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Problem Solving Test

The problem solving test evaluates a candidate's ability to understand instructions, analyze data and respond to complex problems or situations. The questions are designed to get insights into their problem solving, learning agility and coachability.

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Screen candidates with a 30 mins test

Test duration:  30 mins
Difficulty level:  Moderate
Availability:  Ready to use
Questions:
  • 4 Logical Reasoning MCQs
  • 4 Data Interpretation MCQs
  • 4 Spatial Reasoning MCQs
  • 4 Abstract Reasoning MCQs
  • 4 Critical Thinking MCQs
Covered skills:
Abstract Reasoning
Critical Thinking
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Pattern Matching
Spatial Reasoning
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Use the Problem Solving Assessment Test to shortlist qualified candidates

The Problem Solving Test helps recruiters and hiring managers identify qualified candidates from a pool of resumes, and helps in taking objective hiring decisions. It reduces the administrative overhead of interviewing too many candidates and saves time by filtering out unqualified candidates at the first step of the hiring process.

The test screens for the following skills that hiring managers look for in candidates:

  • Logical reasoning
  • Data interpretation
  • Spatial reasoning
  • Abstract reasoning
  • Critical thinking
  • Deductive reasoning
  • Inductive reasoning
  • Pattern matching
  • Spatial reasoning
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Screen candidates with the highest quality questions

We have a very high focus on the quality of questions that test for on-the-job skills. Every question is non-googleable and we have a very high bar for the level of subject matter experts we onboard to create these questions. We have crawlers to check if any of the questions are leaked online. If/ when a question gets leaked, we get an alert. We change the question for you & let you know.

How we design questions

These are just a small sample from our library of 15,000+ questions. The actual questions on this Problem Solving Test will be non-googleable.

🧐 Question

Medium

Tennis Players
Solve
A tennis coach was trying to put together a team of 4 players for a tennis championship out of 7 players. R, S, T are the male players, and W, X, Y, Z are the female players. Note that all players have equal ability, and the team needs to have atleast 2 male players. While selecting the team we need to keep in mind that all 4 players should be able to play with each other. 
 image
We also need to keep the following restrictions in mind:
- R cannot play with Y
- S cannot play with W
- T cannot play with Z
Which of the following are true:

A: S and Z cannot be in the team together.
B: T and Y cannot be in the team together.
C: T and X cannot be in the team together.

Hard

CID Agent
Logical Deduction
Pattern Recognition
Solve
A code ("EIG AUC REO RAI COG") was sent to the criminal office by a CID agent named Batra.  However, four of the five words are fake, with only one containing the information. They also included a clue in the form of a sentence: "If I tell you any character of the code word, you will be able to tell how many vowels there are in the code word." Are you able to figure out what the code word is?
A: RAI 
B: EIG
C: AUC
D: REO
E: COG
F: None

Medium

Positive correlation
Correlation vs. Causation
Solve
Myra is working on her thesis for which she created a scatter plot of the number of teachers and the number of college graduates for cities in Australia. She noticed a positive correlation. Which of these do you think is the probable explanation for this correlation?
A: Teachers encourage people to go to college, so an increase in the number of teachers leads to an increase in the number of college graduates. 

B: Some college graduates choose teaching as a profession after graduating, so an increase in the number of college graduates also leads to an increase in the number of teachers.

C: There are more college graduates and teachers in higher income cities, so income is a confounding variable here, make it difficult to prove causation between number of teachers and number of college graduates. 

D: Cities with a higher population have more teachers and more college graduates, so the correlation is due to a third variable (population of city).

E: The provided data is insufficient, so it is extremely difficult to establish the reason for the correlation.

F: Most college students choose non-teaching professions after graduating, which explains the correlation. 

G: In Australia, college students are encouraged by their teachers to choose teaching as a profession after graduating.

Medium

Dividends
Financial Analysis
Percentage and Average Calculations
Solve
Consider the following line chart which shows the money invested by a company in production each year and the sales made by the company each year. If the pie chart shows the shareholding pattern of the company and the company gives 10% of the profit as dividends to its share holders then what is the average dividend received by retail investors from 2000 to 2004?
 image
 image

Medium

Laptop Brands
Proportions and Percentages
Financial Reasoning
Solve
Given below is the list of laptop brands and their details in which some data is missing. If the cost price of Dell is 3/5 of the cost price of Lenovo, then what will be the %profit of Dell?
 image

Hard

Median
Trend Analysis
Statistical Reasoning
Solve
 Consider the following line chart which shows the sales of five different companies from 2000 to 2009. Which of the following companies has the maximum percentage increase in the median from 2000 to 2004 and 2005 to 2009.
 image

Easy

Assemble Triangle
Visual assembly
Geometric Reasoning
Solve
Which of the following set of shapes can be assembled to create the shape displayed:
 image

Easy

Odd One Out
Pattern recognition
Solve
Shown below is a group of 4 objects, which might be rotated in different directions. One of the 4 objects is different from the other 3 in some way. Can you figure out which one?
 image

Medium

Four Blocks
Direction sense
Logical movement
Solve
The city has been divided into 4 blocks. Block 1 in the north and Block 4 in the east of the city.
 image
A postman, who delivers the letter in the city is standing at the intersection of the two lines. The postman travels the city in the following order:

1. North-West 20 steps
2. South-West 30 steps
3. South-East 40 steps
4. North-East 50 steps
5. North-West 15 steps 
Now, find the location where the postman is standing?
A: Block 3
B: Block 2
C: Block 4
D: Block 1
E: On the line intersecting Block 1 and Block 4
F: On the line intersecting Block 3 and Block 4

Medium

Missing element
Solve
Which of the following figures do you think would complete the pattern shown below?
 image
 image

Easy

Missing element
Solve
Which of the following figures do you think would complete the pattern shown below?
 image

Medium

Claims for a new drug Xylanex
Critical Thinking
Evaluating Arguments
Identifying Assumptions
Solve
A pharmaceutical company claims that their new drug, Xylanex, is highly effective in treating a specific medical condition. They provide statistical data from a clinical trial to support their claim. However, a group of scientists has raised concerns about the validity of the study design and potential bias in the data collection process. They argue that the results may be inflated and not truly representative of the drug's effectiveness.

Which of the following assumptions is necessary to support the pharmaceutical company's claim?
A: The clinical trial participants were randomly selected and representative of the target population.
B: The scientists raising concerns have a conflict of interest and are biased against the pharmaceutical company.
C: The statistical analysis of the clinical trial data was conducted by independent experts.
D: The medical condition being treated by Xylanex is widespread and affects a large number of individuals.
E: The pharmaceutical company has a proven track record of developing effective drugs for similar medical conditions.

Medium

Emma's cafe business
Solve
Emma's cafe has been operating successfully for the last 6 years. Profits have been growing every year, with this year (2020) being their best year so far. As a thank you, Emma treated her staff to a meal at a Michelin star restaurant. 
 image
Below are 3 statements about Emma, her staff and her cafe. Can you help us decide whether the 3 statements are "True", "Probably True", "Insufficient Data to Say True or False", "Probably False", or "False".

1. Emma's staff members are happy.
2. Emma's cafe did well in 2016.
3. Emma is rich.

A: True
B: False
C: Probably True
D: Probably False
E: Insufficient Data

Medium

Ivory's new startup
Solve
Statement: Ivory started a new startup. We know for a fact that almost all startups fail within the first 2 years. 
Conclusion: Ivory's startup will fail.
Does the conclusion follow from the statement?
🧐 Question🔧 Skill

Medium

Tennis Players

3 mins

Logical Reasoning
Solve

Hard

CID Agent
Logical Deduction
Pattern Recognition

3 mins

Logical Reasoning
Solve

Medium

Positive correlation
Correlation vs. Causation

2 mins

Logical Reasoning
Solve

Medium

Dividends
Financial Analysis
Percentage and Average Calculations

3 mins

Data Interpretation
Solve

Medium

Laptop Brands
Proportions and Percentages
Financial Reasoning

2 mins

Data Interpretation
Solve

Hard

Median
Trend Analysis
Statistical Reasoning

3 mins

Data Interpretation
Solve

Easy

Assemble Triangle
Visual assembly
Geometric Reasoning

2 mins

Spatial Reasoning
Solve

Easy

Odd One Out
Pattern recognition

2 mins

Spatial Reasoning
Solve

Medium

Four Blocks
Direction sense
Logical movement

2 mins

Spatial Reasoning
Solve

Medium

Missing element

2 mins

Abstract Reasoning
Solve

Easy

Missing element

2 mins

Abstract Reasoning
Solve

Medium

Claims for a new drug Xylanex
Critical Thinking
Evaluating Arguments
Identifying Assumptions

2 mins

Critical Thinking
Solve

Medium

Emma's cafe business

2 mins

Critical Thinking
Solve

Medium

Ivory's new startup

2 mins

Critical Thinking
Solve
🧐 Question🔧 Skill💪 Difficulty⌛ Time
Tennis Players
Logical Reasoning
Medium3 mins
Solve
CID Agent
Logical Deduction
Pattern Recognition
Logical Reasoning
Hard3 mins
Solve
Positive correlation
Correlation vs. Causation
Logical Reasoning
Medium2 mins
Solve
Dividends
Financial Analysis
Percentage and Average Calculations
Data Interpretation
Medium3 mins
Solve
Laptop Brands
Proportions and Percentages
Financial Reasoning
Data Interpretation
Medium2 mins
Solve
Median
Trend Analysis
Statistical Reasoning
Data Interpretation
Hard3 mins
Solve
Assemble Triangle
Visual assembly
Geometric Reasoning
Spatial Reasoning
Easy2 mins
Solve
Odd One Out
Pattern recognition
Spatial Reasoning
Easy2 mins
Solve
Four Blocks
Direction sense
Logical movement
Spatial Reasoning
Medium2 mins
Solve
Missing element
Abstract Reasoning
Medium2 mins
Solve
Missing element
Abstract Reasoning
Easy2 mins
Solve
Claims for a new drug Xylanex
Critical Thinking
Evaluating Arguments
Identifying Assumptions
Critical Thinking
Medium2 mins
Solve
Emma's cafe business
Critical Thinking
Medium2 mins
Solve
Ivory's new startup
Critical Thinking
Medium2 mins
Solve

Test candidates on core Problem Solving Hiring Test topics

Abstract Reasoning: Abstract reasoning is the ability to analyze and solve problems that involve complex patterns or scenarios. It assesses an individual's capacity to think logically and make connections between different elements, even when the information provided is vague or unfamiliar. This skill is included in the test to evaluate the candidate's ability to think critically and approach problems from an abstract perspective.

Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is the process of objectively evaluating and analyzing information to form judgments or make decisions. It involves logical reasoning, evidence-based analysis, and the ability to identify and weigh different perspectives. Evaluating candidates' critical thinking skills in this test helps recruiters assess their potential to solve problems effectively and make informed decisions in various work situations.

Deductive Reasoning: Deductive reasoning involves drawing logical conclusions based on specific premises or principles. It requires the ability to apply general rules or theories to specific situations and make predictions or solve problems based on the given information. This skill is measured in the test to gauge candidates' ability to make logical connections and reach accurate conclusions using deductive reasoning.

Inductive Reasoning: Inductive reasoning is the ability to derive general principles or rules based on specific instances or observations. It involves identifying patterns or trends and using them to make predictions or solve problems. Assessing candidates' inductive reasoning skills in this test helps recruiters evaluate their ability to analyze information, identify underlying patterns, and make reliable predictions or decisions.

Pattern Matching: Pattern matching is the cognitive ability to identify and recognize similarities or regularities within a set of stimuli or information. It involves discerning patterns, sequences, or relationships in order to solve problems or make accurate judgments. Measuring candidates' pattern matching skills in this test provides insights into their aptitude for recognizing patterns and applying them to problem-solving in a range of contexts.

Spatial Reasoning: Spatial reasoning refers to the capacity to mentally visualize and manipulate spatial relationships or configurations. It involves understanding and interpreting spatial information, such as shapes, directions, and distances, and using this understanding to solve problems or navigate spatial environments. Evaluating candidates' spatial reasoning skills in this test helps recruiters assess their ability to think three-dimensionally, solve spatial problems, and comprehend spatial data.

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Have questions about the Problem Solving Hiring Test?

What roles can I use the Problem Solving Assessment Test for?

Here are few roles for which we recommend this test:

  • Freshers
  • Graduates
  • Analysts
  • Developers
  • Entry level roles
  • Programmers
Can I combine the Problem Solving Test with abstract reasoning questions?

Yes, you can combine multiple skills in a single custom test. For more on assessing abstract reasoning skills, check out our Abstract Reasoning Test.

How to use the Problem Solving Test in my hiring process?

Use the test as a pre-screening tool early in your recruitment process. Add a link to the assessment in your job post or email it directly to candidates.

Can I combine multiple skills into one custom assessment?

Yes, absolutely. Custom assessments are set up based on your job description, and will include questions on all must-have skills you specify. Here's a quick guide on how you can request a custom test.

How do I interpret test scores?

The primary thing to keep in mind is that an assessment is an elimination tool, not a selection tool. A skills assessment is optimized to help you eliminate candidates who are not technically qualified for the role, it is not optimized to help you find the best candidate for the role. So the ideal way to use an assessment is to decide a threshold score (typically 55%, we help you benchmark) and invite all candidates who score above the threshold for the next rounds of interview.

Does every candidate get the same questions?

Yes, it makes it much easier for you to compare candidates. Options for MCQ questions and the order of questions are randomized. We have anti-cheating/ proctoring features in place. In our enterprise plan, we also have the option to create multiple versions of the same assessment with questions of similar difficulty levels.

What is the cost of using this test?

You can check out our pricing plans.

I just moved to a paid plan. How can I request a custom assessment?

Here is a quick guide on how to request a custom assessment on Adaface.

What is the Problem Solving Test?

The Problem Solving Test evaluates a candidate's ability to solve problems using various reasoning skills. Employers use it to assess potential hires' capabilities in logical reasoning, data interpretation, spatial reasoning, abstract reasoning, and critical thinking.

What kind of questions are included in the Problem Solving Test?

The test comprises 20 multiple-choice questions covering logical reasoning, data interpretation, spatial reasoning, abstract reasoning, and critical thinking skills. It is designed to evaluate senior roles in recognizing patterns, interpreting data, and applying logical thinking.

What are the main cognitive ability tests?
Do you have any anti-cheating or proctoring features in place?

We have the following anti-cheating features in place:

  • Non-googleable questions
  • IP proctoring
  • Screen proctoring
  • Web proctoring
  • Webcam proctoring
  • Plagiarism detection
  • Secure browser
  • Copy paste protection

Read more about the proctoring features.

What experience level can I use this test for?

Each Adaface assessment is customized to your job description/ ideal candidate persona (our subject matter experts will pick the right questions for your assessment from our library of 10000+ questions). This assessment can be customized for any experience level.

I'm a candidate. Can I try a practice test?

No. Unfortunately, we do not support practice tests at the moment. However, you can use our sample questions for practice.

Can I get a free trial?

Yes, you can sign up for free and preview this test.

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