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. The items are drawn from English literature. Norms are available for the general British adult population as well as managers working for multi-national companies. There are separate norms for English as a First Langauge speakers as well as those for whom English is an Additional Language. The test can be considered a measure of reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension and is currently used to assess participant competence prior to Assessment or Development Centre attendance.
Development Centre Reading Test
This test has been devised from assessment centre exercise instructions as well as other assessment materials used within corporate Assessment and Development Centres. It has forty items that assess a person's ability to grasp the meaning of business English 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. Its purpose is to assess competence prior to Assessment or Development Centre attendance. Norms are available for first as well as English as an Additional Langauage speakers.
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.
