Deductive Reasoning Tests

Deductive Reasoning Tests are designed to assess your ability to apply logical reasoning and draw conclusions from given information. Understanding and preparing for these tests can enhance your performance significantly.

The Logical Reasoning Practice Pack includes deductive & Inductive reasoning practice materials and covers the common tests you are going to face in the logical job assessment.

Deductive reasoning tests are cognitive assessments that evaluate an individual’s ability to use logical deduction to solve problems. These tests are commonly used in the hiring process for jobs that require strong analytical and critical thinking skills, such as management positions or positions in fields like engineering or finance.

What Is a Deductive Reasoning Test?

A deductive reasoning test assesses your logical reasoning skills by giving you information and then asking you to apply that information to solve a problem. These skills are not directly related to the workforce, but are rather geared toward general knowledge and logical abilities.

Not to be confused with an inductive reasoning test, which gives you a set of data that you must identify the underlying relationship and apply a set of rules to solve the problems, deductive reasoning tests give you the rules and ask you to infer a logical conclusion from the information given.

Deductive Reasoning Test Format

There is no general deductive reasoning test in which to take. The most popular reasoning tests, however, are the SHL deductive reasoning test and the Kenexa deductive reasoning test:

SHL Deductive Reasoning Test

The SHL test focuses primarily on scenario-based analysis and whether or not an argument is valid. The test is administered online, contains 20 true/false questions, and is timed at around 18 minutes.

Kenexa Deductive Reasoning Test

The Kenexa deductive reasoning test is different from the SHL test in that it focuses on arrangement questions that ask you to deduce the position of an item based on the information given. There are 20 questions for this test, and it is timed at 18-20 minutes.

One of the most difficult parts of taking a deductive reasoning test is the timing. You will likely be given only a short amount of time to answer all of the given questions, making it important for you to be completely familiar with the testing format and test questions.

Common Deductive Reasoning Question Types (with Sample Questions)

There are two common deductive reasoning questions that you are most likely to encounter during your test: syllogisms and arrangements. Let’s take a look at both of these categories to help you get familiar with deductive reasoning questions.

Syllogisms

Syllogisms are the most common deductive reasoning questions that you will see on your test. A syllogism is a where two statements are presented that are assumed to share a conclusion. For example, if E=D and D=G, then E=G. Your job is to discern whether or not the statement is accurate.

Let’s look at a verbal syllogism example in practice:

Question:

State whether the following is true or false:

1. Whales are mammals.
2. Mammals can live on either land or water.
3. Whales can live on either land or water.

Arrangements

Deductive reasoning arrangements give you a description of items or people that place them in a particular arrangement. You will have to use the given information to determine the correct order and solve the problem.

Let’s look at an arrangement example:

Question:

Question: Jim was second to last. Beth came in third, while Mike finished right before Jim.

Who finished last?

How to Pass a Deductive Reasoning Test?

Passing a deductive reasoning test comes down to familiarity, good time management, and practice. Here is what you will need to do in order to ensure your success on the deductive reasoning test:

• familiarize yourself with the test layout and question types
• research the company that is distributing the reasoning test for specifics about that particular test
• take a practice test
• time yourself
• review questions that are difficult
• practice speeding through easy questions

By following these steps, you will likely increase your score, making you more likely to get the job.

Prepare for the Deductive Reasoning Test

If you’re hoping to best prepare for your deductive reasoning test, then you will need to take a high-quality practice test. Here at Prepare4Success, we have a comprehensive deductive reasoning practice test that will help you prepare for the deductive reasoning test, increasing your chances of doing well by up to 70%.

Deductive Reasoning vs. Inductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning are two methods of logical thinking that are commonly used in problem-solving and decision-making.

Deductive reasoning starts with a general theory or statement and then applies it to a specific situation to arrive at a logical conclusion. This process involves making predictions and then testing them against real-world observations to determine their validity. For example, if all dogs are mammals and Fido is a dog, then Fido must be a mammal.

Inductive reasoning, on the other hand, starts with specific observations or data and then draws conclusions based on patterns and trends observed within that data. This process involves making generalizations based on specific examples or observations. For example, if every crow observed so far has been black, then we might generalize that all crows are black.

The main difference between deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning is that deductive reasoning uses a top-down approach, while inductive reasoning uses a bottom-up approach. Deductive reasoning is used to confirm or disprove hypotheses or theories, while inductive reasoning is used to generate new theories or hypotheses.

Deductive Reasoning Tests often require a systematic approach. Start with the information that is given and use logical deductions to arrive at a conclusion. Keep track of your thought process and double-check your work to avoid errors.