Table 8-1 Analytical Thinking (AT)

Table 8-1 Analytical Thinking (AT) Scale Level Behavioral DescriptionA. COMPLEXITY OF ANALYSISA. Not Applicable or None. Does each thing as it comes up, responds to immediate needs or requests; or work is organized by someone else. A. 1 Breaks Down Problems. Breaks problems into simple lists of tasks or activities. A. 2 Sees Basic Relationships. Analyzes relationships among a few parts of a problem or situation. Makes simple causal links (A causes B) or pro-and-nondecisions. Sets priorities for tasks in order of importance. A. 3 Sees Multiple Relationships. Analyzes relationships among several parts of a problem or situation. Breaks down a complex task into manageable parts in a systematic way. Recognizes several likely causes of events, or several consequences of actions. Generally, anticipates obstacles and thinks ahead about next steps. A. 4 Makes Complex Plans or Analyses. Systematically breaks down a complex problem or process into component parts. Uses several techniques to break apart complex problems to reach a solution; or makes long chains of causal connections. A. 5 Makes Very Complex Plans or Analyses. Systematically breaks multidimensional problems or processes into component parts; or uses several analytical techniques to identify several solutions and weighs the value of each. A. 6 Makes Extremely Complex Plans or Analyses. Organizes, sequences, and analyzes extremely complex interdependent systems. SIZE OF PROBLEM ADDRESSED*B. 1 Concerns One or Two People's Performances’. 2 Concerns a Small Work Unit. Or concerns a moderate-size sale, or one aspect of a larger unit's performance. 3 Concerns an Ongoing Problem. May involve a moderate-size work unit, several sales, or a very large sale. 4 Concerns Overall Performance. Involves performance of a major division of a large company or of an entire small-size company. 5 Concerns Long-Term Performance. Relates to a major division or entire company in a complex environment (economic or demographic changes, major improvements, etc.).Although this scale is strongly related to job size, it is also important in considering placement, since too large a jump in problem size may overload a person's analytic or conceptual capacity.