Cognitive Capabilities Assessment

The various cognitive capabilities assessments are divided into two categories:

1. The logical reasoning analyses map out fluid and crystallized intelligence.

2. The skills analyses certain, in particular, specific skills or areas of knowledge.

You can, depending on the position for which a candidate must be assessed, define which cognitive capabilities assessment you want to offer.

Currently the TMA includes the following cognitive capabilities assessments:

• Spatial ability
• Numerical ability
• Linguistic ability
• Technical ability
• Control
• Calculate

Norms are available for vocational and college/university level.

Spatial ability:

• Spatial ability means the ability to see patterns and structure in figures and shapes that are sequenced in a logical order. This ability is measured, for instance, by virtually rotating figures, or by determining the correct figure in a frame. The analysis for logico-spatial perception consists of 15 questions. Each question consists of a series of figures, or a matrix, that is sequenced in a logical order that the candidate needs to determine. Depending on the question, the candidate either needs to determine which figure fits in the space marked with a question mark or which figure does not fit in the sequence.

Numerical ability:

• The numerical ability analysis consists of 39 numerical calculations with five alternative answers each. The calculations consist of additions, subtractions, multiplications and divisions. The analysis is restricted to a specified time limit. The calculations begin at an easy level and become gradually more difficult. The analysis measures numerical perception on the one hand and calculating numbers on the other. It is particularly useful for positions that involve calculations, and where meticulousness is required.

Linguistic ability:

• The linguistic ability analysis consists of 20 questions. Every question consists of two words related to each other in a certain logical manner. The candidate is given a word that relates to another word in the same logical manner as the first word pair. With such linguistic analogies the candidate’s ability to understand language and use it for logical reasoning is measured. Recognizing linguistic analogies under time pressure is an indicator for good logico-linguistic perception. A candidate’s vocabulary does play a role in this analysis but since the words themselves are relatively simple, it is possible for candidates with a limited vocabulary to find the correct answer through logical reasoning. Like the logico-numerical analysis, this analysis is particularly interesting for activities that require abstract thinking and analytical problem-solving skills.

Technical ability:

• The technical ability analysis consists of 15 questions and measures the extent in which a candidate is able to solve technical or physical problems under time pressure. This analysis is specifically designed for technical positions, for instance in construction or in the army.

Control:

• The control analysis consists of 100 pairs of random combinations of numbers and letters (e.g. LSDDPASD – LSDPPASD). The candidate has to indicate whether both combinations are the same. The analysis is restricted to four minutes. Apart from fastness, the control analysis also measures meticulousness, and particularly the ability to work meticulously under time pressure.