Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning are two sections in the MBA entrance exams which can prove to be very scoring, at the same time, can consume a lot of your time if you do not know how to work your way through them. While other sections like Quantitative Aptitude needs numeric abilities, VARC needs critical reasoning and comprehension abilities, the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning sections need analytical abilities from the candidates to crack them.
Importance of Analytical Skills
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning are areas wherein one needs to analyse before arriving at the solution. Analysis forms the core of these questions. Wrong analysis will lead the candidates to the wrong answer and vice- versa. Therefore candidates need to hone these skills beforehand.
Analytical skills refers to the ability of the candidates to gather information and interpret it, use problem solving techniques and decide how to go about solving the problem. Analytical skills help you diagnose the problem correctly and thereafter find the best way to deal with it. If the candidates have weak analytical skills, they will end up misinterpreting the data before them and select the wrong answer. Let’s consider the question given below:
a. Fill in the blank to complete the series:
BVF, CSK , DPP , ___ , FJZ
i. ENV
ii. FPE
iii. EMU
iv. AHA
This question of Logical Reasoning requires the candidates to use his analytical skills. If the candidate has prepared well before the exam, he would know that in these questions one needs to look for a pattern between the numbers. The first thing an analytical mind would do is observe the alphabets BVF, CSK, DPP and ask himself if he can identify the pattern. Now, one notices that the first letter of these numbers are B,C and D which come one after the other in the English alphabetic system, so in the blank, the first letter will be E. The second letters of the series are V,S and P. an analytical mind will observe that the series go backwards at a gap of two alphabets, so the second letter of the blank will be M. The letters in the third place are F,K and P, going forward at a gap of 4 alphabets, so, the fourth letter will be U. Hence, the correct option is iii.
In DI too, the candidate needs analytical skills to interpret the information (given in the form of a bar graph, pie chart, line graph, or any other form). The candidate needs to understand the requirement of the question, fit in the right formulae and calculations and arrive at the right answer.
Analytical Skills give you an edge
The reason why questions that test analytical skills appear in the MBA entrance examination is because the industry values people with these skills. People with an analytical bent of mind will be able to investigate a problem and come up with a solution in an effective manner without consuming too much time. The skill set to think clearly and logically from all perspectives comes in handy in the world of business.
Without analytical skills, candidates will find questions of DILR difficult to do and more often than not, arrive at the wrong answers.
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