Cognitive Ability Assessment
Ricky Spiroski avatar
Written by Ricky Spiroski
Updated over a week ago

🧠 What is cognitive ability?

Cognitive ability is 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.

πŸ’‘ Why do we measure cognitive ability?

Research emphasizes that cognitive ability is the single best predictor of job performance and individual differences in the world of work.

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.

πŸ—οΈ How do we measure cognitive ability?

The HiPeople Cognitive Ability Assessment focuses on nine domains, with some having two different levels of difficulty, basic and advanced:

  • Problem-Solving (Basic)

  • Numerical Reasoning (Basic)

  • Logical Thinking (Basic)

  • Basic Maths

  • Attention to Detail

  • Cognitive Aptitude

  • Problem-Solving (Advanced)

  • Numerical Reasoning (Advanced)

  • Logical Thinking (Advanced)

πŸ’­ Problem Solving (Basic or Advanced)

Problem-solving is how individuals attempt to overcome difficulties, achieve plans, or reach conclusions through higher mental functions, such as reasoning and creative thinking. Problem-solving tasks are one of the best predictors of future work performance. At HiPeople, we recognize the critical role problem-solving skills play in today's dynamic workplace. That's why we offer two basic and advanced levels of our problem-solving assessment. Whether you're evaluating candidates for entry-level positions or leadership roles, our tests are designed to thoroughly assess individuals' ability to analyze complex situations and develop practical solutions. With our tailored approach, you can identify candidates who excel in critical thinking and problem-solving, empowering your team with top talent to drive success.

πŸ‘‰ How do we measure problem-solving?

We measure problem-solving with figural analogies that focus on inductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning involves generating and testing hypotheses and generalizing findings from predefined instances. The candidate is required to answer as many sequences as possible within 10 minutes.

Example item:

πŸ”’ Numerical Reasoning (Basic or Advanced)

A numerical reasoning test measures the candidate's ability to solve problems with numbers. Numerical reasoning predicts general mental ability and is part of a person's fluid intelligence. Fluid intelligence refers to solving unfamiliar problems in that performance depends not on prior learning but on abstract reasoning. E.g., concept formation, classification of novel stimuli, generalization of known solutions to new problems and contexts, and identification of relevant similarities, differences, and relations among diverse objects and ideas. At HiPeople, we understand the importance of evaluating numerical reasoning skills accurately. That's why we offer two basic and advanced levels of our numerical reasoning test. Whether you're assessing candidates for entry-level positions or senior roles, our tests provide comprehensive insights into individuals' mathematical abilities. With our tailored approach, you can confidently make informed decisions about candidate suitability and ensure a seamless hiring process.

πŸ‘‰ How do we measure numerical reasoning?

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

Example item:

🧠 ****Logical Thinking (Basic or Advanced)

Logical reasoning tests measure the ability or aptitude to reason logically. This test is about deriving a conclusion from premises by deduction. Logical thinking is a valid predictor for general effectiveness in the workplace, e.g., processing facts and implementing reasonable solutions.

At HiPeople, we pride ourselves on offering tailored solutions to assess cognitive abilities. With our logical thinking test, we provide two distinct levelsβ€”basic and advancedβ€”to accommodate varying skill levels and ensure accurate evaluations. Whether you're assessing entry-level candidates or seasoned professionals, our comprehensive approach allows you to gauge logical reasoning skills effectively, providing valuable insights to inform your hiring decisions.

πŸ‘‰ How do we measure logical thinking?

The candidate will choose the correct answer from conditional syllogisms. A conditional or linear syllogism involves a quantitative comparison in which each term displays either more or less of a particular attribute or quality, and the reasoner must draw conclusions based on the quantification.

Example item:

❎ Basic Maths

Basic Maths Tests measure fundamental mathematical skills, encompassing essential arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, and multiplication. These skills are vital for everyday activities, including calculating expenses, measuring quantities, and solving elementary mathematical problems. Basic Maths is a great predictor of the ability to handle everyday numerical tasks essential for building a solid mathematical foundation.

πŸ‘‰ How do we measure basic maths?

Basic maths skills are measured in a test through questions on fundamental arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Participants showcase their ability to solve numerical problems, quantifying their competency in primary maths.

Example item:

πŸ‘€ Attention to Detail

The Attention to Detail Test is a cognitive ability assessment; it measures an individual's capacity to systematically observe, comprehend, and manage intricate information, tasks, or situations. A predictor of attention to detail is the person's ability to discern, recognize, and address subtle and often overlooked elements within a given context. Candidates with strong attention to detail skills demonstrate precision and thoroughness in handling complex information, making them valuable contributors to tasks that require meticulous observation and comprehension.

πŸ‘‰ How do we measure attention to detail?

Attention to detail is measured through tests presenting complex information or scenarios, where individuals must identify subtle details and address overlooked elements. These assessments objectively gauge one's ability to observe, comprehend, and manage intricate information.

Example item:

🀯 Cognitive Aptitude

The Cognitive Aptitude Test measures an individual's ability to reason and make decisions through principles of deduction and logical thinking. A predictor of attention to detail is the person's capacity to discern, recognize, and address subtle and often overlooked elements within a given context. As assessed by this test, candidates with strong cognitive skills demonstrate proficiency in processing facts and implementing reasoned solutions, making them valuable contributors to workplace effectiveness.

πŸ‘‰ How to measure Cognitive Aptitude?

The Cognitive Aptitude Test measures reasoning and decision-making abilities through questions assessing deduction and logical thinking. Participants are presented with scenarios requiring them to process facts and implement reasoned solutions. The test evaluates their proficiency in these cognitive skills, providing a quantitative measure of their capacity to make sound decisions and think logically in various situations.

Example item:

🧐 THE SCIENCE BEHIND COGNITIVE ABILITIES

πŸ“š Gottfredson, L. S. (1997). Why g matters: The complexity of everyday life. Intelligence, 24(1), 79–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0160-2896(97)90014-3

πŸ“š Schmidt, F. L., & Hunter, J. E. (1998). The validity and utility of selection methods in personnel psychology: Practical and theoretical implications of 85 years of research findings. Psychological Bulletin, 124 (2), 262–274. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.124.2.262

πŸ“š Schmidt, F. L., & Hunter, J. E. (2016). The validity and utility of selection methods in personnel psychology: Practical and theoretical implications of 85 years of research findings. In G. J. Boyle, J. G. O'Gorman, & G. J. Fogarty (Eds.), Work and organizational psychology: Research methodology; Assessment and selection; Organisational change and development; Human resource and performance management; Emerging trends: Innovation/globalization/technology (pp. 1–27). Sage Publications, Inc.

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