Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal

What is critical reasoning?

Critical thinking is the ability to recognise that a problem exists and to look for evidence to solve it. It is the ability to assess this evidence in a logical way in order to determine new knowledge and direction. But far more than that, it is seen as a great skill required of all leaders today. As such this makes an ideal assessment at the manager/ senior manager level.

Careful, analytical reasoning is an important part of nearly all management roles and is known to play an important part in a large range of occupations.

Click here to read about how Oxera use the Watson-Glaser to recruit the best graduates.

The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal has been designed to measure some of these important abilities and since its inception has become a highly respected and widely used instrument in the selection and development of graduates, managers and leaders. It is generally acknowledged to be one of the toughest tests of critical thinking available with strong links to performance in role.

The Watson-Glaser is drawn from a bank of questions, ensuring that no single form of the test can be copied and reproduced. This item bank approach ensures that candidates can be assessed remotely and unsupervised.

Example Questions

Features and Benefits

• Internationally recognised, the robust standardisation, reliability and validity has ensured that this tool is one of the most trusted instruments available.
• Acts as a complement to measures of general intelligence (eg numerical reasoning), enabling you to gain an insight into those operating - or with the potential to operate - at a senior level.
• Goes beyond reasoning to assess critical thinking.

Areas of Use

The Watson-Glaser is widely used in the selection and appraisal of managers. It is also used for leaders and graduates

• Selection - graduates, lateral hires & business support
• Talent Management - identify hidden talent
• Retention - identify areas for development.

Reporting

An overall score is provided showing the test taker’s percentile score against 5 key norm groups. Including UK General Population, Graduates, Development and Outplacement, Managers and Senior Management.

We have also recalibrated existing norm groups for use with the updated test version. Including legal specific groups such as Graduate applicants to Law Firms (UK)

Results are further broken down into 3 key areas:

Details of these breakdowns are provided in the standard narrative report produced — additional development and interview reports are also available.

To access a sample narrative report click here

To access a sample development report click here

To access a sample recruitment report click here

Norms and Research

All available norms are included in the Watson-Glaser report. The available normative groups for this instrument can downloaded here.

To view the 2013 predictive validity study for the Watson-Glaser click here.

Watson-Glaser can also be used in a development scenario alongside 360 Degree Feedback

Next steps?

Get in touch today and speak with one of our highly experience consultants to discuss you requirements and how we can support you getting started.