Among the more popular Aptitude Tests for generalist roles in business, management, retail, and consultancy companies, Spatial Reasoning Tests are a type of assessment that takes things a step further beyond a Logical Reasoning Test. They are created to measure the skills and attributes of candidates applying for more technical roles like design, architecture, or engineering. So what exactly are Spatial Reasoning Tests? What do they entail, and why are they used?
The definition
It assesses one’s logical thinking and visual intelligence by posing challenges in visualizing and mentally manipulating both two and three-dimensional images. Using shapes, forms, and colors, as the name suggests, they measure test takers’ ability to imagine objects in space without needing words or numbers; thus, they are reasonably consistent as an online assessment for jobs at various locations of a global company.
What Spatial Reasoning Tests entail
They often come in multiple-choice formats. Test takers choose the best-suited answer to each question, with some newer test platforms, allowing interaction. This way, an individual can come up with a solution themselves rather than choosing from given ones; they can be difficult, mainly for those who have not encountered this type of test before. Some common topics are Unfolded Shapes, Similar Shapes, Rotated Views, and Mirror Images, and while this test differentiates itself from a Logical Reasoning Test, which focuses more on patterns and sets of rules, questions about Sequencing are not excluded either. With the limited given information, your job is generally to view and visualize, assemble and disassemble objects from different angles to come up with a correct response.
How things work
Spatial Reasoning Tests come in all shapes and sizes, at different levels of difficulties, depending on an employer’s requirements and their choice of test publisher. Most of them are timed, and on average, you will get less than two minutes for each question. However, since assessment is not based on a fixed passing score but is to pick out a limited number of top performers, it is recommended that applicants get competitive and follow the one-minute-per-question rule. This type can be long and intense; therefore, practicing regularly and covering a wide range of topics can give you a solid head start. And of course, ensure you are at your best mentally and physically every time, as this often forgotten factor does play a huge part in boosting your performance.
Why Spatial Reasoning Tests are used
Due to their slightly more complicated, technical and comprehensive nature, in comparison to Inductive Reasoning Tests, Deductive Reasoning Tests or Abstract Reasoning Tests, this type of assessment is made to scout for capable designers (especially in the fields of products, interior or environmental design), architects or engineers, regardless of their experiences. However, besides measuring visual and spatial intelligence, some business-related roles which require creative problem solving and an eye for detail also use a shorter, more condensed version of these tests. Other reasons why Spatial Reasoning Tests are utilized can vary. As a job applicant, you can start by researching your employer, industry, and job function as well as seeking out additional resources to have a better idea of the purpose of the test. You can visit Practice Aptitude Tests to give yourself plenty of preparation time.
Test evaluation
The tests do not evaluate what each person knows or what that person knows how to do. Instead, they measure the potential of a person.
So the important thing here is not to consider whether or not the examinee passes a psycho-technical test.
In reality, each company decides what they are looking for when passing a psycho-technical test (for example, for a given job position, the company may not select people with above-average intelligence – according to the test, of course – because they would not perform work well).
The tests used in a selection of personnel, usually depend on the job. That is, if a person appears for administration, they will surely pass a numerical test (if theirs are not the numbers, they will have to stand out more in other skills than required, or think of different jobs, in which the numbers are not so important).
Thus, we can see that tests with DOMINO TABS measure logical abstraction; REASONING TESTS measure the powers of adaptation: mental agility, problem-solving, etc. and the VERBAL COMPREHENSION TESTS measure the understanding of ideas, the ability of analysis and synthesis.
In summary, in a psycho-technical we can find the following parts:
Information tests: Evaluate questions related to vocabulary, verbal fluency, and meaning of words.
Arithmetic Problems: They try to measure the ability to solve arithmetic and mathematical problems through exercises related to numbers.
Numerical series: These exercises test the ability to solve arithmetic and mathematical problems, making it an excellent way to measure inductive reasoning or abstract reasoning. The statistical series can be presented in such a way that the individual completes the missing numbers, or they are given to choose the next number among several possible alternatives.
Alphabetical series: They are also intended to measure abstract reasoning, in the same way as with the numerical sequence.
Non-verbal reasoning problems: These are tests that have been created with figures or symbols to measure general intelligence or abstract reasoning.
Visualization exercises: Evaluate the ability to capture spatial relationships. It is essential for those people who must handle objects, machines, plans, etc.
Mechanical capacity tests: They are intended to identify those individuals with aptitudes for mechanical work and maintenance work.
Personality tests: They try to look for character traits, according to the job profile: introvert or extrovert, dynamic or passive, optimistic or pessimistic, with initiative or submissive, impulsive or moderate, etc.
Administrative skills tests: They are used to measure the perception ability, reading speed, precision in specific activities, arithmetic calculation, data checking, spelling, filing, error checking, etc.
Tips to pass a Spatial Reasoning Test
– Practice with different types of tests. There are manuals with real tests – in addition to those that you can find on the Web – that will help you get a global idea of the type of questions that are usually asked in different companies and colleges and universities.
– Calm down and stay relaxed. Think that most questions are about matters of which you already have some prior knowledge. The nerves will do nothing but block it.
– Before starting the test, you should read the instructions carefully and make sure that you understand them. Ask anything that is not clear to you.
– Find out if there are negative points for the wrong answers. If they don’t count, dare, and answer all the questions on the test.
– Try to focus and not get confused; time flies.
– Once the test has started, work quickly and diligently. Don’t waste time with questions you don’t know, move on to something familiar – this is essential.
– If it is a personality test, do not lie or try to give a false image of what you are.
– Each test is different, and there is no formula to perform them. Therefore, trust yourself, and don’t be afraid of this type of testing.
