Four kinds of question
Reasoning puzzles cover words, numbers, abstract patterns and shapes in space, and each has one correct answer. Trait statements draw on the broad Big Five personality dimensions. Activity ratings draw on Holland’s six RIASEC interest themes. Priorities use Forma’s own six-area framework. Every question is original, and Forma is independent of the researchers and organisations behind these frameworks.
What each one can tell you
Reasoning results count your correct answers on these puzzles. Trait results average how you usually describe yourself. Interest results average how appealing each activity sounds, whatever your experience or skill. Priorities average what matters to you right now. We keep these apart, because enjoying an activity is not the same as being good at it.
The snapshot and the full profile
For ages 13+, the free snapshot has 8 reasoning puzzles, 10 trait statements and 6 activity ratings: two statements per trait and one activity per interest theme, which is enough to reflect on but not a settled profile. The full profile has 124 different questions (32 reasoning puzzles, 50 trait statements, 30 activities and 12 priorities) and repeats nothing from the snapshot. It includes more demanding puzzles. For ages 13–17, a few puzzles are swapped for versions with school or everyday settings and a lighter reading load; the rest match the adult form.
How scoring works
Answer options for reasoning puzzles are shuffled when a session starts and saved with their answer key. Rating scales stay in the same order. Ratings are averaged on a 1–5 scale, and statements that point the opposite way are reversed first. Skipped ratings are left out, never filled in as neutral; skipped puzzles still count in the puzzle total. We record how long each answer takes to describe your session, but speed never changes how your answers are scored.
How we suggest things to try
In the full profile, suggestions start from activity themes you rated at least 3.5 out of 5, with at least four of the five activities answered. We show up to three, plus any theme tied with or within a quarter point of the third. Related traits, priorities and puzzle results add context, and each suggestion shows why it appears. These are simple display rules, not predictions.
What isn’t established yet
Research supports studying broad traits and interests, but that support does not automatically carry over to new wording or new scoring. Forma’s questions are original and have not yet been through pilot studies, reliability checks or fairness reviews, so we describe your answers rather than rank them. We do not report IQ, percentiles, norms or diagnoses, and differences between two sessions are not measured growth.
Students
Ages 8–12 take reasoning puzzles only: 12 in the snapshot or 48 in the full profile. Ages 13–17 take the broader profile. In both cases a signed-in parent or guardian sets up and supervises the session. Development, opportunity, language, culture, focus and the device used can all affect answers, so read younger teenagers’ reflections with particular care. Results are not a basis for school placement or employment decisions.
Research foundations
International Personality Item Pool and Big Five research