NNAT3 Figure Classification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a Figure Classification task, four figures are shown: a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, and a triangle. Which is the most logical classification rule?
- The triangle has fewer sides than 4, while all others have more than 4 sides (Correct answer)
- Pentagons, hexagons, and octagons are all curved; the triangle is straight
- All four figures belong to the same group because they are closed shapes
- The octagon is the odd one out because it has the most sides
Correct answer: The triangle has fewer sides than 4, while all others have more than 4 sides
The pentagon (5), hexagon (6), and octagon (8) all have more than four sides, while the triangle has only three, making the triangle the exception.
Question 2: What distinguishes Figure Classification from Reasoning by Analogy on the NNAT3?
- Classification asks students to find the odd figure in a group, while Analogy asks students to complete a relationship between pairs (Correct answer)
- Classification uses colored figures, while Analogy uses only black-and-white figures
- Classification is only for Grade 1, while Analogy spans all grades
- Classification tests language skills, while Analogy tests math skills
Correct answer: Classification asks students to find the odd figure in a group, while Analogy asks students to complete a relationship between pairs
Figure Classification involves grouping and identifying exceptions, whereas Reasoning by Analogy involves identifying the relational rule between two pairs of figures.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes a 'distracting attribute' in a Figure Classification item?
- A feature that varies across figures but is not the basis for the correct classification rule (Correct answer)
- A figure that is intentionally drawn incorrectly to confuse the student
- A written label placed below each figure to mislead the reader
- The correct answer hidden among the answer choices
Correct answer: A feature that varies across figures but is not the basis for the correct classification rule
Distracting attributes are visual features like size or shading that differ across figures but are irrelevant to the actual grouping rule, designed to increase item difficulty.
Question 4: A set of figures shows three open (unfilled) circles and one filled (solid) circle. A student incorrectly picks an open circle as the odd one. What error did the student make?
- The student confused the grouping rule and selected a member of the majority group instead of the minority (Correct answer)
- The student correctly identified the odd figure
- The student did not look at the shapes at all
- The student misidentified circles as squares
Correct answer: The student confused the grouping rule and selected a member of the majority group instead of the minority
The correct odd figure is the filled circle (minority), not an open circle (majority); selecting an open circle means the student reversed the classification rule.
Question 5: How does increasing item difficulty in NNAT3 Figure Classification typically manifest?
- More attributes vary simultaneously, making it harder to isolate the single classification rule (Correct answer)
- Figures become smaller and harder to see clearly
- The number of answer choices increases from 4 to 8
- A time limit is added to each individual item
Correct answer: More attributes vary simultaneously, making it harder to isolate the single classification rule
Harder classification items introduce multiple varying attributes (e.g., size, shading, and shape all change), forcing students to determine which attribute is the actual rule.
Question 6: What strategy is most effective when approaching a difficult Figure Classification item on the NNAT3?
- Systematically compare one attribute at a time (shape, then size, then shading) until the grouping rule becomes clear (Correct answer)
- Select the answer that looks most visually appealing
- Choose the smallest figure as the answer, since small figures are usually odd ones out
- Skip the item entirely and return to it only if time allows
Correct answer: Systematically compare one attribute at a time (shape, then size, then shading) until the grouping rule becomes clear
Isolating one attribute at a time (systematic elimination) prevents cognitive overload and helps students identify the true classification rule even in complex items.
Question 7: In a Figure Classification item, three figures are right-pointing arrows and one is a left-pointing arrow. Which attribute is the basis for classifying the odd figure?
- Orientation or direction the figure is pointing (Correct answer)
- Color of the arrow
- Number of points on each arrow
- Thickness of the arrow lines
Correct answer: Orientation or direction the figure is pointing
The direction (orientation) in which the arrows point is the distinguishing attribute — three point right and one points left, making orientation the classification rule.
NNAT3 Figure Classification 2
In a Figure Classification task, four figures are shown: a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, and a triangle.
Which is the most logical classification rule?