Reasoning Assessment
A 20-item cognitive ability assessment measuring verbal and logical reasoning through workplace scenarios. Grounded in CHC (Cattell-Horn-Carroll) theory, designed for evidence-based hiring decisions.
What It Measures
Verbal Reasoning (10 items)
Logical thinking and drawing valid conclusions from written information.
- Syllogistic reasoning
- Conditional logic (if-then)
- Assumption identification
- Argument evaluation
- Analogical reasoning
CHC factor: Gc (Crystallized Intelligence)
Logical Reasoning (10 items)
Deductive reasoning and analytical problem-solving independent of verbal complexity.
- Deductive reasoning
- Conditional statements
- Ordering and sequencing
- Analytical reasoning
- Inference validation
CHC factor: Gf (Fluid Intelligence)
Which Roles Benefit Most
| Role Category | Primary Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Management & leadership | Both | Strategic decisions require both verbal and logical reasoning |
| Legal, compliance, regulatory | Verbal | Policy interpretation, argument evaluation |
| Engineering, IT, operations | Logical | Process design, troubleshooting, systems thinking |
| Consulting & advisory | Both | Client problem-solving requires both capabilities |
| Financial analysis | Logical | Risk assessment, planning, contingency analysis |
| Research & analysis | Verbal | Critical analysis, synthesis, argument construction |
Validity Evidence
Cognitive ability assessments are among the most valid predictors available for personnel selection:
- r = 0.25-0.45 with job performance across roles (meta-analytic finding)
- Higher validity for complex positions requiring analysis and decision-making
- General cognitive ability (g-factor) is the single strongest predictor of job performance
- Text-only format ensures consistent rendering and legal defensibility
Assessment Design
- 20 multiple-choice items (10 verbal + 10 logical) in workplace scenarios
- No specialized knowledge required—general workplace familiarity only
- Difficulty balanced: 25% easy, 45% medium, 30% hard
- No penalty for guessing
- 8th grade reading level for instructions
- ADA compliant with extended time accommodations available
Common Questions
What does the Reasoning Assessment measure?
The Reasoning Assessment measures cognitive ability through two dimensions: Verbal Reasoning (comprehension-knowledge, vocabulary, analogies) and Logical Reasoning (fluid reasoning, pattern recognition, problem-solving).
Is the Reasoning Assessment timed?
Yes. The assessment has a 15-minute time limit for 20 workplace-scenario items. The time constraint is part of the measurement, as processing speed contributes to the overall cognitive ability score.
Can the Reasoning Assessment be used for hiring?
Yes. Cognitive ability is the single strongest predictor of job performance across roles. The Reasoning Assessment is designed for pre-employment screening and complies with EEOC guidelines.
What is CHC theory?
Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory is the most widely accepted framework for understanding cognitive abilities. It organizes intelligence into broad and narrow abilities, and the Reasoning Assessment measures key CHC factors relevant to workplace performance.
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