In virtually every work situation, a demand is made on someone’s cognitive skills. It is therefore relevant to know what level you can expect from an employee or candidate. The adaptive Cognitive Ability measures the capacity to think logically, solve problems and process new information quickly. The test provides objective insights into candidates’ cognitive potential, which helps in predicting work success in certain roles. This applies when selecting the right candidate with the right work and thinking level, and also when mapping the capacity to learn or develop.
In the test report, the IQ score is calculated. You can indicate yourself which reference groups should be visible in the report; these are available for all levels: VMBO, MBO, HBO/Bachelor and WO/Master, or a combination of these.
The Cognitive Ability is an adaptive intelligence test built from three subtests that together measure the intelligence domain. The test is adaptive, meaning that during the test the difficulty level automatically adjusts to the participant’s level.
This test has been positively reviewed by COTAN.
Application The Cognitive Ability can be used in selection and advisory situations.
Explanation The Cognitive Ability consists of 3 components: numerical, abstract and verbal.
Numerical In the numerical test, the candidate is asked to discover the logical connection in a series of numbers. This analytical capacity is important for roles in which calculations are made and roles in which conclusions must be drawn on the basis of numerical material.
Sample question from the numerical subtest
Abstract In the abstract test, the candidate is asked to discover a pattern in a series of figures and apply it in a logical way. This analytical capacity is important for roles that are conceptually complex and for which problem-solving ability is required.
Sample question from the abstract subtest
Verbal In the verbal test, the candidate is asked to choose from six words exactly those two words that, together with the two words presented, form an analogy. This verbal-analytical capacity is important for roles that require verbal and/or written reasoning ability.
Sample question from the verbal subtest
Advantages of adaptive testing In traditional tests it is assumed that every question is equally difficult. In an adaptive test, research has established how difficult each item is. Every candidate receives different items matched to their level. Simply put, when someone answers a question incorrectly, an easier question follows, and when someone answers a question correctly, a somewhat more difficult question follows. In this way the candidate’s level is determined while they take the test. This avoids candidates with a lower level receiving questions that are far too difficult, and candidates with a high level receiving questions that are far too easy. The advantage is that we can determine someone’s level more precisely and more quickly.
In practice, this means that every candidate gets a different test. Each subtest currently has well over 200 questions, from which the system always selects the most suitable one. Once the candidate’s level has been measured reliably enough, the subtest stops. The candidate can then pause briefly and continue with the next subtest.
Optional confirmation test The Cognitive Ability also offers the option to have candidates take a short confirmation test, via the Approve Test. This allows the tests to be completed at home, followed later by a short confirmation test under controlled conditions. If this test shows a difference, it is advisable to repeat the test in a controlled environment. The candidate receives new questions to prevent a possible learning effect.
Sample graphic display of the Approve test in the report
Norm groups and reliability The Cognitive Ability has ten norm groups available. The reliability of the most commonly used norm groups (vmbo/mbo/hbo/wo) can be found in the Quick facts. An overview of the reliability of all other norm groups is shown below:
Reporting In the Cognitive Ability report, a general IQ score is shown first. This is calculated on the basis of all three subtests. Next, an IQ score per subtest is shown. A confidence interval is also stated: the two values between which the true score lies with 80% certainty. This measure indicates how reliably the score was measured. For each subtest it is also shown what type of questions were asked and what the subtest aims to measure. Then, for each reference group, it is indicated how the candidate scored. When requesting the report, the advisor was able to indicate which reference groups should be visible in the report. The options were VMBO, MBO, HBO/Bachelor and WO/Master, or a combination of these. For each reference group you see the sten score, percentile score and T-score. Finally, you will find an explanation of the scores, restating the meaning of the IQ score, sten score, percentile score, T-score and confidence interval.
Quick Facts Language NL | EN | DE | FR | IT | TR Norm group VMBO (N=300) | MBO (N=659) | HBO (N=570) | WO (N=490) Time 30–45 minutes Credits 240
