Overview of Figure Classification The Figure Classification test requires the student to find the object that is most similar to three initial objects. Students must discover rules that describe how the objects are alike then test these rules until they find a set of rules that fit one and only one answer choice. Each question uses a new set of rules that create a novel problem, so students should focus on learning general techniques for testing classification rules, not memorizing specific rules. In this test, students will solve questions that look like this: When practicing the Figure Classification questions, encourage students to use these strategies. Think of (and say silently) a rule that describes the similarities among the first three pictures. For example, all of the shapes have stripes. Test the rule on each answer choice, eliminating answers choices that do not fit the rule. Look for a more precise rule if more than one answer choice fits the rule. Students at this level tend to make the following common mistakes. Students might overlook a critical feature of the first three pictures. For example, in the sample above, the student may notice the exterior shape, but ignore the shading. Students may choose an answer on only part of the first three pictures. For example, the student might select the first or third answer choice because it has the same shape as one of the first three pictures. Students might select an answer choice before checking all the answer choices.
Overview of Figure Classification The Figure Classification test requires the student to find the object that is most similar to three initial objects. Students must discover rules that describe how the objects are alike then test these rules until they find a set of rules that fit one and only one answer choice. Each question uses a new set of rules that create a novel problem, so students should focus on learning general techniques for testing classification rules, not memorizing specific rules. In this test, students will solve questions that look like this: When practicing the Figure Classification questions, encourage students to use these strategies. Think of (and say silently) a rule that describes the similarities among the first three pictures. For example, all of the shapes have stripes. Test the rule on each answer choice, eliminating answers choices that do not fit the rule. Look for a more precise rule if more than one answer choice fits the rule. Students at this level tend to make the following common mistakes. Students might overlook a critical feature of the first three pictures. For example, in the sample above, the student may notice the exterior shape, but ignore the shading. Students may choose an answer on only part of the first three pictures. For example, the student might select the first or third answer choice because it has the same shape as one of the first three pictures. Students might select an answer choice before checking all the answer choices.