Raven’s Progressive Matrices Test: What Does It Involve?

The Progressive Matrices test is one of the most widely used instruments to measure analogical reasoning, abstraction, and perception.

The 60 questions make it possible to evaluate the “g” factor of intelligence. This factor was devised by Spearman. It stands for the more general mental and cognitive processes by which we provide answers to everyday problems.

Most of us have actually performed this test at some point. Usually the test is given on a regular basis at schools and during job applications. It is now in fact a common part of the psychotechnical tests used in the selection processes for certain professions.

The contexts in which we usually take the test may make us look at it with some uneasiness. Because it has been a challenge and a determining factor in our academic or professional life.

But some people find Raven’s Progressive Matrices test very interesting. That’s because they enjoy solving those little riddles. They enjoy solving patterns and sequences, drawing conclusions and deciding how to process observations and abstractions…

Anyway, one thing is clear. The measurement of IQ is still of great importance to many today. Whether or not we accept Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, we want to measure and prioritize the human capacity for logical reasoning, problem solving, and critical thinking.

Raven’s Progressive Matrices test is an example of how we can determine this. For it measures the abstract reasoning and fluid intelligence that Cattell has written about. It is the kind of intelligence that allows us to solve most everyday problems. In the future, things may change and this kind of testing will look different.

Let’s take a look at Raven’s test…

What Does Raven’s Progressive Matrices Test Do?

JC Raven designed the Progressive Matrices test in 1938 to measure Spearman’s “g” factor. The design of this test had one goal: to evaluate the officers of the US Navy.

But it soon became clear that it was also useful and effective for evaluating intelligence in general. Independent of the acquired knowledge.

The advantages of Raven’s Progressive Matrices test compared to other tests

• It works in children and adults. In addition, it does not matter whether the person has problems with communication or motor problems.
• It is a very cheap test to administer.
• In general it is interesting and fun for most people.
• It requires attention to “Gestalt” but also analogical reasoning. Here the person has to apply research behavior. In addition, they must make comparisons and use multiple sources of information to complete the matrices.

Also, one of the greatest advantages of the Progressive Matrices test is that it quickly provides valid data on the cognitive functioning of adults and children.

On the other hand, it is also important that we point out something. John Raven has made it clear that no one should use this test alone to measure intelligence. We should also consider other sources of information. Because that way we make the test much more powerful and the results more valuable.

How does Raven’s Progressive Matrices test work?

The test consists of 60 multiple choice questions, which are arranged according to difficulty. As we already know, the test contains a series of abstract and incomplete geometric figures that the person has to solve. At first glance, it may seem like you’re trying to understand very confusing, disorganized material.

In general, participants have approximately 45 minutes to complete the test. That is plenty of time for the child or adult to put into practice what is known as inference. The following aspects form the basis of this process:

• The ability to draw conclusions is about finding connections and correlations in what appears to be disordered information.
• This kind of intellectual ability also requires us to make comparisons, deductions, and mental images. And that we use analogical reasoning and logical principles.

All these things together make up Spearman’s “g” factor. Many consider it a valid predictive tool of intelligence in general.

We conclude with this summary. Raven’s Progressive Matrices test is a non-verbal instrument. It gives results that do not depend on the level of education or the experience of the test taker.

It is also useful in situations where you want preliminary information about the intelligence “in general” of students or applicants.

This test is easy to apply and you will have results quickly. This means that people will continue to use this test whether you like it or not…