Analytical Skill Test Guide: Types, Tests, and Mastery Tips
Can you take a complicated problem and break it down into what is important and what information can be ignored? How well can you assess a situation and solve the problems related to it?
Analytical reasoning skills play a significant role in our personal and professional lives. They help us solve problems that we are faced with in our everyday life.
In this article, we share everything you need to know about analytical reasoning tests, as well as how to prepare for them.
Table of Contents
What Is Analytical Reasoning?
Analytical reasoning, commonly known as logical reasoning, is a problem-solving process where you identify patterns and use logic to fill in the missing pieces.
Analytical reasoning is predominantly based on factual evidence, rather than inferences and opinions.
Analytical reasoning can be broken down into four test types: deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, numerical reasoning, and abstract reasoning.
Let’s take a brief look at these test types.
Inductive Reasoning
Inductive reasoning, sometimes called bottom-up logic, is the process of forming reasonable conclusions from a particular observation. Inductive reasoning is most effective when you use context and practical knowledge to solve a problem.
Deductive Reasoning
Deductive reasoning, also known as top-down logic, is the opposite of inductive reasoning. In this process you develop a specific conclusion from a general hypothesis. Deductive reasoning is ideal for situations where there are several variables that need to be accounted for.
Numerical Reasoning
Numerical reasoning, also known as non-verbal reasoning, refers to your ability to use logic to solve problems that contain charts, data, and graphs. If you have strong numerical reasoning skills you will be competent in basic math functions, interpreting statistics, and algorithms.
Abstract Reasoning
Abstract reasoning, also known as verbal reasoning, refers to your ability to find patterns, gather key ideas, and analyze data. Abstract reasoning is an important aspect in decision making and problem solving. It is a complex form of reasoning and includes multiple factors.
Understanding Analytical Reasoning Test
Analytical reasoning tests are are designed to assess your ability to study information and apply logic to identify patterns or draw conclusions. The assessments also evaluate your ability to pay attention to detail.
Analytical assessments aim to assess your skills including logical and critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills. They also work to show employers how well you remain calm under pressure.
Analytical reasoning tests are generally administered to candidates who are applying for mid-level or senior jobs that require strong mathematical skills. Human Resources and management positions are also required to take an analytical reasoning test. This helps employers assess their problem-solving skills.
There are three different variants of analytical reasoning assessments. The assessment you need to take depends on the company and the role you have applied for.
Data
This analytical reasoning test is common in the finance field. Applicants will receive graphs, charts and tables with related questions. The math skills in this test is basic, as more attention is placed on problem-solving methods, analyzing investments, and more.
Written
The written version of analytical reasoning tests is required for management and leadership positions. Applicants will receive a passage where they will need to identify patterns and key ideas, and answer multiple choice questions.
Images
The analytical reasoning assessment that consists of image-related questions is very similar to the non-verbal reasoning test. Applicants receive questions with shape sequences and objects and are required to fill in the missing pieces.
How Does an Analytical Skills Test Work?
An employer will decide on the type of analytical reasoning test that you will need to take. The type of test they select depends on the skills they want to evaluate.
However, verbal reasoning tests are the most popular. These assessments evaluate strong communication skills, which is a skill required by most positions.
Analytical assessments generally have a 20 minute time limit.
Analytical Reasoning Test Formats
Non-verbal Reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning, also known as numerical reasoning tests, contain graphs, tables, and data. They ask questions that assess your ability at drawing conclusions from limited data, finding patterns, and working quick under strict time constraints.
These tests are usually required when applying for finance, engineering, and HR positions.
Non-verbal reasoning tests are an effective tool in evaluating international applicants, or candidates whose first language is not English.
To prepare for non-verbal reasoning assessments, you should do as many practice tests as you can. Once you complete a test, you should go over your answers and identify your weak areas. This will guide you on which areas to focus on.
Constant practice helps you get faster, better, and familiar with the graphs, tables and images you are most probably going to encounter in a non-verbal reasoning assessment.
Successfully passing this assessment proves to a potential employer that you possess the reasoning, logical skills, and critical thinking required for the job you are applying for.
Verbal Reasoning Tests
Verbal reasoning tests evaluate your ability identify main points from long, complex passages of text, to draw a conclusion.
Generally the verbal reasoning assessment contains questions where you would select “true”, “false”, or “cannot say”.
You do not need to have previous knowledge of the subject matter, but you need to take practice verbal reasoning tests so you can familiarize yourself with the question format.
While you are reading through the long passages of text, you will be required to differentiate between factual information and unnecessary information. This proves to the employer that you possess the logic, analytical skills, and comprehension that they require for the job.
You need to practice verbal reasoning tests before actually taking one. The more practice tests you take, the more better you will get at scanning through passages of text for key points. You will also be able to gather information faster and be confident in your response.
Applicants usually have sixty seconds to answer each question on the verbal reasoning assessment. Avoid spending too much of time on a difficult question, you can always come back to it later if you have time.
Inductive and Deductive Reasoning Test
When you are asked to take a deductive or inductive reasoning test, your ability to use your logic and identify patterns will be assessed. Both of these aptitude tests are different, even though they demonstrate similar skills.
Inductive Reasoning Test
In an inductive reasoning test you will be required to find connections between statements, facts, figures, or images, and use this analysis to make logical predictions.
The questions found in inductive reasoning tests usually contain a series of pictures or diagrams. You will need to find a pattern, link, or rule between each item. Then you will need to apply this knowledge to show what is next in the sequence.
Deductive Reasoning Test
Deductive reasoning tests are usually verbal. Applicants are required to read a statement or a series of statements, and then select the logical correct answer. It requires candidates to deduce facts from statements.
How To Master Analytical Reasoning Skills?
Good analytical skills come with time, hard work and good practice. To become better at analytical skills, we recommend taking sample assessments from JobTestPrep. Right from basics to advanced level questions, their study material is comprehensive and cover every single detail for you. To know more about JobTestPrep, click here.
Recommended Reading
- How To Pass Verbal Reasoning Tests?
- Naglieri Non-verbal Ability Test (NNAT) – Study Guide
- How To Become an Electrician? – A Helpful Career Guide
Sarah is an accomplished educator, researcher and author in the field of testing and assessment. She has worked with various educational institutions and organisations to develop innovative evaluation methods and enhance student learning. Sarah has published numerous articles and books on assessment and learning. Her passion for promoting equity and fairness in the education system fuels her commitment to sharing insights and best practices with educators and policymakers around the world.
