North South University

Title: Measuring the Abstract Reasoning

Ability of a Human Participant

Submitted to: Akib Ul Huque

Submitted by-
Jannatul Nayeem
NSU ID: 1611482030
PSY 101L.2
Dept. of Marketing
SBE, NSU, Dhaka-1229
 Abstract

This study describes about the abstract reasoning ability of a person who was chosen randomly.
The score was recorded with time then, by using the norm table the score was measured to find
the abstract reasoning ability of that person. Finally, a conclusion was drawn about the varying
cognitive process of different people and their ability for abstract reasoning. This test is also
termed as conceptual reasoning test. To quantify the lateral fluid intelligence level or lateral
thinking skills, this test is run on human participant. For this study it was concluded as-

 The efficiency of learning new skills.

 The ability of the participant to think strategically and relevantly.
 The analytical and application of problem solving ability.
 The capacity of the subject to analyze new-network related data rationally.

The main purpose of this study was to find out the abstract reasoning ability of an adult person.
The subject was provided with a set of forty questions that comprises problems of different
levels, for example- a series or shapes of different pattern. The test was very simple as it was
instructed to the participant earlier. He was also told that he would be provided with 40 questions
to solve in 25 minutes.
 Introduction

Abstract reasoning: Abstract reasoning is a mental ability of cognitive function that enables a
person to analyze and solve problem logically. To activate this ability a person needs consider
and manipulate the input stimuli or information in brain. It is measure of an individual’s logical,
analytical, and conceptual skills. This is a very important ability of a person in real life to best
project himself or herself in job market and practical life. For example- Screen out test of ISSB
(Inter Service Selection Board). These test might comprise both verbal and non-verbala
problems. For example- verbal problems include mathematical word problem whereas and others
whereas non-verbal problem includes shape sequence.

Objective of the study: To measure and assess the abstract reasoning ability of an adult human
participant.

Theory: This ability is a subset of Differential Aptitude Test. It was published in 1947 by The
Psychological Corporation (Pearson, n.d.). Later in the revised version in 1998 there were 50
items and 25 minutes to solve those items.
 Method
Participant: An adult person
Age- 22
Sex- Male
Socio-economic class: Upper middle
Materials:
 Abstract reasoning subset of differential aptitude test (DAT)
 Answer Sheet
 DAT scoring key for abstract reasoning
 Stopwatch (using mobile phone)

Description of Abstract reasoning subtest of DAT

 This is a non-verbal test.
 In contains a set of 40 questions with different problem solving level
 The answer is close-ended.

-Scoring: For this test to conduct, there is no certain passing score. We can do a mere evaluation
based on the problem at a particular situation, but that doesn’t hold constant. For example- a
person scoring low in the test might have better abstract reasoning ability while dealing with
practical situation. So, to some extent, it is subjective.

Reliable: This test is reliable since the same person being tested tends to score same result after
running multiple tests with the same problem.

Validity: It is a valid test since it enables us to measure exactly what we want to quantify- The
abstract reasoning ability.

Norm: After I have tested the subject I cross –checked the score with percentile sheet to evaluate
the person.
 Design and Procedure
First, I welcomed my participant. Then, I provided him information sheet, consent form, and
clarified his questions about the test. The subject was instructed by both written and verbal
explanation. Next, I provided him the question paper, provided by my faculty member and also
assisted him with instructions to solve. I allotted 25 minutes time to solve the questions. And I
kept timing. After the test was conducted, I asked his written comment about the test and finally
I wave him bye thankfully. Finally, I calculated the result.

Data processing and Statistical analysis

Raw Score Percentile

25 31.32

Table 1. Performance oh the participant of Abstract Reasoning Subset of Differential Aptitude

Test.

The participant scored 25 out of 40. From the percentile sheet, I figured it out that his abstract
reasoning ability is 31.32%. From the class performance, I evaluated that, the participant has an
average abstract reasoning ability.
 Discussion

The test was conducted to measure and quantify the Abstract Reasoning of an adult person while
using DAT which I successfully did. I found that the person possesses average level of Abstract
Reasoning. This test is very much conventional at the entry level of different educational
institutions and also at job sectors.

Limitation of the experiment

Since the test was conducted in North South University where students are groomed up with
similar daily schedule and mentality, therefore, it was not possible to get diverse subject.
Moreover, the test was conducted at 8:30 AM which is very inconvenient for most of the NSU
students.
 References

Reference 1. Feldman, R. S. (2019). Understanding psychology. Dubuque: McGraw-Hill

Education. 2. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psychometricinstitute.com.au/psychometric-
test-guide/abstractreasoning-test-guide.html

Pearson. (n.d.). Differential Aptitude Test for Guidance. Retrieved from

https://pearsonclinical.in/PAI/differential-aptitude-tests-for-guidance/

Appendix