Analytical Reasoning Tests (2024 Guide)

What Is an Analytical Reasoning Test?

Analytical reasoning tests assess a candidate’s ability to study information and apply logic to find patterns or make inferences.

At work, people use analysis to scrutinise speech, documents, diagrams, charts and graphs, and gather the most relevant information. Those with strong analytical skills will consider how key elements within that information relate to one another, and are more likely to notice crucial patterns and details.

Analytical reasoning tests measure a candidate’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Data may be presented in the form of written passages, graphs, tables or shapes.

• Where questions are based on a series of images, they have much in common with inductive reasoning and non-verbal reasoning tests.

• Written analytical reasoning questions assess many of the same skills as verbal reasoning tests.

What Are Analytical Reasoning Tests Used For?

Recruiters use analytical reasoning tests to evaluate inductive and deductive skills in potential employees.

• Deductive reasoning is the process of reaching a logical conclusion based on one or more given statements, or premises.
• Inductive reasoning involves taking specific information and making predictions based on that.

Candidates do not need any specialist knowledge for analytical reasoning tests, but they must be able to think logically and pay close attention to detail. Those who demonstrate strong analytical reasoning skills are generally highly intelligent, quick to learn and more likely to improve over time in a role.

Non-verbal reasoning tests can also be helpful in assessing international candidates, or applicants who do not have English as their first language.

Candidates applying for mid- to higher-level positions may be asked to take an analytical reasoning test as part of the selection process. Analytical skills are particularly important for jobs that involve maths and numerical reasoning.

They also extend into roles where decision-making and problem-solving are key. So companies may use these tests when recruiting for positions such as computer software engineers, financial analysts, human resources managers and office managers.

Many law firms also assess analytical reasoning skills as part of their recruitment process. And analytical reasoning tests may form part of a leadership assessment process, such as a graduate recruitment scheme.

Analytical Reasoning Test Practice Questions (2024)

Analytical reasoning tests use both verbal and non-verbal questions.

In inductive reasoning tests, questions usually involve a series of diagrams or pictures. The candidate must find the pattern, rule or link between each item. They can then use this knowledge to decide what comes next in the sequence.

Deductive reasoning tests are typically verbal. The candidate must read a statement, or series of statements, and then choose the logically correct answer.

Examples of both are given below, with answers and explanations.

Question 1: Which Box Is Next in the Sequence?

This is an example of a question where things move around. There are many variations on this theme.

At its most basic level, elements will move around inside a box and the candidate must understand why they are moving in a particular order. By understanding this they will be able to correctly select the image that comes next.

Question 2: Which Box Is Next in the Sequence?

Candidates may also be asked to find the relationship between a set of items. There are a number of ways that elements can have relationships with one another, for example:

• Where they are in relation to each other
• The number of sides that different shapes have in relation to each other
• Numbers that incrementally increase or decrease

To solve these types of questions you need to identify the rule that governs the relationship and then apply it, as in the following example:

In this sort of question, remember also to look for relationships between odd and even numbers.

Question 3: What Most Weakens the Argument?

The following question is an example of deductive reasoning. Here the candidate must read the passage and then come to a logically correct conclusion.

This question involves identifying an assumption. An assumption is a belief that is not explicitly stated within the text but must exist to link the argument’s evidence and conclusion. To successfully answer these types of question you must find that missing link between the evidence and conclusion and then fill it.

Tips for Preparing for an Analytical Reasoning Test in 2024

Analytical reasoning tests can be daunting, even for confident problem solvers. You may not have come across these types of questions before, so it is essential to take plenty of time to prepare properly. This will prevent you from panicking and ensure that you gain the highest score possible.

The following tips and techniques will help you to begin the test ready to perform your best:

• Know what to expect. Employers and test publishers may use terms such as inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, verbal reasoning or non-verbal reasoning when referring to their tests. It is worth contacting the employer or company assessing you to ask more about the test you will be sitting. Most will be helpful in clarifying the nature of the test. They might provide a few example questions too.

• Practise. And then practise some more. The more tests you do, the more familiar you will become with the types of questions that may come up, and the more confident you will feel. You will also begin to develop your own strategies for solving questions. Identify which types of question you find the hardest and then focus on finding the best ways to tackle them. JobTestPrep is a useful resource for sample tests and answers.

• Manage your time. It is likely that you will be under pressure to complete all the questions within an allocated time. Work out how long you have to answer each question and then stick to your schedule. Don’t waste time labouring over a question that is proving particularly difficult. Move on, and then come back to any questions you have skipped over at the end if have time to spare.

Frequently Asked Questions