ABSTRACT

REASONING

Beginners theory & sample test


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What is Abstract Reasoning?

Abstract reasoning is usually assessed as part of intelligence testing. Inductive and abstract reasoning
are often used interchangeably. Whilst they are slightly different tests, the general concept behind refers to
the candidate's logical problem solving ability; this is a common form of aptitude assessment, after
numerical and verbal reasoning.

Inductive reasoning is open and explorative. It examines the applicant's ability to reach general
conclusions based on perceived patterns observed in specific events (like real-life arguments or
scenarios).

The most common form of inductive reasoning test involves discovering the patterns that exist in a series
of graphics. The patterns are usually one of, or a combination of multiple possible techniques.

Deductive reasoning is different, as possible outcomes are explored and discounted in order to arrive at
the only possible outcome without contradicting the given premises (e.g. Sudoku puzzles).
How is Abstract Reasoning tested?

The abstract reasoning test is also called the graphical, conceptual, non-verbal or diagrammatic
reasoning test because it measures the lateral thinking skills or fluid intelligence, which are abilities to
quickly identify patterns, logical rules and trends in new data, integrate this information, and apply it to
solve problems.

Abstract problems are often visual and typically do not involve social ideas. This is one major reason for
their popularity and extensive use for recruitment tests (e.g. EPSO EU Career selection tests for
European institutions); no language barrier exists as it is purely symbolic.

Also, these tests can be used to measure the ability to quickly identify relationships, patterns and trends
in organizational data, such as customers purchasing behavior or market research; and these are crucial
skills required for a candidate to think strategically, grasp the bigger picture and quickly solve
problems.
What are the rules?

In an abstract reasoning test question, you are given a group or a series of shapes that are defined based
on one or several logical rules. Each group or series is followed by a question, which typically requires
you to find the missing shape or the next shape based on the series rules and patterns. Each question has
four or five proposed answers.

Each test has a certain level of difficulty that is similar across all the test questions. A level of difficulty
is determined based on: the number of logical rules used to define a group of shapes, the complexity of the
rules and the time constraints (usually very limited).

Main techniques

Visual arithmetic: mathematical relations (e.g. counting the number of black/white figurines, the
number of lines, angles, intersections).

Transformations: changing size or shape (e.g. increase or decrease in size, changing number of
lines.

Superposition: overlapping figurines form a new figurine, or one shape neutralizes the other
(e.g. black eliminates white).

Sequence with instructions: arrows or numbers indicate a
particular logic that applies to one or more techniques.

Rotations: (anti) clock-wise at a specific angle (e.g. 45, 90, 180, 270 or 360 degrees).
Axial reflections: mirror reflection horizontally,
vertically or diagonally.

Inversions: negative effect, black becomes white and vice-versa.

Translations: figurine is shifted in a specific direction (right, left, up, down, diagonally).
Sample test


A test usually has 10 questions and a limited time period (e.g. 10 minutes for questions with medium
difficulty).

Your challenge is to find the diagram that follows by breaking the logical pattern hidden in the provided
figures.

Only 1 answer is correct for each question.

Note down your answers so that you can correct them afterwards and confront the solution.

For the recruitment tests organized for EU careers (EPSO) it is usually required to succeed at least 8
questions. So, practice, practice and practice again.

GOOD LUCK!

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4


Question 5

Question 6

Question 7

Question 8


Question 9


Question 10

Solutions

The correct answers for the free test are:

Question 1 A
The full/half vertical black bar repeats every 2 diagrams, the middle figure and its pattern repeats every 3
diagrams.

Question 2 A
Count the number of figures; it should follow a diagram with 2 figurines. Color doesn`t matter.

Question 3 C
A 5 lines/dots figurine should follow. Count the number of sides or dots and you can see that every 2
figurines the number of lines/dots increases with 1. Color doesn`t matter.

Question 4 D
A figure with 12 dots should follow because at each step an increasing increment (1, 2, 3, 4) is added to
the number of dots of the previous figurine.

Question 5 A
The heart moves anti-clock-wise from corner to corner. The triangle moves clock-wise, to the opposite
corner of the same square side and it rotes 90 degrees on itself so that its aligned with the next square
side that follows.

Question 6 C
Consider that columns are A, B, C, D and lines are numbered from 1 to 4. The logic is: the black cell
situated at A1 moves horizontally 1 cell to the right, the B2 black cell moves diagonally from top right to
bottom left, and the D3 black cell moves vertically 1 cell up.

Question 7 D
The black boxes cells are (mirror) reflected on the vertical axis.

Question 8 A
Each 3rd diagram results from over-lapping the first 2 diagrams. Position doesnt change, but if a black
and white figurine overlap they neutralize each other and dont show anymore in the composed diagram.

Question 9 E
The arrows at the bottom show how the figurines on the same column are moving. A black arrow also
reverts the colors of the figurines; a white arrow has no effect on the color.

Question 10 - B
The black figurines move horizontally one position to the left only for the odd number diagrams, the white
figurines move always one position horizontally to the right, and the dotted star shows always to the left
of the black triangle.


Conclusions

Abstract thinking is a skill difficult to cultivate, and constant practicing is the essential approach in order
to familiarize with the patterns, models and with the time constraints.

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Abstract and Logical Reasoning tests app for iPad:
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Situational and Social Judgment tests app for iPhone:
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Situational and Social Judgment tests app for iPad:
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Thank you!