Number Series Task
Background
The Number Series Test by Thomas S. Redick and colleagues from 2013 is a cognitive assessment tool used in psychological and educational research to measure numerical inductive reasoning and fluid intelligence. It assesses an individual's capacity to think logically, reason abstractly, and solve novel problems independent of any acquired knowledge or experience. Specifically, the Number Series Test tests pattern-recognition abilities that require people to infer the next number element in a series of numbers (e.g. 1,3,5,7,?) based on the underlying rules that dictate the number sequence structure.
The test consists of 5 number series problems and is considered independent of an individual's language and cultural background.
Task Procedure
After five practice problems (with feedback), participants work through 5 number series problems one-by-one. Each problem offers five possible answer choices. Participants have a total of 4.5 minutes to work on all 5 questions. A timer is visible throughout the testing session, and participants receive a 1-minute warning before the test ends. Once an answer is selected (via mouse click or touch), it cannot be changed. No test feedback is provided.
What it Measures
The Number Series Test is a general assessment tool of numerical inductive reasoning
Psychological domains
- Fluid Intelligence: Ability to reason abstractly and solve novel problems independent of acquired knowledge
- Inductive Reasoning: Ability to infer underlying general rules
- Non-Verbal Problem Solving: Ability to solve problems devoid of verbal information
- Numerical Reasoning: Ability to interpret, analyze, and draw logical conclusions from quantitative data
Main Performance Metrics
- Total Score: Sum of all correct responses (out of a total of 5); main measure of fluid intelligence
Psychiatric Conditions
The Number Series Test is a basic science research tool rather than a diagnostic or neuropsychological instrument.
This implements a Number Series Task as described in Redick et al (2012) in which respondents must select the number that best completes a series of numbers.
References
Search Google Scholar for peer-reviewed, published research using the Inquisit Number Series Task.
Thurstone, L. L. (1938). Primary mental abilities. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Redick, T.S., Shipstead, Z., Fried, D.E., Hambrick, D.Z., Kane, M.J. & Engle, R.W. (2012). No Evidence of Intelligence Improvement After Working Memory Training: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 1-21.