Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) Practice Exam

Analytical thinking involves breaking down complex information or problems into smaller, manageable parts to understand, evaluate, and solve them systematically. Resolving a math problem step by step exemplifies this process well. It requires identifying the issue, applying logical reasoning, and following a structured approach to arrive at a solution. Each step in the problem-solving process relies on clear reasoning and analysis of the information at hand.

The other options illustrate different types of thinking. Choosing a restaurant based on ambiance relates more to subjective preferences and emotional perceptions rather than analytical reasoning. Drafting ideas for a creative project emphasizes creative thinking and brainstorming, which involves generating new concepts rather than analyzing existing ones. Engaging in free association focuses on spontaneous thoughts and connections, which is more about creative and associative thinking rather than a systematic, analytical approach. Thus, the example of resolving a math problem aligns closely with the principles of analytical thinking.