Ability Tests from Morrisby
Aptitude and ability tests are standardised ways of assessing how well people typically perform in varying work tasks or react in different situations. They have the advantage of measuring potential rather than simply academic performance, and are often used to make predictions about how people will perform in a work setting. Candidates’ results are scored by comparing their performance with the results of others who have done the same assessments.
The Morrisby Organisation provides a range of ability tests. These include measures of Abstract Reasoning, General Abilities (verbal, numerical and perceptual reasoning) and Practical Abilities (Spatial Ability and Mechanical Aptitude). Our ability tests have also been reviewed and registered by the British Psychological Society’s Psychological Testing Centre (PTC).
For sample items to the ability tests click here.
Compound Series (Abstract Reasoning)
The Compound Series test is a measure of the basic capacity to understand – it identifies the ability to solve problems from first principles. It takes 30 minutes to complete and offers a powerful alternative to other more commonly used tests of general intelligence.
Find out more >
Benefits: Inexpensive and quick method of gaining reliable and objective information on candidates’ abilities. Well established, BPS registered measures of core abilities. Useful as preliminary screening tests. The Compound Series test is used in all forms of general selection, as a general measure of intellectual power. It is used in many different contexts including the selection of administrative personnel or as a pre-selection tool for some schools. The tests are suitable for those of all levels of ability and have been successfully used with groups ranging from graduate level to those with no formal qualifications.
Items: The Compound Series Test utilises an item type which resembles a string of beads (as above). The beads vary in terms of shape, size and colour and are arranged in a pattern series. Candidates choose the two beads that are required to continue the pattern from a choice of 8 different beads. The items do not involve significant verbal, numerical or perceptual processes. The items have also been specifically designed so as not to disadvantage colour blind candidates.
Materials & Administration: The Compound Series Test is a paper and pencil test, using a reusable Question Book and separate Answer Sheets. The performance time is 30 minutes plus 5 minutes instruction time. All the tests are hand scored using plastic overlay scoring keys. Instructions for scoring, norms, interpretation guidelines, as well as administration instructions and a photocopyable administration log are included in the Manual.
Age: 15 years to adult.
Training: The Morrisby ability tests are available to those who hold a British Psychological Society Certificate of Competence in Occupational Testing (Ability).
Ordering: For pricing and ordering information contact us.
Morrisby General Ability Tests (GATs)
The three Morrisby General Ability Tests can be used separately or as a unit. They have been designed to assess Verbal, Numerical and Perceptual Potential, rather than attainment, so they are not intended to assess acquired knowledge like mathematical formulae or the possession of a wide and complex vocabulary. The General Ability Tests are intended to establish how well individuals can manipulate words, numbers and pictured visual symbols and where their greatest strengths lie.
Find out more >
Verbal: Measures a candidate's level of skill in communicating and ability to manipulate and understand words. It is composed of two sub-tests which examine the candidate's insight into the meaning of words.
Numerical: Examines the ability to manipulate figures and perceive relationships between them, and is a useful predictor of potential skill in mathematics, data handling and commercial, financial matters. It requires no mathematical skills beyond a very basic knowledge of simple arithmetic.
Perceptual: Assesses the candidate's ability to deal with "real" objects rather than verbal or numerical concepts. It tests the ability to manipulate and perceive the relationships between two-dimensional figures. This is closely related to the effective use of diagrams and graphics; important factors in much scientific and design work, as well as engineering.
Benefits: Inexpensive and quick method of gaining reliable and objective information on candidates’ abilities. Well established, BPS registered, measures of core general abilities. Useful as preliminary screening tests. The three GATs relate to a type of learning ability; that of remembering verbal, numerical and perceptual symbols associated with conceptual knowledge. The three tests measure the base parameters of this part of the intellectual structure, which confers the ability to memorise, manipulate and utilise such conceptual knowledge. As such, the tests are therefore useful in all forms of general selection. The tests are suitable for those of all levels of ability and have been successfully used with groups ranging from graduate level to those with no formal qualifications.
Items:
- Verbal: Identifies the potential ability to use ideas and concepts expressed in words. It does not directly measure knowledge of English. Vocabulary is weighted less than the insight into verbal relationships.
- Numerical: Measures the mental capacity for interpreting experience, ideas and concepts quantitatively. The tests are weighted towards an insight into numerical relationships and away from a facility for arithmetic.
- Perceptual: Measures the mental function which experiences the world in terms of direct observations and representations, such as charts, pictures, diagrams and so on.
Materials & Administration: The General Ability Tests are paper and pencil test, using a reusable Question Book and separate Answer Sheets. Performance times: Verbal (16 mins); Numerical (24 mins); Perceptual (20 mins). The time to take the entire GAT is 1 hour, with total administration time is approximately 80 mins, depending on group size. All the tests are hand scored using plastic overlay scoring keys. Instructions for scoring, norms, interpretation guidelines, as well as administration instructions and a photocopyable administration log are included in the Manual.
Age: 15 years to adult.
Training: The Morrisby ability tests are available to those who hold a British Psychological Society Certificate of Competence in Occupational Testing (Ability).
Ordering: For pricing and ordering information contact us.
Shapes (Spatial Ability)
The Morrisby Shapes Test is designed to measure spatial ability, specifically the ability to mentally 'manipulate' a two-dimensional figure and to rotate it in three dimensions.
Find out more >
Benefits: Inexpensive and quick method of gaining reliable and objective information on candidates’ abilities. Well established, BPS registered, measure of core practical abilities. Useful as preliminary screening tests for roles requiring spatial ability. This type of ability is particularly useful for designers, architects, electricians and others who work with diagrams and schematics. This facility is therefore also useful in occupations or activities where visual-spatial skills are important, such as in draughting, engineering, and any situation involving an appreciation of dimensional plans, diagrams or flow-diagrams. The tests are suitable for those of all levels of ability and have been successfully used with groups ranging from graduate level to those with no formal qualifications.
Items: The Shapes Test presents items in the form of asymmetrical shapes displayed vertically in three positions. The candidate chooses the one position which shows the reverse side, i.e. the shape turned or ‘flipped’ over (like the page of a book), so that the reverse side is showing.
Materials & Administration: The Shapes Test is a paper and pencil test, using a reusable Question Book and separate Answer Sheets. Performance time: 10 mins; instruction time: 5 mins. The test is hand scored using plastic overlay scoring keys. Instructions for scoring, norms, interpretation guidelines, as well as administration instructions and a photocopyable administration log are included in the Manual.
Age: 15 years to adult.
Training: The Morrisby ability tests are available to those who hold a British Psychological Society Certificate of Competence in Occupational Testing (Ability).
Ordering: For pricing and ordering information contact us.
Mechanical Ability Test (MAT)
This test measures 'natural' mechanical ability with each item consisting of an illustrated mechanical principal. No formal knowledge of physics or mechanics is required. Mechanical ability is useful in engineering, construction and similar occupations.
Find out more >
Benefits: Inexpensive and quick method of gaining reliable and objective information on candidates’ abilities. Well established, BPS registered, measure of core practical abilities. Useful as preliminary screening tests for roles requiring mechanical ability. The MAT is designed to measure the ability to appreciate and solve basic mechanical problems. It does not rely on specialist knowledge; but the items do require the ability to solve straight-forward problems, which may be aided by an experiential understanding of physical and mechanical laws and relationships. This test is most often used for selecting technicians and for apprenticeship selection within the engineering sector. The tests are suitable for those of all levels of ability and have been successfully used with groups ranging from graduate level to those with no formal qualifications.
Items: The MAT presents diagrammatic/visual representations of basic mechanical principles. The candidate chooses what he or she considers to be the best answer from five possibilities presented next to the diagrams. As the test items do not demand a special knowledge of engineering or physics the test measures what can be termed "natural mechanical aptitude".
Materials & Administration: The Mechanical Ability Test is a paper and pencil test, using a reusable Question Book and separate Answer Sheets. Performance time: 15 mins; Instruction time: 5 mins. The test is hand scored using plastic overlay scoring keys. Instructions for scoring, norms, interpretation guidelines, as well as administration instructions and a photocopyable administration log are included in the Manual.
Age: 15 years to adult.
Training: The Morrisby ability tests are available to those who hold a British Psychological Society Certificate of Competence in Occupational Testing (Ability).
Ordering: For pricing and ordering information contact us.