The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal contains 80 item questions across a series of five test exercises and takes about 60 minutes to complete. Each item requires the application of analytic reasoning skills. These skills need to be applied to statements reflecting everyday work and study situations and draw from content typically found in the media. The statements involve comment and assertions that require a degree of critical evaluation that would not ordinarily be accepted without question. The five exercises cover:

• Drawing Inferences
• Recognising Assumptions
• Argument Evaluation
• Deductive Reasoning
• Logical Interpretation

Background to Watson Glaser Edit

In the early part of the 20th century, Watson became interested in how it might be possible to measure fair-mindedness. In 1937, Glaser modified and revised Watson’s ideas for use in An Experiment in the Development of Critical Thinking. Since then the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) has undergone many modifications and developments, including extensive internationalisation to take account of the now global market for such types of testing. WGCTA is now the most widely used psychometric test for the pre-selection and appraisal of managers in organisations of all types and sizes. Its international reputation, and its continued and widespread use means that WGCTA has very robust standardisation, reliability and validity making it one of the most trusted testing tools available.

Further W-GCTA information