Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests

A diagrammatic reasoning test, or diagram test, is an assessment that consists of multiple-choice questions based on shapes, patterns, and figures. Diagrammatic tests are scientifically designed to see how adept you are at solving complex problems under pressure.

They do so by asking you to apply both deductive and inductive reasoning. As these skills are inherent to an individual, you’re being tested on your natural abilities, rather than any accumulated knowledge.

In each test, you’ll find a series of different flow charts and/or diagrams, from which you’ll need to deduce sequential rules. You’ll then need to apply these rules to a number of different scenarios to arrive at the right conclusion for each question on the test.

If you’re new to diagrammatic reasoning, you’ll find these tests unlike anything you’ve encountered before. Questions posed are challenging by nature, and you’ll also be working under the pressures of a time constraint.

As such, it’s important to understand exactly what you’ll be facing on the test, and how to prepare accordingly.

There are various types of psychometric tests that measure your capacity for logic. Diagrammatic reasoning is one, as is abstract reasoning, and whilst the two focus on the same skill set, they take a slightly different approach.

In abstract reasoning tests, candidates are asked to look for relationships across patterns containing shapes and symbols, picking the odd one out or filling in missing parts of a sequence.

Diagrammatic reasoning tests make use of more complex question types, where sequential rules are applied to multiple stages of a process, and used to determine various possible outcomes.

Other tests that fall under the general terms of logical reasoning include critical thinking, inductive, deductive and analytical reasoning. If you’re in any doubt as to the type of test you’ll be taking, contact the employer for clarification.

Question types on a diagrammatic reasoning test vary according to the test publisher.

The most common type involves diagrams with accompanying keys showing inputs, operators, process and outputs. For each question, part or parts of the diagram will be unknown, and you’ll need to use the rules laid out in the key to draw logical conclusions.

For example, you may see an input to which certain processes have been applied, and be asked to determine the resulting output.

Other question types may include those found in abstract reasoning tests, as well as questions relating to the visual manipulation of shapes. For example, you may be asked to mentally unfold a 3D shape, work out a mirror image, or select the right presentation of an object after a series of rotations.

Again, this can vary between test publishers, but as a general rule, diagrammatic reasoning tests are timed, multiple-choice assessments.

In some cases, your time allowance will cover the test as a whole. In others, you’ll be given a specific number of seconds to answer each question. One minute per question is the average time frame given, and is a good guideline to work to if your test allows you to use your time freely.

You’ll likely find questions will increase in complexity as you progress, so you’ll need to stay focused. One thing you won’t need is any specific knowledge. This is a measure of your natural aptitude, so diagrammatic reasoning tests are universal, not designed around any particular job function.

Although the questions on a diagrammatic reasoning test may be unlike anything you’ve seen before, the skills that are being tested are those you’ll use daily in a career in finance.

That’s why employers in the financial sector use them to assist in recruitment. They’re looking for candidates that think logically, and can quickly identify patterns and sequences. These skills are highly valuable in jobs such as accountancy and analysis, and a strong performance on your test shows you have the potential to excel.

They also provide an efficient and objective way of comparing high volume applicants with similar backgrounds, and selecting the most promising talent for interview. This is why they’re so popular in graduate recruitment, and why it’s so important you focus on acing your test to help you stand out from the crowd.

1. Make Practice a Priority

If diagrammatic reasoning is new to you, familiarising yourself with the concept is key. In taking plenty of practice tests, you'll learn the most effective way to approach each question, lessen any test anxieties, and build confidence in your problem-solving abilities.

2. Don't Attempt to Work Backwards

Focus on understanding the logic, rather than trying to fit possible answers into the puzzle. Working backwards is time-consuming, and since the multiple-choice options are often similar, it's easy to slip up if you've not fully explored the governing rules.

3. Manage Your Time

If your test allows you to use your time freely, look at how long you've got against the number of questions, and split your time accordingly. Remember, questions may get progressively harder, so you may want to leave more time towards the end. Taking practice tests under timed conditions will help with your time management.

4. Learn to Spot Distractors

In any given question, there may be elements present that bear no relevance to the underlying logic. These are known as distractors, and are there to add complexity. You need to learn to quickly identify what is pertinent to the problem, and what has been included to distract you.

5. Take an Educated Guess

Most diagrammatic reasoning tests do not apply negative marking, so you won't be penalised for an incorrect answer. Double check that this is the case, and if it is, hedge your bets by taking an educated guess on any questions you're unsure of.

Q1) Which box comes next in the sequence?

Q2) Which box comes next in the sequence?

Solutions

Q1

Answer = A

Rule 1: The shapes alternate from small, medium to large and repeat.

Rule 2: The small chevron alternates between being present and absent

Q2

Answer = E

Rule 1: The size of the circle changes, small, medium, large and repeats.

Rule 2: The unshaded square alternates between top left corner and right top corner

Rule 3: The shaded square moves one step clockwise around the figure