Visual reasoning is the ability to analyze and solve problems based on visual information. It is related to general intelligence and is a component of nonverbal intelligence. Visual reasoning skills are important in many real-life contexts and in careers such as architecture, engineering, and design. These skills can be improved through conscious effort and practice.
Visual reasoning is the process of analyzing visual information and being able to solve problems based on it. A person’s visual reasoning skills are related to general intelligence. It is a component of nonverbal intelligence, which means that a person does not have to use language to solve vision problems.
Tests that measure intelligence quotient (IQ) almost always contain questions that require this type of reasoning. These questions may require the candidate to identify and manipulate visual patterns. They can show a number of shapes and ask the candidate to identify which shapes should come next in the pattern. Another type of question might show a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object and ask the person to identify what the object might look like from another angle. Answering this question requires both visual and spatial reasoning skills.
Visual reasoning skills are also critical in many real-life contexts. For example, interpreting information found in tables and graphs usually requires a combination of verbal, mathematical and visual analysis. The person viewing the graph must identify the type of information being shown, usually by reading the title and labels, and then analyze the information using mathematical and visual skills. Reading a map requires understanding the relationship between visual information and real-world context. Visual reasoning skills also help students learn new concepts in math, physics, and other skills.
Many career paths require a high level of visual reasoning. Many jobs in architecture, engineering and design involve working with computer models of three-dimensional objects, which the user must be able to manipulate in his mind and on the computer screen. Having good visual memory and reasoning skills helps professionals in these fields remember and process various types of design patterns.
A person can improve his visual reasoning skills through various means. Simply paying attention to visual information and making a conscious effort to interpret it can help a person learn to reason more easily. People who have very strong verbal skills may also find it helpful to talk through visual pattern problems, such as those found on IQ tests.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
