Brief Description

The TER-35 is a multiple-choice questionnaire consisting of 35 items designed to assess everyday reasoning skills—the ability to use logic and critical thinking in real-life situations. It requires no specialized knowledge or terminology, making it accessible to a wide population. The test takes approximately 50 minutes to complete and is based on situational descriptions that require analytical reasoning and judgment.

Purpose

The questionnaire aims to measure everyday logical thinking in the general population, with a focus on adolescents. It evaluates cognitive abilities associated with critical thinking and is suitable for educational and occupational contexts, as well as personnel selection, since it is independent of specific subject-matter knowledge.

Scoring Method

Each correct response earns 1 point, resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to 35. In addition to the total score, subscores are provided for four categories: analysis (0–9), argument evaluation (0–11), conclusion drawing (0–15), and deductive reasoning (0–16). These subcategories offer detailed insights into specific dimensions of logical ability.

Validity

The test’s validity is grounded in the Delphi Report and the conceptual framework of critical thinking skills. Its construct validity is well-supported, with a strong correlation (r = 0.77) with the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST). The TER meets theoretical and empirical validity standards based on relevant international studies.

Reliability

Internal consistency was measured using the Kuder-Richardson 20 formula (KR-20). In the Greek adaptation, the reliability index was 0.77, indicating satisfactory consistency. Internationally, KR-20 values range from 0.72 to 0.78, confirming the tool’s reliability and stability.

Data Analysis and Usage

The Greek version was tested on a sample of 310 students aged 11–13. Analysis included average performance in each skill category and comparisons based on gender, region, and age. The results offer reliable indicators of reasoning ability and are applicable in research, educational assessment, and selection processes.

Key References

Facione, P. A. (2001). Test Manual: The Test of Everyday Reasoning – A Measure of Thinking Skills. Millbrae, CA: Insight Assessment/The California Academic Press.
Facione, P. A., Facione, N. C., Blohm, S. W., & Giancarlo, C. A. (1992, 2002). Test Manual: The California Critical Thinking Skills Test. Millbrae, CA: Insight Assessment.
Malamitsa, K., Kasoutas, M., & Kokkotas, P. (2008). Reliability for the Greek Version of the Test of Everyday Reasoning (TER). Journal of Instructional Psychology, 35(1), 83–86.
The American Philosophical Association (1990). Critical Thinking: A Statement of Expert Consensus for Purposes of Educational Assessment and Instruction (The Delphi Report). Washington, DC: ERIC [ERIC Doc. No.: ED315423].