A Problem Solving Ability Test is a psychological or cognitive assessment designed to evaluate an

individual's capacity to identify problems, analyze situations, and find effective solutions. These tests
are commonly used in educational, organizational, and clinical settings.

Purpose

 To measure logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and decision-making skills.

 To assess how well a person can understand and resolve complex issues.

 Often used for recruitment, aptitude screening, or academic evaluation.

Key Components

1. Logical Reasoning: Understanding patterns, sequences, and relationships (e.g., analogies,

2. Numerical Reasoning: Solving problems involving numbers, data interpretation, and basic
math.

3. Verbal Reasoning: Comprehending written information and drawing logical conclusions.

4. Abstract Reasoning: Working with symbols or patterns that are not language-based (e.g.,
matrix reasoning).

Formats

 Multiple-choice questions

 Situational judgment scenarios

 Case studies or real-life problem simulations

 Timed tasks

Examples of Use

 Schools: Identifying students with high problem-solving skills.

 Employers: Screening candidates for roles requiring critical thinking.

 Psychological Testing: Assessing cognitive function or developmental levels.

Benefits

 Objective measure of thinking and decision-making abilities.

 Helps in placing individuals in roles or tasks suited to their cognitive strengths.

Key Features of L.N. Dubey’s Problem Solving Ability Test:

1. Objective:

o To measure the problem-solving ability of students, particularly in academic and

o Useful for identifying cognitive strengths and weaknesses related to analytical and
logical reasoning.

2. Target Group:

o Typically designed for school and college students.

o Can be used in both individual and group settings.

3. Structure:

o The test consists of 20 multiple-choice items.

o Items are based on real-life situations and require logical and analytical thinking to
solve.

o Each item has four options, and the participant has to choose the correct or most
appropriate one.

4. Scoring:

o Each correct answer is given one mark.

o There is no negative marking.

o The total score indicates the level of problem-solving ability.

5. Interpretation:

o High scores indicate good problem-solving skills.

o Low scores may indicate difficulty in reasoning, decision-making, or cognitive

6. Application Areas:

o Educational counseling

o Psychological assessment

o Research in cognitive and educational psychology

o Career guidance and aptitude testing

 The test is considered reliable and valid based on standardization studies conducted by L.N.
Dubey.

 Norms are often available for different age or grade levels.

The Problem Solving Ability Test by L.N. Dubey is performed in a structured and simple way. Here is
a step-by-step guide on how the test is administered:

1. Preparation

 Materials Needed:

o Test booklet or question paper (with 20 multiple-choice questions)

o Answer sheet or response sheet

o Pencil or pen

o Stopwatch or clock (if time-bound)

 Instructions: The test administrator gives clear instructions about the objective of the test
and how to mark answers.

2. Administration

 The test is usually administered individually or in groups.

 It is suitable for students of class 9 and above, or for college students.

 Time Limit: Around 40–45 minutes (unless stated otherwise in the manual).

 The participant reads each question carefully and selects the most appropriate answer out
of four given options.

3. Response Mode

 The answers are marked on a separate answer sheet or directly on the test booklet
(depending on format).

 Only one correct option is to be selected per question.

4. Scoring

 Each correct answer = 1 mark

 No negative marking for incorrect answers

 Total score = Sum of all correct responses (maximum score is 20)

 The raw score is compared with norms (provided in the manual) to classify the test-taker's
problem-solving ability as:

o High

o Average

o Low

 Interpretation can help in:

o Identifying students who need help in logical reasoning and decision-making.

o Guiding career and academic counseling.

The result or conclusion of the Problem Solving Ability Test by L.N. Dubey is determined through
scoring and interpretation based on normative data. Here's how the process works:

1. Scoring the Test:

 Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark.

 The total score is calculated by adding all the correct responses.

 There is no negative marking, so incorrect answers do not affect the score.

 Maximum possible score = 20 (since the test has 20 items).

2. Interpretation of the Score:

L.N. Dubey provides norms and categories in the test manual, based on standardization samples.
These help in interpreting the raw score.

Generally, the interpretation follows this pattern (exact cutoffs may vary based on updated norms):

Score Range Level of Problem-Solving Ability

16–20 High

11–15 Average

0–10 Low

3. Drawing Conclusions:

Based on the score category, a psychologist, teacher, or counselor can draw conclusions like:
  High Ability: The individual has strong analytical thinking, can make effective decisions, and
likely performs well in challenging or novel situations.

 Average Ability: The person has a moderate level of reasoning and problem-solving skills,
typical of the general population.

 Low Ability: The individual may need support in reasoning, decision-making, or coping with
complex tasks.

4. Application of Results:

 Educational Guidance: Help students improve problem-solving through targeted training or

 Career Counseling: Match individuals with careers or courses that align with their cognitive
strengths.

 Psychological Assessment: Used as part of broader cognitive or personality profiling.