Tips for solving DI & LR problems in computer based CAT

Tips for solving DI & LR problems in computer based CAT

Solving Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning questions in the computer based CAT can be troublesome for most of the CAT takers. For them, this article of MBAUniverse brings tips from IMS Learning product head, Vinayak Kudva.

The section of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning of CAT exam is one section which clubs two areas in one. While Data Interpretation asks you questions on interpreting data from tables, charts, graphs etc. Logical Reasoning is about solving complex problems which are analytical in nature.

The section can be divided into three broad sections on the basis of Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning and combined questions. According to Vinayak Kudva, Product Head, IMS Learning, this section can be divided in three segments:

1. The questions that are calculation driven i.e. Data Interpretation. Involves Questions based on the various representation forms like Table, Line Graph, Bar Graph, Pie Chart, etc.
2. The questions that are only reasoning driven i.e. Logical Reasoning. The questions can be from Blood relations, Family Tree, Matrix and Linear arrangements, etc.
3. The questions that would involve both Logical Reasoning as well as Data Interpretation.

Talking about the third category of questions, Kudva says, “Such kind of questions can be calculative as well as reasoning driven wherein you need to infer the data from the given statements and then answer the relevant questions accordingly.”

DI & LR for computer based CAT

According to Kudva, solving Data Interpretation questions is easier in the paper pencil based test than on computer based tests. But that is not something you need to be worried about as he also gives you adequate suggestion for solving the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section. “Solving Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning questions is easier in a paper-based tests format since one can draw tables and make calculations near the data given. Test-takers have to get used to looking at the data on the screen and then representing it on their rough sheets,” he says.

So it is mostly about getting yourself prepared for the computer based format of the test. The best way to be habituated with the computer based test is to take as many practice and mock tests as possible in computer. “So primarily, it is a question of developing test-taking skills required for a computer-based test, by solving questions in a computer-based format even while learning concepts,” Kudva mentions.

Points to be remembered while solving DI & LR during CAT

There are certain points which you should keep in mind while solving questions on Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. The points suggested by Kudva are as follows:

• Read the title carefully
• Take your time and read both the questions and data set carefully. Understand what you are being asked to do before you begin figuring out the information.
• Check the data and types of information required. Be sure that you are looking at the right part of graph or chart i.e., on paper columns or rows or proper lines.
• Read the parameters listed along with axes and the scale. This is the most important points as generally one assumes standard scale as 1 unit = 100 or 1 unit = 10. Also the scales of two axes might be different.
• The footnotes give the additional information for particular data. This also explains the jargons and lists the formulae that might be needed to solve the questions asked.
• Check the units required. Be sure that your answer is in thousand, millions or whatever it is that the question specifies.

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