Numerical Reasoning

A numerical reasoning test measures the candidates ability to solve problems with numbers. Numerical reasoning is a predictor of general mental ability and part of a person’s fluid intelligence.

Numerical Reasoning is a component of cognitive ability

💡 Cognitive ability is defined as a general mental capability to perform tasks associated with perception, learning, memory, understanding, awareness, reasoning, judgment, intuition, and language. Cognitive ability is also often referred to as intelligence or general mental ability.

👉 Across organizations, cultures, and centuries, individual differences in cognitive ability and personality traits have played a critical role in all behavior, especially in organizations, from the manufacturing line to the boardroom.

How do we measure numerical reasoning?

Numerical reasoning is measured through a person’s fluid intelligence.

Fluid intelligence refers to solving unfamiliar problems, in that performance does not depend on prior learning, but rather, on abstract reasoning. E.g., concept formation, classification of novel stimuli, generalization of known solutions to new problems and contexts, identification of relevant similarities, differences, and relations among diverse objects and ideas.

The candidate will answer numerical sequences. The sequences are based on numerical patterns that are governed by a logical rule. The task is to complete the sequence.

Below you can see an example item:

💡 Interpretation of numerical reasoning assessments

‍➕ People with high scores on numerical reasoning can solve unfamiliar problems by abstract reasoning. They can identify relevant similarities, differences, and relations among diverse objects and ideas

➖ People with low scores on numerical reasoning might experience difficulties to solve problems with numbers. They struggle in classification of novel stimuli, generalization of known solutions to new problems and contexts.

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For what kind of jobs should I use the numerical reasoning assessment?

Any role that involves the ability to solve complex situations with numbers. This may include but not limited to job roles like finance and accountants, administrative assistants, consultants, and researchers.

When to use the numerical reasoning assessment?

The numerical reasoning assessment can be used at any stage of the hiring process but may be most relevant in an early stage when getting to know the candidate.

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