1. Computer-based apparatus for assessing capabilities comprising: means for storing a database of queries, each comprising a prompt and associated statements; means for presenting to an examinee a scenario configured to activate a schema and/or activate a problem solving process, resulting in mental representation of a problem and alternative solutions therefor; means for selecting a query from the database of queries; means for presenting to the examinee the query; means for receiving from the examinee a response comprising one or more of the statements; and means for scoring the response and generating a result; wherein the queries are configured such that the result will be substantially similar for all of the queries.