The Watson Glaser is an aptitude test used to evaluate job candidates’ comprehension and analytical abilities. Several law firms use it in their training contract recruitment process.
Students who have applied for training contracts and vacation schemes know that this 85-year-old test is an important form of evaluation for several magic circle and silver circle firms. However, whether this test is effective is a different matter entirely.
A Watson Glaser test is required as part of the law training contract recruitment process. It’s also likely that you’ll be required to complete one before being accepted into a vacation scheme.
But what exactly is the Watson Glaser test, and how can you perform well on it? This article is a detailed guide on what the Watson Glaser test is.
What Is the Watson Glaser Test?
The Watson-Glaser test is an aptitude test used by law firms to assess critical thinking ability, among other things.
Businesses use the Watson Glaser critical thinking test, one of several types of psychometric tests to shortlist candidates for training contracts and vacation schemes. This is because it assesses skills required for a legal career.
The Watson Glaser assessment measures a candidate’s ability to:
- Decide
- Analyze both strong and weak arguments
- Recognize your assumptions
- Analyze arguments
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What Is the Format of the Watson Glaser Test?
The Watson Glaser test has about 40 questions divided into five different sections:
- Inference evaluation
- Acceptance of assumptions
- Deduction/Interpretation/Evaluation
- They present the Watson Glaser test questions in a multiple-choice format.
Candidates typically have 30 minutes to complete the test; however, the law firm you’re applying to will set a time limit or deadline for you to complete it.
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What Is a Good Watson Glaser Test Score?
What makes up a good score on the Watson Glaser depends on the firm to which you are applying.
The Watson Glaser pass mark varies from year to year based on the average Watson Glaser test results got by candidates for each firm. Aim for a score of 75 percent or higher to give yourself the best chance of being chosen by the law firm to which you apply.
You should never aim to simply pass the test because most law firms will use the Watson Glaser test results to choose between candidates who perform similarly in other parts of the recruitment process, such as training contract applications.
What Should you Expect in a Watson Glaser Test?
The Watson Glaser test evaluates your ability to think critically in five separate areas:
- Inferences
- Assumptions
- Deductions
- Interpretations
- Evaluation of arguments
Each of these abilities is tested separately, so the Watson Glaser test contains five different types of questions.
We will discuss further each of these below.
#1. Inference
We refer a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning to as an inference. It allows for the drawing of conclusions that are not specified.
For instance, if we see someone driving a Ferrari, we may assume they are wealthy. However, there are a few other possibilities: they may have rented or borrowed the car, or they may have incurred significant debt purchasing the car.
The issue with inferences is that people frequently reach conclusions based on insufficient data, which may or may not be correct.
A typical inference question includes a statement (which you must assume is true) and a number of inferences based on that statement.
It is your responsibility to determine whether the inference is correct. You can do this by using both the information in the passage and information that is commonly accepted knowledge or information that almost everyone has.
They will give you five possible responses and must choose the one that you believe is the most accurate. These are the alternatives:
- Definitely True – from the facts given, there is no reasonable possibility of it being incorrect.
- Probably True – considering the facts given, it is more likely to be true than false.
- Insufficient Data – considering the facts given, it is impossible to say whether it is true.
- Probably False – in lights of the facts given, it is more likely to be false than true.
- Definitely False – from the facts given, there is no reasonable possibility of it being true.
#2. Assumptions
We take something for granted when we make an assumption. As an example, “When I retire, I will receive a final salary pension.” This assumes that you will retire, that you will be alive when you reach retirement age, that your pension fund will perform well, and that your pension arrangements will remain unchanged.
People make many assumptions that are not always correct; being able to identify these is an important aspect of critical thinking.
An assumption question typically uses a statement and several assumptions. Your job will be to determine whether they have made an assumption, and you will have two options- yes or no.
#3. Deductions
A deduction is the drawing of a conclusion in a specific case by using a general law or premise. However, such a deduction may be incorrect occasionally.
As an example, consider the following sentence: “Citrus fruits include satsumas, oranges, and clementines. Because they are all orange, all citrus fruits are orange.” This is obviously incorrect.
Deduction questions begin with a statement (which you must assume is true) and proceed to a number of potential conclusions. Your task will be to determine whether the conclusion logically follows from the statement, and you will be given two options: yes or no.
#4. Interpretation
An interpretation is a determination of whether a conclusion can be drawn logically from the information or evidence presented.
This causes an individual comprehending the precise meaning or significance of a piece of information and appropriately applying that information.
#5. Evaluation of Arguments
This set of questions tests your ability to assess the persuasiveness of an argument. Arguments can be strong or weak, and for an argument to be strong, it must be important and directly related to the question.
In these questions, they will give you a statement, followed by several arguments (which you should assume are true), and you must decide whether each argument is strong or weak.
The test comprises ten questions that must be answered in approximately ten minutes (although there is no timer on the test itself).
To make it a sufficiently challenging practice, our test is slightly harder than the real thing.
To pass the test, you must get 70% of the questions correct.
How Can You Prepare for a Watson Glaser Test?
Practice can significantly improve critical thinking ability. It is a skill that can be learned, though some people find it easier than others. Every day, look for opportunities to think critically about information.
Once you start practicing, you’ll notice useful material everywhere: blog posts, newspaper articles, and journal articles are excellent places to look. It can be beneficial to organize your thinking and practice.
You can use the RED preparation model:
Recognize your assumptions
Experiment with identifying assumptions in the material. What can be objectively proven and what can only be inferred?
Where might there be flaws in your reasoning? What is important and relevant information, and what isn’t? What is lacking? Is there any information that should be included but isn’t?
Analyze arguments
Experiment with carefully analyzing the presented arguments. What is your take on the evidence? Is it possible that someone else has a different point of view?
Consider the implications of the arguments from a variety of perspectives (it can be helpful to organize your thoughts using a model such as PESTLE – political, economic, socio-demographic, technological, legal, and environmental). What would someone say if they disagreed with you?
What are the merits of their arguments?
Draw your own conclusions
What is the best possible conclusion after considering all of the facts? Could there be any other outcomes? What new information might cause you to reconsider your conclusion?
Based on your common sense and experience, does this conclusion seem reasonable? What are the consequences of this conclusion? It is also beneficial for increasing self-awareness.
Understanding your biases and thought patterns can assist you in identifying areas where your thinking may be limited.
Go ahead and take some practice tests
Working through some examples with explanations can be extremely beneficial because you will begin to understand how they work and how to think through the questions and arrive at the correct answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read and reread the question and passage until you are certain you understand it completely. Divide your time evenly among the five sections, spending equal amounts of time on each question. Before you attempt the factual questions, read the Watson Glaser sample questions that were provided to you.
To answer questions, it’s easy to rely on previous experience or general knowledge. This is something you must not do. Critical reasoning tests assess how you think rather than what you think. Answer the questions using only the information provided.
Aim for a score of 75 percent or higher to give yourself the best chance of being chosen by the law firm to which you apply.
There are 40 questions. The test measures your critical thinking skills, specifically your ability to analyze and interpret verbal information, draw conclusions, evaluate arguments, and so on. The test comprises 40 questions divided into five sections, each of which evaluates a different aspect of critical thinking.
Yes. The Watson Glaser test is a difficult exam for many aspiring law students; however, taking regular practice tests and actively practicing critical thinking skills can increase your chances of passing the test.
The Watson Glaser critical thinking test should evaluate a person’s ability to digest and comprehend situations and information. It is frequently used by organizations that place a premium on the ability to critically evaluate arguments or propositions, such as law firms.
Conclusion
Organizations frequently use the Watson Glaser Test by organizations that place a premium on the ability to critically evaluate arguments or propositions, such as law firms.
The Watson Glaser test is usually completed in 50 minutes or less (approximately 10 minutes per subtest). Administrators of tests typically give candidates one hour to complete the test.
The Watson-Glaser test was co-normed on a sample of over 1,500 respondents, all of whom were graduate-level candidates. When you take the test, you will be judged against this respondent group.
References
- assessmentday.com– Watson Glaser critical thinking tests
- assessmentday.co.uk– Watson Glaser test
- wikijob.co.uk– Watson Glaser
- jobtestprep.co.uk– Watson Glaser sample questions
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