This test was developed in the UK in the twentieth century to assess the intelligence of the subject. The ability to build logical connections and perceive graphic non-verbal signals was tested.
Since that time, the test has been used as one of the most valid and reliable methods in psychoanalysis. In addition, it allows even group surveys and monitoring. Despite the fact that the technique is called the Raven Matrix, another person, Pentrouse, took part in its creation. In total, three variants of matrices were created. The first, black and white, is the most commonly used. With its help, children from 5 to 11 years old and people from 20 years old are examined. The second option, color, is much simpler. It allows you to diagnose babies from 5 years old and people over 65. In addition, the test is useful for examining individuals with impaired verbal communication. The third type of matrices is intended for testing highly intelligent personalities.
Despite significant differences, all tests are based on the same template, where geometric shapes are used as a stimulus, organized according to a certain principle. It is characteristic that the first two options, Raven's progressive matrices in black and white and color, have only a non-verbal part. The third view contains this part, which is not surprising.
Raven Matrix: the principle of organization and construction
The test is built on the following principle: the subject is given pictures with geometric shapes, which are arranged in a certain order and are closely interdependent with each other. One element is always missing. The task of the subject is to find and choose from the 8 proposed options exactly the one that fits into an empty place. The quality of performance is influenced by both the accuracy of perception, inductive thinking and the degree of development of spatial thinking in a person, as well as other parameters. Among them are the ability to operate with images, concentration of attention, logical thinking and the level of development of mental operations in general. The color test for testing the abilities of the elderly and children consists of 3 series of 12 matrices. As in the black and white version, the difficulty of the tasks increases.
Matrices for adults
Raven's progressive matrix test for adults includes 5 series. There are 12 matrices in each series. Thus, the total number of matrices is 60, and their complexity increases from series to series, from matrix to matrix.
Even the name and methodology "Raven's Progressive Matrices" indicate that there must be some progress in the test. Initially, it was thought that a person performs the first 5 matrices with the help of an observer, and then workson the task on their own. Thus, each next task, each new Raven matrix is based on the experience that a person received by completing the previous task.
Series construction principle
A person, performing a task, must do the following: analyze the structure of the sample, determine the type and nature of the links between objects, find the missing link or element and choose the most suitable one from the proposed options. Despite all this, the series are built differently. For example, in the first series (series A) it is necessary to find the relationship in the structure of the matrix itself. To do this, the structure of the main image is analyzed, differentiated and the same features are found in one of the matrix fragments proposed below.
In the second series (series B) it is necessary to find analogies and connections between paired figures with different elements. The subject is required to determine the principle by which the figure is built, and select the necessary element from those proposed below.
In the third series (series C), the figures progressively change not only horizontally, but also vertically. Since the figures become more and more complicated from matrix to matrix, and new elements appear in them, the task of the person passing the test is to find the regularity in the appearance of these elements.
Performing the test in series D, a person must discover the principle of rearrangement of figures within the matrix. The permutation occurs both horizontally and vertically.
Series E is the hardest. With it, most of the subjectsthe biggest problems arise.
Calculation of results
The test can be done as much as you like, but most often the time allotted is about 20 minutes. You can conduct both group and individual testing. In the first case, it is very important that all people both finish and start the Raven test at the same time. The analysis is carried out in a standard way - the results are entered into the table by series, and 1 point is awarded for the correct answer. Then the percentage value of the intelligence level is calculated.
95% and above - high intelligence, 94-75% - above average intelligence, 74-25% - average intelligence, 24-5% - low mental abilities. If a person gains less than 5%, then it makes sense to talk about mental underdevelopment.
Can the test be used for all people without exception?
The Raven Matrix is based on non-verbal cues, meaning reading and writing is not required to complete the test. Therefore, with its help, you can test almost anyone. In practice, it turned out that the data obtained in the course of research in the UK, and the corresponding norms, can be used quite well in European countries. Meanwhile, their use for testing people who live in radically different conditions is impossible. The factor of education still has an impact on the result. In addition, those who have already taken the Raven Matrix test do it better the second time.
