What does it mean if a child guesses right on the first clue of Word Reasoning?
Children are more likely to guess correctly on the easier items such as those that appear in the first half of the item set, especially Item 9. The more difficult items found in the second half of the item set show a very low percentage of correct responses to the first clue. In order to respond correctly, even on the first clue, the child must use deductive reasoning; that is, on the first clue the child has to narrow the potential responses to those that fit a search set defined by the clue and then make a reasoned guess from the range of responses within the set. It is possible that a child who consistently guesses correctly on the first clue may have taken the test recently, or may have been coached on the correct responses.
