abstract reasoning tests are a kind of test that makes use of patterns and shapes to evaluate a candidate’s problem-solving skills.
In the abstract reasoning test, your ability to spot logical series and relationships will be assessed.
You might be asked to select which image completes a sequence or statement of fact, which image is missing from the overall picture, or which image doesn’t connect to the others shown from a given number of possible options.
The answers on an abstract reasoning test are usually multiple-choice but don’t be deceived to think this makes the process easier.
You need to work fast and accurately to identify the rule guiding the pattern and finish all of the questions on the test.
To make things even a little more challenging, you will usually have a minute or less to complete each question.
The tests are common for research, software development, and engineering roles.
20 Important Facts about Abstract Reasoning Tests
Here is a list of important facts about abstract reasoning tests that you need to know:
What can I do to be able to take an abstract reasoning test?
A lot of employers prefer people with high logical capability and creative intelligence to take part in their abstract reasoning tests in order to make their company recognized.
It’s necessary that you develop and demonstrate these skills effectively with constant practice.
How to improve your abstract reasoning skills
There are lots of ways that you can improve your abstract reasoning skills such as practice. Try to practice as many tests as you can and get used to the test patterns.
Performing a lot of puzzles will also help you improve your abstract reasoning skills. Practicing on a computer will prepare you better as the abstract reasoning test you will take will most likely be conducted online.
Common websites that publish abstract reasoning tests
Shown below are major publishers of abstract reasoning tests. You can take advantage of any of them depending on your choice.
But each one you choose should be researched for further information.
The abstract reasoning test appears in the form of shapes and patterns; a non-numerical and non-verbal test, in which you will be asked to identify the relationship between the images or to complete a sequence by determining what it is that links the images.
You’ll have about a minute or less to answer each question and you’ll answer by selecting the multiple-choice response you believe to be correct.
The questions seem to get more challenging as you advance through the test, and once the test has finished, your score will be calculated and then compared to your peers, or to a normative group.
Why do employers use abstract reasoning tests?
Employers use abstract reasoning tests to assess which candidates have the creative thinking, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills that are useful in the workplace.
Abstract reasoning tests are used in industries such as engineering and technology to help gain a better understanding of which candidates have the sharp minds and critical thinking skills required to succeed in such fields.
Abstract reasoning tests help brilliant candidates to be notable and busy employers to quickly distinguish between applicants.
This calls for a need to ensure you make time to practice and prepare if you’re about to take the test.
Preparing before taking the test will help you sharpen your skills and stand out against the competition.
How to excellently prepare for an abstract reasoning test
It’s really important to prepare for the abstract reasoning test, as the test can particularly throw up challenges and problems you’ve not met before.
Here are some tips to look at below:
Discover as much information as you can from the employer or recruiter who is setting the test.
Practice past tests to familiarize yourself with the wording and format of the questions, and then work on your skills and get used to the speed at which you’ll need to answer each question.
Set up a quiet working environment to take mock tests (tests that will prepare you for the real test). This will help you keep away from noises and distractions.
Time yourself to get used to the timing pattern of the test.
Note down your weaker areas so you get to know where to focus your strengths.
Train your brain, solve puzzles or shape-based challenges, and try anything that requires you to solve problems under pressure.
Practice inductive reasoning and diagrammatic reasoning tests since the questions you’ll encounter on these tests are very similar.
How are abstract reasoning tests scored?
Those who have previously taken the test known as a normative group will be compared with your abstract reasoning test score.
With the help of this, employers who are making decisions can rank candidates, set a minimum cut-off point, and take the difficulty of the test set into consideration.
What skills are required for abstract reasoning tests?
Abstract reasoning tests measure a wide variety of skills to prove a useful hiring tool.
Employers scrutinize your aptitude for logical reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management.
All of these skills are very important in a number of different industries.
Are abstract reasoning tests hard?
Yes, the test needs to be challenging to help employers distinguish between large numbers of candidates.
The test wouldn’t indicate which people taking it had skills and abilities that are above average if it were easy.
What do abstract reasoning tests measure?
Just like an IQ (Intelligence Quotient) test, abstract reasoning tests measure your fluid intelligence.
The tests also assess your ability to perceive patterns, think outside the box, and solve problems fast.
Where can I practice abstract reasoning tests?
Here is a list of websites where you can practice abstract reasoning tests, including:
The websites have numerous aptitude tests you can practice, including abstract reasoning, and lots of other hints, tips, and tricks that will help you to excel.
In what type of positions are abstract reasoning tests used?
There are some roles for which abstract reasoning tests can be typically set, including research, engineering, software development, and different management positions.
This occurs because these roles aim to require you to think logically, solve problems, and pick up new ideas as fast as possible on a daily basis.
Abstract reasoning tests tips
These tips will help you in your struggle for excellent performance during your abstract reasoning test.
Do your research
Practice like it’s the real deal
Don’t forget what you’ve learned
Remember timing is critical
Diversify your practice methods
Is the answer in front of you?
Stay calm
Build your confidence
How to solve abstract reasoning tests
Here are useful abstract reasoning test tips and tricks you will need when taking the test. These include:
Be cautious about distractions
Start counting
Size, rotation, colors, and shadings matter
Build up mental strategies to solve the questions
Tests usually have tight time constraints
Make a pen and a piece of paper available
• Maintain one particular rule at a time
How to improve your abstract reasoning results
It may not be so easy for you to improve your abstract reasoning results except you are sure of where to start. Thus, when answering a new question, don’t forget that the primary step is spotting out the category of question you are attempting.
This can be achieved by paying close attention to the patterns and colors within the image. For instance, what are the similarities or differences?
Once you feel confident in knowing the categories of questions, your mental ability to break down each puzzle will greatly get better, giving you the opportunity to score higher on your test.
It’s important to understand that not all abstract tests are equal as regards difficulty levels.
Various style tests will vary by difficulty, while test questions within the same test will be comparable in difficulty.
There are three ways in which a test can vary. Some tests require the use of more logical rules so as to effectively define shapes, others use fewer, more complex rules.
Generally, tests that employ more than three rules give test takers under 30 seconds, while tests with under three rules typically give up to 45 seconds per question.
An abstract reasoning test measures your ability to interpret patterns
An abstract reasoning test judges your ability to identify and interpret patterns. You will need to identify the rules and patterns in sets of objects so as to find a missing object.
Abstract reasoning tests seem to have a very strong relationship with general intelligence and logical reasoning ability.
The two words of abstract reasoning tests are sometimes used interchangeably because it is similar to an inductive reasoning test.
What questions can you expect from abstract reasoning tests
Abstract reasoning questions use the form of 3 rows and 3 columns with 8 items displayed and one missing.
You will have to find the pattern, rule, or association between the items in the matrix so as to find the missing item.
Where are abstract reasoning tests used?
Because of their independence of cultural background, education, and language, abstract reasoning tests are getting more popular in pre-employment assessments.
They are often used for jobs where problem-solving and initiative abilities are necessary, such as management positions.
Why is the abstract reasoning test essential?
Abstract reasoning tests are vital in most places of work, where you can quickly learn new information and acquire new skills, form new strategies, and often solve new problems.
A candidate who scores very lowly on an abstract reasoning test may struggle to think critically, solve complex problems, identify relationships between concepts, or learn new skills quickly.
These are the reasons the abstract reasoning test is considered the most important of the various cognitive assessments by some clients.
As a diversity-centric cognitive assessment, abstract reasoning tests are also becoming more popular since they are language-free and therefore cannot discriminate on the basis of the English language.
Performance on these tests is also less affected by educational circumstances and socio-economic factors.
An abstract reasoning test evaluates your inductive logic
In the abstract reasoning test, you will need to prove your ability to recognize patterns, analyze data, and form connections.
An abstract reasoning test has nothing to do with your mother tongue or education; however, it is linked directly to basic, fluid intelligence.
From a series of shapes arranged in either a sequence or a matrix, you will be asked to identify the missing figure in the puzzle.
Alternatively, you might be asked to select which of some figures doesn’t follow the pattern or sort different items into two separate groups.
Abstract Reasoning Test Practice Questions and Answers
Becoming acquainted with the kind of questions you’ll encounter on the abstract reasoning test is an important part of the preparation process because it will help you to improve your speed, accuracy, and self-confidence.
Here are three sample questions to help you with an idea of how the abstract reasoning test questions work.
The answers have been worked out underneath the questions.
Question 1
What would be your answer if you were asked to choose which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?
Answer:
The circle maintains the same position in the top right segment for one turn and then is not present for the following three turns.
The triangle maintains the same position in the bottom left segment for one turn and then is not present for the following two turns. So the answer is B).
Question 2
Which shape follows in the sequence?
Answer:
The diagonal line changes direction from the top left corner to the bottom right corner, then from the top right corner to the bottom left corner with each turn.
The square moves around the corner of the frame in an anti-clockwise direction with each turn. The circle appears on a diagonal line in every third frame with each turn.
So the answer is A.
Question 3
Which box follows the sequence?
Answer:
The ’U’ shape rotates by 90 degrees with each turn. The circle changes position in the ’U’ shape as it appears in each segment with each turn.
The triangle appears in the same position within the ‘U’ shape on each alternate turn. So the answer is D.
Conclusion
Taking the abstract reasoning test will require that you complete patterns, identify the ‘Next in sequence’, and identify the ‘Middle of sequence’.
How can you achieve that? Only through constant practice. You can only get used to the test by preparing fully, and preparing comprises practice, which is the key to succeeding in it.
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