Numerical Reasoning

The Numerical Reasoning can be used for selection or advice questions and is particularly relevant for roles that involve working with numerical data. For example, roles in which numerical information must be interpreted and processed, or in which calculations are made.

The Numerical Reasoning can be used as a stand-alone test, or as part of a general intelligence measure (see Cognitive Ability). The Numerical Reasoning is an adaptive test and has been positively evaluated by COTAN.

Adaptive testing
Traditional tests assume that every question is equally difficult. For an adaptive test, research has established how difficult each item is. Every candidate receives different items, matched to his/her level. Put simply, 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 established while taking 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 receives a different test. The Numerical Reasoning currently has more than 200 questions, from which the system continually selects the most appropriate one. When the candidate’s level has been measured reliably enough, the test stops.

Application
The Numerical Reasoning can be used for selection or advice questions and is particularly relevant for roles that involve working with numerical data. For example, roles in which numerical information must be interpreted and processed, or in which calculations are made.

Items
In the Numerical Reasoning, the candidate is asked to discover the logical relationship in a series of numbers.

Sample question from the Numerical Reasoning:

Reporting
The standard report for the Numerical Reasoning shows an IQ score and compares the candidate’s score with different norm groups: VMBO, MBO, HBO/Bachelor, and WO/Master. It is possible to generate a customized report without an IQ score and/or with one or more specific norm groups. It is also possible to break this down into the MBO1, MBO2, MBO3, and MBO4 norm groups.