Aptitude Test Norms
The following aptitude tests are in use by this Consultancy and norms are provided in downloadable format for client use:
Vernon Warden Reading Test
This is a ten minute test of forty-two items in which the person is asked to choose which of five words complete a sentence stem (for example, 'Dogs sleep in a [pond, boat, kennel, bucket, road]). The items are drawn from English literature. The reading test was restandardised in 1993 and 1994 in Kirklees, UK, and adult norms are provided for the general population. It can be considered a measure of reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension.
Ciba Reading Test
This test has been devised from assessment centre exercise instructions as well as other assessment materials currently in use within a large multi-national chemicals company. It has forty items that assess a person's ability to grasp the meaning of such materials within a time-pressured setting. It provides a realistic measure of a person's ability to cope with the demands of business literature written in English.
Saville & Holdsworth's Numerical Critical Reasoning, (NMG2)
This Numerical Critical Reasoning test is designed to measure the ability to make correct decisions or inferences from numerical and statistical data. It is intended to measure a candidate's ability to cope with figures in a practical and realistic context.
The test consists of a number of tables of statistical information, with several questions drawn from each table in a random sequence. The task in each case is to select the correct answer from five or ten possible answers. The data in the questions and tables sample a number of areas and the candidates not only has to make the appropriate calculations but also evaluate the available information.
The format has a very clear relevance to management decision-making and to any job in which inferences have to be made from numerical or statistical data.
Saville & Holdsworth's Advanced Managerial Test of Numerical Analysis (NMT4)
The Numerical Analysis test is designed to measure the ability to make correct decisions or inferences from business-related numerical data
presented in the forms of graphs, charts and tables of figures.
All the data shown relate to one business. Candidates are required to interpret the meaning of questions and to use the data provided to select one of five options. Data from two or three graphs, charts or tables are typically required to solve each question. In order to reflect current work practice, calculators can be used.
This is a high level test suitable for discriminating numerical ability at the upper end of the ability range.
Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal
The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal consists of a series of five test exercises each requiring the application of analytical reasoning skills. The five subtests are designed to measure different, though interdependent, aspects of critical thinking. Overall the test requires consideration of a series of propositions (either an inference, an assumption, a conclusion or an argument) relating to a given statement. The person's task is to study each statement and to evaluate how appropriate or valid these propositions are.
The CTA calls for responses to both 'neutral' and 'controversial' items. The controversial items are designed to arouse attitudes, opinions and biases that can interfere with the ability to think critically and refer to political, economic and social issues which frequently provoke strong feelings.
