Overview

Logical and Critical Reasoning is a core component of the Ghana Police Service Aptitude Test. This module measures an applicant’s ability to think clearly, analyze information, identify patterns, solve problems, and make sound decisions. These skills are essential in policing, where officers must assess situations quickly, interpret evidence, and make judgments based on facts rather than emotions.

This module focuses on how you think, not what you memorise.

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Importance of Logical & Critical Reasoning in Policing

Logical reasoning helps police officers to:

• Analyze crime scenes

• Interpret witness statements

• Identify inconsistencies

• Make fair and lawful decisions

• Solve problems under pressure

Critical thinking ensures that decisions are objective, reasonable, and evidence-based.

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UNIT 4.1: Pattern Recognition and Sequences

Meaning of Pattern Recognition

Pattern recognition is the ability to identify regular arrangements or repeated relationships in numbers, letters, shapes, or symbols.

A sequence is an ordered list that follows a logical rule.

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Types of Patterns Tested

Pattern Type	Description
Number patterns	Progression of numbers
Letter patterns	Alphabetical order
Shape patterns	Visual sequences
Mixed patterns	Numbers + letters or symbols

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Number Sequences

Number sequences often follow mathematical rules such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.

Common Sequence Rules

Addition rule:     aₙ = aₙ₋₁ + k
Subtraction rule:  aₙ = aₙ₋₁ − k
Multiplication:   aₙ = aₙ₋₁ × k
Division rule:     aₙ = aₙ₋₁ ÷ k

Example 1

2, 4, 6, 8, ?

Explanation:
Each number increases by +2
Answer = 10

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Example 2

3, 6, 12, 24, ?

Explanation:
Each number is multiplied by 2
Answer = 48

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Alternating Patterns

Some sequences alternate between two rules.

Example

2, 4, 3, 6, 5, ?

Step	Rule
2 → 4	×2
4 → 3	−1
3 → 6	×2
6 → 5	−1

Answer: 10

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Letter Sequences

Letters follow alphabetical positions.

A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, ..., Z = 26

Example

C, F, I, L, ?

Letter	Position
C	3
F	6
I	9
L	12

Pattern: +3

Answer = O

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Learning Outcome (Unit 4.1)

By the end of this unit, learners should be able to:

• Identify number and letter patterns

• Recognize alternating sequences

• Predict missing elements logically

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UNIT 4.2: Logical Relationships and Deductions

Meaning of Logical Relationships

Logical relationships involve understanding how facts relate to one another and drawing correct conclusions.

This includes cause and effect, comparisons, and categorization.

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Types of Deductive Reasoning

Type	Description
Syllogism	Logical statements leading to a conclusion
Cause–effect	One event leading to another
Classification	Grouping items based on shared features

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Syllogism (Logical Statements)

A syllogism consists of:

1. A general statement

2. A specific statement

3. A logical conclusion

Example

All police officers wear uniforms.
Ama is a police officer.
Therefore, Ama wears a uniform.

Explanation:
The conclusion logically follows from the premises.

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Invalid Deduction Example

All criminals break the law.
Kofi breaks the law.
Therefore, Kofi is a criminal.

❌ Invalid — some people break laws without being criminals.

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Learning Outcome (Unit 4.2)

Learners should be able to:

• Identify valid and invalid conclusions

• Understand relationships between facts

• Draw accurate logical deductions

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UNIT 4.3: Reasoning Puzzles

Meaning of Reasoning Puzzles

Reasoning puzzles test your ability to analyze clues and eliminate wrong options to reach a correct answer.

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Common Types of Puzzles

Puzzle Type	Description
Arrangement	Order or position problems
Comparison	Taller, older, faster
Elimination	Removing incorrect options

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Example Puzzle

Three suspects: A, B, and C.
A says: "B did it."
B says: "C did it."
C says: "I did not do it."
Only one person is telling the truth.
Who committed the crime?

Explanation:

• If A is telling the truth → B did it → then B lies → C lies → contradiction

• If B is telling the truth → C did it → C lies → consistent

Answer: C

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Learning Outcome (Unit 4.3)

Learners should be able to:

• Analyze clues carefully

• Eliminate contradictions

• Solve structured logic puzzles

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UNIT 4.4: Critical Thinking Questions

Meaning of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to:

• Evaluate information

• Question assumptions

• Make reasoned judgments

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Characteristics of Critical Thinkers

Skill	Description
Objectivity	Avoid bias
Analysis	Break down information
Evaluation	Judge evidence

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Example Critical Question

A suspect confesses after long questioning.
What should the officer consider before accepting the confession?

Explanation:

• Was the confession voluntary?

• Was the suspect coerced?

• Is there supporting evidence?

Correct reasoning requires evidence, not emotion.

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Learning Outcome (Unit 4.4)

Learners should be able to:

• Evaluate arguments critically

• Identify weak reasoning

• Make fair decisions

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UNIT 4.5: Scenario-Based Problem Solving

Meaning of Scenario-Based Reasoning

This involves applying logic to real-life situations, especially those faced by police officers.

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Problem-Solving Steps

1. Identify the problem
2. Gather facts
3. Analyze options
4. Choose the best solution
5. Predict consequences

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Example Scenario

A crowd is forming at an accident scene.
What should the officer do first?

Correct Reasoning:

• Secure the scene

• Control the crowd

• Ensure safety

• Gather information

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