Reasoning: How we make decisions

The reasoning trait measures how people reason, broadly defined as the process of how an individual draws a conclusion to solve a problem or make a decision. The trait has two opposite poles namely Concrete and Abstract. Let’s look into both poles to better understand how we assess the reasoning trait.

Concrete: People who are engaged in concrete thinking and tend to focus on the here and now facts, physical/ tangible objects and literal definitions instead of abstract ideas or concepts.

Common Descriptors: concrete-thinking, precise, hands-on

Abstract: People who think in an abstract way and focus on the broader significance of ideas and information rather than the concrete details. They are interested in the deeper meaning of things and are able to grasp abstract relationships to reach quick conclusions hence they are great problem solvers.

Common Descriptors: abstract-thinking, fast-learner, problem solver

In accordance with research findings, Bryq assessment provides an evidence-based way to assess the reasoning trait in order to provide you with insights that can assist in making informed decisions about the suitability of the candidates based on candidates scores on this specific trait.

Reasoning Interview Guide

The interview questions listed below can draw revealing answers and get you on your way to finding whether employees tend to think in a more abstract or concrete way to resolve problems.

Note: There is no right or wrong answer, the answer you are seeking is based on what best fits the role and your company culture.

Top 2 questions and expected answers

1. Describe a situation at work in which you did not have all the facts available in order to make a decision. How did you go about making a decision?

Abstract: Individuals who score closer towards the abstract end of the scale are most likely to answer that they tried to work with the facts that were available to them, think of the relationships between them and figure out the remaining missing information and make associate leaps while abductively reaching the best possible conclusion.

Concrete: Individuals who score closer towards the concrete end of the scale are most likely to answer that it was challenging to fill out the missing information and they couldn’t reach reliable conclusions.

2. Are you willing to learn new concepts and ideas?

Abstract: Individuals who score closer towards the abstract end of the scale are most likely to answer that they are open and willing to learn new concepts and ideas as they tend to be quick and agile learners which is why they usually thrive in academic settings.

Concrete: Individuals who score closer towards the concrete end of the scale are most likely to answer that they prefer hands-on knowledge over abstract information. They are likely to believe that new concepts or ideas cannot be as easily utilized as hands-on training on a specific tool, machine or any other tangible object.

Question pool:

3. Give me an example of a situation where you needed to pay attention to small but important details? When was this? How did it turn out?

4. Tell me how you manage your daily work schedule.

5. Tell me about a task that was tedious or boring to you—but had to be done. How did you approach and tackle the task?

6. Think about the most exciting and energizing aspect of your current or most recent position. What did you specifically enjoy about it? Why?