Logical / Inductive Reasoning Tests
Inductive reasoning tests a persons ability to problem solve and think on their feet. In short, this test evaluates a persons ability to comprehend and make sense of information they are unfamiliar with, which therefore relies on their intellect rather than prior knowledge.
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Example of inductive reasoning:
Observation: You have seen ten cats, and all of them have been black.
Inductive conclusion: You might make the generalisation that all cats are black.It's important to note that inductive reasoning doesn't guarantee the truth of the conclusion but rather makes the conclusion probable or likely based on the evidence. As such, inductive conclusions are considered strong or weak, depending on the quality and quantity of the evidence.
Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to general conclusions and is probabilistic in nature.​

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Sample Logical / Inductive Reasoning Test
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This assessment requires you to match the patterns in the Extract with Group A, Group B, or identify that Neither match.
As the assessment progresses the Extracts will contain a number of similarities including but not limited to colour, shape, number of objects etc, with a variety of patterns that require interpretation.
Please identify the Group that is most like the Extract or where Neither match.
This test has
22 questions and will take
25 minutes
Example Test Question 1
GROUP A
GROUP B
EXTRACT
Group A
Group B
Neither



In the example, Group B matches the Extract.
They both have 4 objects, whereas Group A only has 3 objects.
Therefore, answer b) Group B is the correct answer.
Example Test Question 2
Group A
Group B
Neither



In this example, Neither Group A or Group B match the Extract. The Extract only has 2 objects, where as Group A has 3 objects, Group B has 4. Therefore, answer c) Neither is the correct answer.
GROUP A
GROUP B
EXTRACT
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In the example, Group B matches the Extract.
They both have 4 objects, whereas Group A only has 3 objects.
Therefore, answer b) Group B is the correct answer.
Inductive reasoning versus deductive tests
Inductive and deductive reasoning are two different methods of logical thinking used to reach conclusions or make predictions.
They are commonly used in various fields, including science, mathematics, philosophy, and everyday problem-solving. The main difference between the two lies in the process of drawing conclusions from available information.
Inductive reasoning involves forming generalisations or hypotheses based on specific observations or evidence. It moves from specific instances to broader generalisations. In other words, inductive reasoning starts with specific examples or observations and then extrapolates to draw a general conclusion.
Example of inductive reasoning: Observation: You have seen ten cats, and all of them have been black. Inductive conclusion: You might make the generalisation that all cats are black.
It's important to note that inductive reasoning doesn't guarantee the truth of the conclusion but rather makes the conclusion probable or likely based on the evidence. As such, inductive conclusions are considered strong or weak, depending on the quality and quantity of the evidence.
Deductive reasoning involves starting with a general premise or statement (a universally accepted truth or assumption) and using it to reach a specific conclusion. It is a top-down approach that moves from the general to the specific.
Example of deductive reasoning:
Premise 1: All humans are mortal.
Premise 2: John is a human.
Conclusion: Therefore, John is mortal.
In deductive reasoning, if the premises are true, then the conclusion is guaranteed to be true. The logical structure of deductive reasoning ensures that the conclusion is a valid consequence of the premises.
Summary:
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Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to general conclusions and is probabilistic in nature.
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Deductive reasoning moves from general premises to specific conclusions and is based on logical validity.
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Both types of reasoning are valuable and necessary in various contexts, and they complement each other in forming a complete understanding of the world around us. In scientific research, for example, inductive reasoning is often used to generate hypotheses, and deductive reasoning is then used to test and validate those hypotheses.