The Symbol Search task asks whether a target appears in a search set
The task shows two target symbols and a search area containing five symbols. You answer Yes or No to indicate whether either target appears in the search area. Like WAIS Symbol Search, it requires matching models against a search set.
The aim is to answer as many questions as possible accurately within the time limit. The symbols are abstract shapes, so the task does not depend on knowledge of letters or numbers.
Moving faster can make checking less thorough, while working more cautiously can reduce the number of answers completed. The task captures the balance between speed and accuracy while measuring rapid visual discrimination and decision-making.
BrainTypeIQ’s Symbol Search task uses the same basic target-to-search-set matching format as the professionally administered WAIS Symbol Search subtest, but it has its own items, timing, and scoring.
What the Symbol Search task measures
Symbol Search is the BrainTypeIQ task used to measure Gs, or processing speed.
It is the only task used for Gs in BrainTypeIQ.
The symbols do not carry meanings that need to be understood. The central demand is to compare the targets with the search area and repeat simple visual matching quickly and accurately.
Looking at processing speed separately also helps when reading the reasoning and memory scores. On timed tasks, the result is influenced not only by the reasoning or memory demands but also by how quickly the information can be viewed and judged.
Processing speed (Gs) explains the broader ability.
What a higher Symbol Search score can show
A higher Symbol Search score indicates that target checking remains accurate and consistent as the pace increases. Relevant differences are easier to notice among similar symbols without sacrificing as much speed.
This is closer to the efficiency of repeatedly viewing, comparing, and deciding than to complex reasoning.
Why a Symbol Search score may be lower
Several demands can make the Symbol Search task more difficult.
- Rapid visual comparison is difficult — the targets and search area must be matched within a short time
- Balancing speed and accuracy is difficult — rushing can increase errors, while a cautious pace can reduce the number completed
- Similar symbols take longer to distinguish — closer shapes require more time to check accurately
Discovering unfamiliar rules is more visible in Matrix Reasoning and Figure Weights, while holding information during processing is more visible in Computation Span and Visual Reversal.
BrainTypeIQ uses nine online tasks, including Symbol Search, to show overall IQ and a five-domain cognitive profile. How to read the report explains how the task and domain scores fit together.