Cognitive

Descriptions of Aptitude Tests

The tests are described only briefly below. Much more details is provided in demonstrations and training sessions.

The tests are structured for those who have never used a computer before; and all applicants are given a practice session in using a "mouse" . Time limits for individual tests can be varied.

They are pre-packaged for different occupational families, such as clerical, sales, accounts, technical and executive. The programs are shown and summarily described in this display from the manual that deals with program selection.

Any program of tests used in these occupational families may be modified to fit a particular job description after consultation with the user. Retesting is possible using retest norms, a special feature to ensure fairness.

The Censeo-Assessment System Tests of Skills and Aptitudes.

The tests are grouped for reference. The combinations of tests in different programs ensure the relevance of the tests for any particular family of occupations. The same form of test is never produced twice. Each user can be confident that the tests are unique to that organisation.

There are tests requiring basic skills, tests based on simple sentence comprehension, tests of reasoning and tests demanding visualisation.

Throughout there is an underlying demand on attention and holding information in memory long enough to process it correctly. Working memory is the single most important predictor of training success.

The abbreviations used in the system are all listed in brackets for reference.

The Tests of Basic Skills

ALPHABET TEST (AB)

The Alphabet Order test presents a short list of common surnames in each item. They have to be put in the correct alpabetical order. This is done by clicking on them in turn. Scores are given for fluency and accuracy. Employers are right in thinking that fluent use of the alphabet is an essential part of literacy.

ERROR DETECTION (ED)

The Error Detection Test measures the speed with which features of letters and numbers are perceived to be the same or different, and the detection of mismatches. This quality- Perceptual Speed- is a recognised building block in the development of literacy skills and clerical accuracy. Research also shows that scanning style is predicted by this test.

NUMBER FLUENCY (NF)

The Number Fluency Test is designed to simulate work tasks that require elementary number skills unaided by calculators, or close attention to number precision in computing situations. Consequently, the test has a very high attentional demand. Attention lapses result in slow work or errors. People who are easily distracted will not do as well as others who can attend closely. test items require only basic numeracy in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

The Working Memory tests

Working memory is concerned with the immediate processing of new information with sufficient reliability to allow a new action to follow. Working memory tests predict individual differences in a wide spectrum of jobs and training contexts where sustained mental effort is the key to performance. Working memory tasks have proved to be among the most consistent predictors of learning new skills.

ODDS AND EVENS (OE)

Odds and Evens is a test of number sequence comparisons. It is easy to understand. The test requires the correct identification of odd and even number sequences. Given a set of rules for the order of three odd or even numbers, one must compare the order of rules with the actual order of numbers and decide how many numbers match the odd-even rules.

This test is designed to represent work tasks that require normal working memory skills unaided by look-up tables or instructional manuals. It is an important component of general intelligence.

WORD RULES (WR)

This test is a verbal version of the Odds and Evens test and the formats are identical. It is used whenever more emphasis on verbal comprehension is required by the job description. The test requires the correct identification of word sequences given a set of rules for their order. Because it has vocabulary common to the Reasoning Catagories test, these two sets of tests are not given together unless there is a special reason for their inclusion.

The Verbal Aptitude Tests

The verbal tests are powerful, but they are constructed from simple sentences so that the threshold of understanding is not a barrier to testing the essentials. These tests concentrate on following instructions, learning rules for processing information and drawing conclusions.

REASONING CATAGORIES (RC)

Good performance on the Reasoning Catagories test depends on memorising a list of catagories, such as building and tree, and putting it in a prescribed order. Then the order has to be matched exactly with specific examples, such as school and pine to answer the question. it is designed to simulate work tasks that require memory for a number of "if-then" instructions or procedures. people who can extract essentials from written instructions (for example software, technical and "rule-book" manuals) and act upon them will score highly on this test. This is the longest test in the series. It tends to be reserved for higher-level job applicants.

DEDUCTIVE REASONING (TI)

This is a less time consuming test of Deductive Reasoning, in the well researched Transitive Inference (TI) format. The transitive Inference tasks have been proved suitable for non-executive applicants whose work functions demand simple deductions from a small amount of information. The literacy threshold is low, but the mental demands are significant.

The Visualisation Tests

Spatial orientation tests, particularly those involving the mental rotation of shapes, have been used for over 70 years. They screen applicants for jobs where visualisation is a requirement, for example in building, engineering, design, architecture, photography and other technical roles. In summary, persons with high aptitude for technical training out-perform those for whom the path to technical excellence has proved longer and more difficult.

ORIENTATION (OR)

The Orientation Test is based on the relative position of two arrows of different colours that point in one of four directions. The orientation of two arrows is described. this description has to be worked out visually and then identified in one of eight possible representations. It is used in technical and executive testing programs.