Eight domains, grounded in cognitive science.
Wadmore measures cognitive performance through structured assessment tasks designed to isolate specific cognitive processes. IRT-based adaptive measurement. Built on CHC theory and grounded in peer-reviewed research across cognitive science, developmental psychology, and learning research.
Explore Each Domain
Distinct processes, distinct measurement
Each domain targets a cognitive process with decades of research behind it. Click any domain to explore its research foundation.
Abstract Reasoning & Pattern Recognition
Cognitive Processing
The ability to identify patterns, recognise relationships, and solve novel problems, measured with content kept to a minimum so results reflect reasoning rather than curriculum exposure. Central to fluid intelligence.
Inductive reasoning, identifying rules from examples, is trainable through systematic practice. Klauer's meta-analysis demonstrates significant transfer effects when pattern recognition is explicitly taught. Analogical reasoning (Gentner) enables learning transfer across domains.
Wadmore's framework draws on peer-reviewed research across cognitive science, developmental psychology, and learning research.
Developmental Framework
12 bands in the core profile. Expert bands (13 to 15) are a separate, focused assessment in development
Wadmore places cognitive development on a criterion-referenced continuum. Bands describe capability, what someone can do, not how they compare to peers. Click any band to explore.
Sophisticated cognitive integration with transfer across domains. Meta-strategic thinking established: not just using strategies but selecting and adapting them based on task demands. Strong executive function approaching mature levels. Manages complex, long-term tasks independently. Shows resilient self-efficacy and autonomous motivation.
Criterion-referenced
Scores describe capability against defined criteria, not peer ranking
Equal-interval scaling
Designed so that a 50-point gain means the same growth anywhere on the scale
Item-person alignment
Person ability and item difficulty on the same metric
Growth-trackable
Designed for score comparisons across time, enabling progress monitoring
Band Groupings
Measurement Quality
Psychometric rigour
Wadmore applies modern psychometric methods to ensure measurement precision, fairness, and interpretability.
Our methodological commitments
Our reporting prioritises interpretability: evidence is linked to clear constructs, bounded explanations, and optional next steps.
- ✓Association language for correlational evidence
- ✓Causal claims only where intervention research supports them
- ✓Effect sizes contextualised, not cherry-picked
- ✓Mechanisms explained, not just outcomes cited
Wadmore does not aggregate unrelated tasks into single effect-size claims or treat broad labels such as "metacognition" as unified interventions. Cognitive patterns are interpreted within the contexts in which they are observed. Transfer is not assumed.
Why IRT/Rasch?
Item Response Theory places persons and items on a common scale. Unlike classical test theory, IRT enables adaptive testing, precise standard errors, and defensible score comparisons across different item sets, essential for developmental assessment.
This is not about "learning styles"
Learning styles (VAK) have been thoroughly debunked by research (Pashler et al., 2008). Wadmore measures actual cognitive processes using validated methods, not self-reported preferences.
- ✗Learning styles (VAK/VARK)
- ✗Multiple intelligences typing (Gardner)
- ✗Left-brain / right-brain categorisation
- ✗'Thinking styles' or preferences
- ✗Personality typology
- ✗Ranking against peers
- ✓Measured cognitive processes
- ✓Developmental progression
- ✓Research-grounded domains
- ✓IRT/Rasch psychometrics
- ✓Strength-based profiling
- ✓Actionable guidance
Beyond Traditional Testing
Traditional reasoning tests measure a narrow slice of cognitive performance. Wadmore measures processing speed and efficiency, deliberate reasoning (executive function, metacognition), and confidence calibration alongside pattern recognition, providing a broader picture than reasoning-only tests.
From Profile to Practice
Every recommendation draws on research
Most assessments tell you where someone is. Wadmore profiles include research-grounded guidance: strategies matched to current band level and linked to their evidence base.
This isn't generic advice. Each of our constructs (8 domains × 12 operational bands × 3 per cell) draws on strategies written for that level of capability.
- •Association language for correlational evidence
- •Causal claims only where intervention research supports them
- •Effect sizes contextualised, not cherry-picked
- •Mechanisms explained, not just outcomes cited
Sample Profile Guidance
Executive Functioning · Band 5
Current Capabilities
Plans multi-step projects with emerging independence; benefits from milestone scaffolding
Recommended Strategies
Provide project templates with pre-set milestones. Model planning through think-alouds. Gradually fade scaffolds as independence develops.
Research Base
External planning structures support internalisation through guided practice (Diamond, 2013). Visible structure reduces extraneous cognitive load during complex tasks (Sweller, 1988).
Science that serves people
Eight domains. Research-grounded guidance that travels from profile to practice.