MENTAL ARITHMETIC – CALCULATE

Persons with high results in this procedure have very good basic calculational and mathematical skills without being overly dependent on aids. 

Dimensions

Instructions

After an introductory instruction and a trial task, the test is completed within a predefined period of time, in multiple choice format (simple selection from 5 alternatives). Five tasks per page are specified, which can be clearly solved by applying various simple arithmetic operations. It is possible to skip tasks. 

To increase test efficiency, all 50 tasks are presented in a fixed order, whereby the individual test version is drawn from a pool.

Theoretical background

Mental arithmetic is a basic cognitive ability in handling numbers. In the Berlin Intelligence Structure Model according to Jäger, mental arithmetic is classified as a numerical processing capacity.

The ability to mentally calculate relatively small numbers is particularly relevant if such operations are to be carried out frequently and the use of aids such as calculators is impractical or not possible. Despite the fact that mental arithmetic in this form is a relatively basic skill, which is part of early formal schooling in western cultures, it may be useful for applicants from other cultural groups with less widespread systematic schooling to assess mental arithmetic skills.