What is a Watson Glaser critical thinking test?
The Watson Glaser critical thinking test is a psychometric test used to recruit candidates during the hiring process in financial companies and law firms, as well as aid with internal testing and progression opportunities.
This pre-employment test measures an individual's ability to think critically. Essentially, you're being assessed on how well you can read, digest, process, and analyse information in order to come to the most rational conclusion.
Companies use the Watson Glaser test during the selection process to hire talented people who will become future leaders for managerial roles.
Good critical thinkers are able to think logically, argue succinctly and analyse rationally. So as you can imagine, it's a skillset sought after by a vast range of financial employers.
Now produced by test publisher TalentLens, the Watson Glaser critical thinking test is considered to be one of the most challenging critical thinking tests used in the application process out there, so it's important to read a preparation guide and practice as much as possible before taking it.
Watson Glaser critical thinking test format
The Watson Glaser test exists both online and on paper. If you're not sure which version you'll be taking it's always best to ask.
The test has typically a 30-minute time limit, during which you'll need to answer 40 multiple-choice questions (there is also a 60-minute, 80-question version).
With this time pressure, you'll be asked questions across five key areas:
Deduction
The deduction section of the Watson Glaser test asks you to read through passages of text and make conclusions based on that passage of text.
Your job is to make data-driven decisions and mark whether the conclusions 'follow' or 'do not follow' what you've read.
It can be really hard to ignore any prior knowledge (especially if you're answering in a way that feels incorrect based on what you know, not what you've read), but it's important if you want to be a successful candidate at this section of the test.
Interpreting
You'll be met with a passage of text you need to read through, and an associated list of conclusions. Your job is to identify the conclusions that are possible based solely on what you've read and ensure you don't bring any external knowledge into the decision-making process.
Here, you're being examined on your ability to read, digest, and interpret dense passages of text. A useful skill in many financial roles.
Recognising assumptions
After reading through a series of statements, you'll be presented with some assumptions that are relevant to what you've just read. If the assumption for the statement is true, you'll mark it as 'assumption made'. If it's not, you'll check 'assumption not made.'
Again, it's not about what we really know to be true or not, it's all about what you're reading, and how you're interpreting that. It's essential to keep this in mind as you work through the statements so you don't forget the purpose of this section of the test.
Drawing inferences
After reading through a series of facts, you'll be presented with several inferences — conclusions that one could possibly, or could certainly not, draw from the statements you've just read.
You'll then need to mark the inference as; true, probably true, insufficient data, probably false, or false.
Remember to refer back to the statements and use your critical thinking skills to really analyse what it is you're reading and whether you can infer something from that statement, or not.
Evaluating Arguments
In the last section of the Watson Glaser test, you can expect to read through a question before looking at several related arguments.
Your job is to evaluate these arguments and mark them as either 'strong arguments' or 'weak arguments', based on how relevant the argument is, how well it answers the question, and how strong you deem it to be overall.
Remember, this is not the time to answer based on your personal thoughts or opinions, it's about how well the argument answers the question being asked.
Which financial employers use Watson Glaser tests?
Although normally known for its use in the legal industry, the Watson Glaser test is also used by big players in the financial industry, including Bank of England and Deloitte.
As well as for recruiting new talent, many financial companies use the Watson Glaser test to manage employees' progression and to monitor people's strengths and weak spots to help them to improve in certain areas of their work.
Tips to prepare and pass the Watson Glaser critical thinking test
1. Focus on what's in front of you — with the Watson Glaser tests it's so important to disregard prior knowledge, experiences, or personal opinions and focus on what's in the test. Everything you need to answer the questions is in front of you, it's just about ensuring you know how to draw out the truths.
2. Use the RED model — the Watson Glaser test is built around the RED pillars. Keep them in mind as you work through the test and it'll help you.
R ecognise assumptions — is a statement a complete truth rooted in fact, or is it merely an assumption?
E valuate arguments — try and see both sides of the story so you can evaluate an argument objectively.
D raw conclusions — ignore your thoughts and feelings and seek to conclude based solely on what's in front of you.
3. Read the questions carefully — it may sound obvious, but it's so important. There are very subtle but essential differences in what is asked of you in the five sections of the test, so it's important you're thorough in your reading and understand exactly what you need to do.
4. Pick out key phrases — the passages of text you read through will contain keywords or phrases that can help you uncover the meaning of the text, and can make it easier to identify whether something is a fact, inference, or false. Try and identify these keywords before you start answering.
5. Don't lose track of time — timings are tight on the test so it's important not to get caught up on a tricky question at the expense of others. Work out roughly how long you have to spend on each question or section at the start of the test and try to stick to it.
