The Development and Validation of a Group Test of Logical Thinking

TLDR

The TOLT comprises 10 items requiring selection of a correct answer and justification, and its criterion‑related validity was evaluated with 88 students using interview tasks. Analysis of 682 students showed high reliability (α = .85) and a single underlying formal thought factor, while a strong correlation (r = .80, p < .0001) linked TOLT scores to interview measures.

Abstract

The paper describes the development of the Test of Logical Thinking (TOLT) to measure five modes of formal reasoning: controlling variables, proportional reasoning, combinatorial reasoning, probabilistic reasoning, and correlational reasoning. Each of the 10 items requires participants to select a correct response and justification from a number of alternatives. Analysis of data from 682 students from grades 6 through college indicated high test reliability (coefficient α = .85) and provided confirmation that the test measured one major underlying dimension termed formal thought. Evidence of criterion-related validity was obtained from a study in which 88 students from grades 10 through college were assessed on the TOLT and on five interview tasks. A correlation of .80 (p &lt; .0001) suggested a strong relationship between the two measures of formal reasoning.