Origin
Verbal reasoning sits within the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) model of intelligence as part of crystallised ability (Gc) — knowledge and reasoning built through language and education — while also drawing on fluid reasoning when problems are novel. It traces back to Spearman's general factor (g) and to the verbal scales of the Wechsler tradition, now represented by the WAIS Verbal Comprehension Index.
Structure
Typical verbal-reasoning items include analogies, verbal classifications, sentence completion, reading comprehension and verbally framed deductive problems. The format isolates the ability to grasp meaning, relationships and implications expressed in words rather than figures or numbers.
Critical-thinking batteries such as the Watson-Glaser appraisal extend this into argument evaluation and inference.
Psychometric standing
Verbal-reasoning measures load strongly on g and show robust relationships with academic attainment and job performance, particularly in language-dependent roles. Because performance reflects acquired vocabulary and schooling, scores are sensitive to educational and linguistic background — an important fairness caveat when comparing across populations.