05/11/2014  

1  

Psychometric Testing Dr Maddy Wyatt m.wyatt@kent.ac.uk

Overview • Graduate Schemes • Selection processes • Psychometric Tests

•  Numerical •  Verbal •  Abstract/spatial

• Personality tests • Other selection methods

05/11/2014  

2  

• Communications, HR, Engineering, IT, Sales & Marketing, Procurement

•  2 years •  3 x 8 month rotations • Breadth of experience •  Travel • Business areas

•  Pharmaceuticals, •  Consumer and Support functions •  Environment, Health & Safety.

• Mentor • Programme manager & sponsor

05/11/2014  

3  

Fast Stream •  Entry requirements: 2:2 degree any subject, UK work permit •  Stage 1: Online registration •  Stage 2: Online self-assessment

•  Verbal & numerical tests (purely own benefit) •  Stage 3: Online practice tests •  Stage 4: Online selection tests

•  Verbal & numerical reasoning •  Competency questionnaire

•  Stage 5: Supervised e-tray exercise & numerical & verbal re-test •  Stage 6: Assessment Centre

•  Group exercise •  Policy recommendation exercise •  Briefing exercise •  Interview •  E-tray

It is competitive • Approx 30,000 applications to the fast stream in 2012

• Approx 3% of applicants are successful

•  In 2012 there were 5 successful candidates from UoK

• Similar rates to other large graduate schemes

• BUT if you prepare you increase your chances significantly!

• You don’t apply, you don’t succeed

05/11/2014  

4  

Psychometric Tests • Why do organisations use psychometric testing?

•  What they test predicts performance once in the job •  Easy way to sift a large number of candidates

• What to expect •  Initial testing

•  Usually at home, online, usually timed •  Testing in further stages

•  In an exam environment, usually timed

Common types of test

• Cognitive ability/general mental ability tests

• Aptitude tests – a specific ability

• Personality tests

•  Tests of emotional intelligence

05/11/2014  

5  

Cognitive Ability/General Mental Ability •  “A very general mental capability that, among other things,

involves the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly and learn from experience. It is not merely book learning, a narrow academic skill, or test-taking smarts. Rather it reflects a broader and deeper capability for comprehending our surroundings – “catching-on”, “making sense” of things, or “figuring out” what to do”

(Gottfredson, 1997; p13).

• Can include verbal ability, numerical ability, abstract reasoning/spatial awareness tests

•  Tapping your underlying intelligence

Why Cognitive Ability? • Best predictor of job performance across ALL occupations

• High intelligence means you… •  Acquire knowledge about the job easily •  Understand tasks easily •  Are trainable •  Maintain knowledge about the job

05/11/2014  

6  

How is cognitive ability assessed? • Online testing

• Paper and pencil testing

• Usually under exam conditions •  At home •  At an assessment centre (i.e. supervised) •  TIMED

• A large range of ability tests •  Don’t become blasé

Your biggest enemy • Anxiety!

•  Anxiety reduces performance

Generalised anxiety about

turning up to take a test

Anxiety about not knowing what to

expect

Anxiety about not knowing how to

answer the questions

05/11/2014  

7  

Practicing Cognitive Ability Tests C

ogni

tive

Abi

lity

Sco

re

Actual Ability

Score first time take a

test

Practice!

Numerical Ability

05/11/2014  

8  

Numerical Ability Testing • Why?

•  Job may involve dealing with graphs, reports and figures

• Often no calculator •  Be prepared either way!

• Start of the test will be easier and get progressively harder

Mental Arithmetic • Usually without a calculator

•  Subtraction •  Addition •  Division •  Multiplication

1 ? x 15 = 15 2 72 – 18 = ? 3 15 x ? = 90 4 15.02 ÷ 1000 = ? 5 19 + 27 = A) 56 B) 32 C) 46 D) 4.6 E)306 6 24 x 0.8 = A) 16 B) 220 C) 19 D)24 E)140

05/11/2014  

9  

Mental Arithmetic continued

•  Tip: Revise how to do this with pencil and paper, like you did at school

•  Tip: Revise your times tables •  Tip: Round up or down

•  Estimate and then choose nearest answer •  e.g. q5 could be thought of as 20 + 30

1 ? x 15 = 15 1 2 72 – 18 = ? 54 3 15 x ? = 90 6 4 15.02 ÷ 1000 0.015 5 19 + 27 = A) 56 B) 32 C) 46 D) 4.6 E)306 C) 46 6 24 x 0.8 = A) 16 B) 220 C) 19 D)24 E)140 C) 19

Factors and Prime Numbers •  Factor = a whole number which divides exactly into a whole

number, leaving no remainder •  E.g. 13 is a factor of 52 because 13 divides exactly into 52 (52 ÷ 13 = 4

leaving no remainder).

• Prime Number = has only two factors, 1 and itself

1 List the factors of 36 2 List the factors of 11. 3 What is the highest common factor of 8 and 20?

05/11/2014  

10  

• Answers

1 List the factors of 36 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 36 2 List the factors of 11. 1, 11 (prime number) 3 What is the highest common factor of 8 and 20? 4 (4x2=8) (4x5=20)

Sequences • Usually find the missing number

• Common patterns include •  Adding digits to the previous number

•  Adding the previous two digits together •  Multiplying/dividing the previous numbers •  Squaring the numbers (e.g. 2, 4, 9, 16)

1 100, 10, ?, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001 1

2 18, 21, 39, ?, 99 60 (add together previous two values)

05/11/2014  

11  

Percentages, Decimals and Fractions • Changing fractions to decimals

•  Divide 100 by the bottom value, then multiply the result by the top value

•  E.g. Find ½ as a percentage •  100 / 2 = 50 x 1 = 50

• Changing between decimals and percentages

•  Multiply decimal by 100 to get a percentage •  Divide percentage by 100 to get the decimal •  E.g. Convert 0.5 into a percentage

•  0.5 x 100 = 50

Percentages: Values and quantities • Expressing values as percentage

•  Make the first value a fraction of the second •  Reduce the fraction to its simplest form •  Convert into a percentage

•  Find 30 as a percentage of 50 = 60% •  30/50 = 3/5 •  100/5 = 20 •  x 3 = 60

05/11/2014  

12  

Percentage of quantities • Convert percentage to a decimal • Multiple by the quantity • Make sure you show your answer in the right units

•  E.g. remember 60 mins in an hour •  100p in a £1 •  14 pounds in a stone etc.

•  12.5% of £80 = £10 •  12.5/100 = 0.125 •  80 x 0.125 = 10

Percentage increase and decrease •  Increase

•  Divide the increase by the original amount and multiple they answer by 100

•  What is the percentage increase between 20 and 30? •  Difference between 20 and 30 = 10 •  10/20 = 0.5 x 100 = 50 •  50%

• Decrease •  Divide the amount of decrease by the original amount and multiply

by 100

05/11/2014  

13  

Percentages

1 Find 6/8 as a percentage

2 Convert 0.5% to a decimal

3 Find 12 as a percentage of 40

4 Find 12% of £360

5 What is the percentage increase between 20 and 24?

1 Find 6/8 as a percentage 75% ( 6/8 = 3/4)

2 Convert 0.5% to a decimal 0.005 (0.5/100)

3 Find 12 as a percentage of 40 30% (12/40=3/10, 100/10 = 10 x 3= 30)

4 Find 12% of £360 £43.20 (12/100 = .12x 360 = £43.2)

5 What is the percentage increase between 20 and 24?

20% (4/20 = 0.2 x 100 = 20)

05/11/2014  

14  

Numerical Evaluation • Asks you to evaluate, make deductions from complex

numerical information •  Graphs, tables, charts

• Usually many questions relating to the same information

http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/tests/mathstest.htm

05/11/2014  

15  

Further Tips for Numerical Ability Tests • Add up your shopping in your head when walking around

the supermarket

• Watch Countdown!

• Download brainteaser apps

Verbal Reasoning

05/11/2014  

16  

Verbal • Why?

•  ability to understand, analyse and interpret written information

• What? •  Word meaning •  Verbal reasoning •  Sifting information •  Vocabulary •  Grammar

Word Meaning •  Find two words which have the closest meaning

•  There may be more than one pair! – pick the closest pair

• Synonyms •  Deceit is to fraud as decision is to….

•  Conclusion •  Solve •  Indecision

• Antonyms •  Aggravate

•  A) Vex B) Annoy C) Pacify

Serious Expedient Beneficial Benevolent Favourite Favourable

Governing Body Advise Counsel Authority Delegate Advocate

05/11/2014  

17  

Word Meaning •  Find two words which have the closest meaning

•  There may be more than one pair! – pick the closest pair

• Synonyms •  Deceit is to fraud as decision is to….

•  Conclusion •  Solve •  Indecision

• Antonyms •  Aggravate

•  A) Vex B) Annoy C) Pacify

Serious Expedient Beneficial Benevolent Favourite Favourable

Governing Body Advise Counsel Authority Delegate Advocate

Sentence Sequencing • Re-order sentences in original order

• A) This is pollution. B) It can be small-scale or global and most plants and animals suffer its effects. C) Harmful by-products of industry and agriculture enter the environment.

05/11/2014  

18  

Sentence Sequencing • Re-order sentences in original order

• A) This is pollution. B) It can be small-scale or global and most plants and animals suffer its effects. C) Harmful by-products of industry and agriculture enter the environment.

• Answer = C A B

English Usage • Peter is a good friend ___A___ lives in Italy, a country

___B___ I have never visited.

A 1. who, 2. that, 3. and 4. whom B 1. what 2. whom 3. which

05/11/2014  

19  

Example: English Usage • Peter is a good friend ___A___ lives in Italy, a country

___B___ I have never visited.

A 1. who, 2. that, 3. and 4. whom B 1. what 2. whom 3. which

Other types of grammatical questions • Which is the verb?

•  Cleaning the bookshelves was done every Tuesday

• Which adjective is the comparative? •  Late •  Later •  Latest

05/11/2014  

20  

Comprehension • Reading passages and evaluating the statements made

• Usually a block of text followed by a true/false set of options

• Remember you will be under time pressure

Some people think that prospective employees should include a photograph with their application form. Such practice has traditionally been criticised for allowing more attractive individuals to get ahead in their career over ‘plain’ colleagues. However, one study demonstrates that this is, in fact, untrue. Ruffle, the creator of this study, attributes his findings to the ‘dumb-blonde hypothesis’- that beautiful women are thought to be unintelligent. Ruffle submits that companies would be better advised adopting the selection model employed by the Belgian public sector, where CVs are anonymous and candidate names, gender and photographs are not allowed to be included on CVs. Such a model allows the candidate to be selected on factors relevant to the role applied for. The method of selecting future employees adopted by the Belgian public sector has helped to eliminate discrimination in the Belgian public sector. •  True •  Probably True •  More Information Required •  Probably False •  False

05/11/2014  

21  

Answer Correct Answer: More Information Required. Explanation: The passage fails to provide information on the success rate of this selection method; it simply outlines the method. Therefore we cannot say whether this model has been successful. For this reason we require further information before we can make this inference.

Tips for verbal reasoning • Read the question properly

• When reading the questions with passages of writing •  Don’t let prior knowledge affect your judgement •  The TEXT has to give you the answer

• Use apps • Read books, newspapers (broadsheets) • Write essays!

• Grammar: Eats, Shoots and Leaves – book by Lynne Truss

05/11/2014  

22  

Abstract/non-verbal/spatial reasoning

Abstract Reasoning • Why?

•  Visual thinking, good indicator of general mental ability

• What? •  Visual questions •  Sequences •  Symbols •  Signs •  Shapes •  Rotation

05/11/2014  

23  

Abstract Reasoning • Diagramatic reasoning

Sequences

Combining Shapes

2D to 3D Shape Rotation

http://www.psychometric-success.com/aptitude-tests/spatial-ability-tests.htm

Abstract Reasoning • Diagramatic reasoning

Sequences

Combining Shapes

2D to 3D Shape Rotation

http://www.psychometric-success.com/aptitude-tests/spatial-ability-tests.htm

05/11/2014  

24  

Personality

Personality • Why?

•  To understand what drives and motivates you •  Assess ‘fit’ with the role/organisation/team

• What? •  ‘Big 5’

•  Extraversion: talkative, social, liveliness •  Openness to experience: curious, enjoys change •  Conscientiousness: diligent, well organised •  Agreeableness: cooperative, helping others •  Emotional Stability: calm, even tempered

•  Team roles •  Motives, values and preferences

05/11/2014  

25  

Example Personality Questions •  I am the life of the party •  I get upset easily •  I insult people •  I take time out for others •  I like order •  I don’t mind being the centre of attention •  I shirk my duties •  I often feel blue •  I am full of ideas

• Strongly disagree---------strongly agree

Personality tips • Know your personality

•  BIG 5: http://www.personal.psu.edu/j5j/IPIP/ipipneo120.htm •  MBTI: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp •  http://www.personalitypathways.com/type_inventory.html

•  Is there a good/bad personality? • Can your personality change?

•  Not really, but some suggest it can slightly in different situations •  Try and answer with your ‘work hat’ on

• Can you fake it? •  Most tests have built in questions to catch fakers.

05/11/2014  

26  

General Tips for Psychometric Tests

Tips: Before taking a test •  Practice practice practice!

•  Understanding the questions in relaxed environment •  Realistic questions under strict time conditions

•  Understand what is being tested (i.e. what to expect) – ask the organisation if necessary

•  Make the organisation aware of any extenuating circumstances •  Disabilities •  Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, ADD, ADHD, ASD etc. •  English is not your first language

•  Check the resources you will need •  Calculator? •  Note pad and pen?

05/11/2014  

27  

Tips: Taking the test •  If at home…

•  Ensure you are in a quiet setting •  good internet connection •  will not be disturbed

• Always do the practice section provided • Balance accuracy and speed • Read the question carefully

• Don’t cheat!

• Energy bars/tablets

Where can I practice? •  http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/psychotests.htm •  http://www.shldirect.com/practice_tests.html •  https://client.thomasinternational.net/Docs/en-GB/GIA_Pre-Test.pdf •  http://www.savilleconsulting.com/products/

aptitude_preparationguides.aspx •  http://practicetests.cubiks.com/ •  http://www.kenexa.com/assessments/assessment_guidance

• Books •  Bryon, M. (2008). Ultimate Psychometric Tests. Kogan Page Ltd:

London •  Shavick, A. (2008) Psychometric Tests for Graduates. How Book:

London

05/11/2014  

28  

Other Types of Selection Test

Competencies • Selection processes are usually based on competencies

•  The knowledge, skills and abilities required •  E.g. teamwork, organisational skills •  These are on each organisation’s website – find them, know them

•  Think about which competencies are being assessed in each type of selection stage – what are they looking for?

•  Learn how to answer competency based questions

05/11/2014  

29  

Other selection methods • Situational judgement tests • Everyone in your department has received a new computer

system except for you. What would you do? Please choose the most effective and the least effective responses:

•  A - Assume this is a mistake and speak to your manager. •  B - Confront your manager regarding why you are being treated

unfairly. •  C - Take a new computer from one of your colleagues. •  D - Complain to Human Resources. •  E - Quit.

Other selection methods • Situational judgement tests • Everyone in your department has received a new computer

system except for you. What would you do? Please choose the most effective and the least effective responses:

•  A - Assume this is a mistake and speak to your manager. •  B - Confront your manager regarding why you are being treated

unfairly. •  C - Take a new computer from one of your colleagues. •  D - Complain to Human Resources. •  E - Quit.

05/11/2014  

30  

Other Selection Methods •  In-tray or E-tray

•  Business simulation •  Communication, organisation, prioritise, professionalism, time

management • Presentations • Role play

•  Group or individually •  Team working, listening, negotiating, leadership, time management,

delegation. •  Technical knowledge

•  Keep up to date •  Technical methods •  Employment law •  Excel

05/11/2014  

31  

What do you want from them? •  Feedback about your performance on the tests– ask, ask again! •  Training and development •  Working environment •  Working hours •  Domestic & international travel •  Salary & benefits

•  Healthcare •  Pension •  Shares •  London allowance •  Bonuses

•  Opportunities for progression •  Employment after the scheme

Useful Resources •  Careers and Employability Service

http://www.kent.ac.uk/cas/index.html

•  www.milkround.com

•  www.prospects.ac.uk

•  www.thestudentroom.co.uk (useful discussion forum where you can learn about others’ experiences and ask questions)

•  E.g. http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1754178

05/11/2014  

32  

In conclusion

• Research the organisation

• Be aware of the selection process

• Be prepared

• Practice

• Know which competencies they are testing

• Ask for feedback

•  If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

More examples

05/11/2014  

33  

Type Examples Answer

Arithmetic Multiply 20 by 920

Sequences 1 4 9 ? 25

7 11 18 ? 47 76

Missing number 56 / 7 = ? - 5

? x 12 = 132

Percentages Find 1/8 as a percentage

Percentage change

What is the percentage decrease between 16 and 4?

Type Examples Answer

Arithmetic Multiply 20 by 920

18,400. first multiply by the 2 and then move the decimal place. 920 x 2 = 1840 x 10 = 18400

Sequences 1 4 9 ? 25 16  (Square each number)

1x1 = 1, 2x2 = 4, 3x3 = 9….

7 11 18 ? 47 76 Add the previous 2 values to find the next = 29

Missing number

56 / 7 = ? - 5 8

? x 12 = 132 11 x 12 = 132

Percentages Find 1/8 as a percentage 12.5% 100/8 = 12.5 x 1 =12.5

Percentage change

What is the percentage decrease between 16 and 4?

75% 16-4 =12, 12 / 16 = .75 x 100