Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal: a strong predictor of future performance in role

Since 2013, our client, a top 10 Global Law Firm has implemented the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal as part of their Early Talent recruitment and assessment process. Receiving over 1500 applications per year, the use of the Watson Glaser assessment has enabled the firm to streamline their application process and recruit exceptional talent.

Ongoing regular review has been a key aspect in ensuring the Watson Glaser remains a relevant tool for the firm to use. A recent data review highlighted the Watson Glaser as a strong predictor of success at both assessment day and beyond to performance in role.

“As a progressive and dynamic law firm, it is important that we continually assess the validity of our assessment tools. The clear correlation identified in our recent study (between the Watson Glaser percentile score and future trainee performance) is a strong indicator that we have the right tools in place to continue recruiting top future talent into the firm”, Early Talent Manager.

Data review

Our client's review compared individual Watson Glaser score with:

(a) their performance in role at trainee level measured by averaging performance ratings (scored out of 5)

(b) their final stage assessment day scores. This is a virtual assessment comprising of two parts:

1) a 1:1 meeting with a partner consisting of a competency-based interview and case-study

2) a group exercise.

As can be seen from Fig. 1 below, our client saw a clear correlation between performance in role at trainee level and the Watson Glaser score, most notably at the very bottom and top of the range. The assessment day data in Fig. 2 below showed a similar correlation, where those candidates scoring in the top 30% of the Watson Glaser score also achieved the highest overall assessment day scores.

Abigail Clayton, Client Director at GFB, explains, “At GFB we encourage all our clients to review their assessment use and internal performance data to ensure their relevance and validity. These results are a common finding for both our legal and other sector graduate recruitment schemes and it’s great to be able to share the details of this review. The robust standardisation, reliability and validity of the Watson Glaser tool ensures that it is one of the most trusted instruments available which is consistently identified as one of the strongest predictors of performance in role.”

Fig.1 Fig.2

About the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is a higher-level ability assessment which assesses an individual's capability for critical thinking — a discrete skill distinct from, but not independent of, overall intellectual intelligence. The tool is available online and contains 40 items drawn from an item bank and candidates have a maximum of 30 minutes to complete the assessment, although reasonable adjustments can be made. The assessment can be used for selection and development and is suitable for Senior Leader, Manager and Graduate roles.

Further information

For further information, please contact Abigail Clayton, Client Director, GFB at abigail.clayton@gfbgroup.com or call: +44 (0) 3330 902 580.