What is UCAT Decision Making?
Decision making is the second test in the UCAT. It evaluates your ability to use logic and reasoning to evaluate information and problems which are presented in the form of text, visuals, and / or statistics. It essential that you can read different visual forms of information as well as be able to logically come to a conclusion from a list of statements.
For statistical data analysis you will have access to an on-screen calculator and a whiteboard. These will support you in noting down or grouping together information but it is better they are used sparsely since writing and erasing text takes time.
Your ability in deductive reasoning, argument evaluation, and logical inference will be tested to their limits.
The Structure
- 29 questions, with every question being independent of any other question.
- 31 minutes is the time allotted, which is nearly over a minute per question.
- Each question has a diagram, chart, text, or other statistical information.
- Candidates feel time is less of an issue in this section and that you may even be able to review questions you were uncertain of.
What are the different types of UCAT Decision making questions?
Decision making questions are the most diverse blend of all the UCAT tests. They come in a number of forms; logical puzzles, syllogisms, interpretation of information, recognition of assumptions, Venn diagrams, and probabilistic reasoning. All these categories are described below:
Logical puzzles
These questions require a multistep approach using deductive reasoning applied to the information presented.
Syllogisms
Requires the conclusions presented to be evaluated against a given set of facts to determine if they could have been logically deduced.
Inference/interpreting information
Data will be presented in various form such as, written passages, graphs, and charts. You have to infer from this data of the conclusions shown logically follow.
Assumption Recognition
You will be need to analyze a statement against four possible options and decide which assumption is valid or not.
Venn Diagrams
You understand Venn Diagrams and also have the ability to create your own. The questions will involves either one or several Venn diagrams to determine the links between different groups.
Probabilistic Reasoning
These questions involve statistical data within a short passage and the best response will need to be selected from the options given.
Why does the UCAT assess Decision Making?
Decision making is a vital skill for those who work in the field of medicine. It evaluates your potential for making a quick and accurate decision based on the, sometimes sparse, information presented.
The ability to identify relevant data ignoring distracting information and determine valid, logical conclusions is key when working in healthcare. Your ability to think logically and clearly, evaluating arguments and coming to an appropriate decision is absolutely essential to selecting the best care for a patient.
