Glossary
Inductive reasoning
Definition
Inductive reasoning is working out a general rule from a few specific examples, then using that rule to predict or check a new case. Sequence, matrix and odd-one-out puzzles are inductive: you see examples of a pattern and must infer the rule that produced them.
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Why it matters for IQ scores
Inductive reasoning sits at the heart of most nonverbal IQ items. Each puzzle shows a handful of examples, three tiles of a sequence or eight cells of a grid, and the only way to the answer is to infer the rule behind them. The better and faster you form and test candidate rules, the further you get into the harder items.
An example
A number series reads 3, 6, 12, 24. One candidate rule is “add 3, then 6, then 12”. A simpler one is “double each time”. Both fit, but doubling explains every step with one rule, so the next number is 48. That preference for the simplest rule that explains all the evidence is the core of good induction. See more in the number series guide.
Common confusions
Inductive answers are not guesses. In a well-built puzzle, only one option fits every rule you can find, and a wrong option usually fits only some of them. Two habits help: describe the answer before you look at the options, and check your rule against every example, not just the first two. Practice with the inductive reasoning test, or read pattern recognition on IQ tests. Related terms: abstract reasoning, odd one out and fluid intelligence.
Try one · Pattern Recognition
Which tile comes next?
Tap the option you think is right, or show the answer.
Show the answer
The missing tile shows four outlined diamonds (option 4).
How to solve it
- Compare neighboring tiles and name what changes each time.
- From tile to tile, one more diamond is added.
- The fill cycles outline, hatched and solid, then starts again.
- Everything else stays the same from tile to tile.
- The last tile shows three solid diamonds. Apply each change once more.
- So the missing tile shows four outlined diamonds.
That was 1 puzzle. The full test has 25.