The Raven Progressive Matrices is a test of intelligence that was developed in the 1950s. The test measures spatial ability, working memory, and reasoning ability by having the examinee complete a series of tasks that require them to draw shapes, arrange cards in numerical order, and perform other cognitive tasks. It can be used to measure intelligence across all age groups and both genders (Carlson et al., 2017). It is a nonverbal test, which means it does not require any language or literacy skills. It is generally administered by two people who are trained in its administration and scoring. The test takes about 30 minutes and can be given in groups of 2 or 3 people.
It contains 45 items with two scores: one for each part of the matrix and an overall score. A score is given based on how many questions the person answered correctly, with higher scores indicating better performance. The total number of questions answered correctly determines their raw score, which is then converted into a scaled score with higher numbers indicating better performance. The test measures fluid intelligence, which is defined as the ability to solve new problems or generate ideas in novel ways (Carlson et al., 2017). The test has been normed on many college students who took it for their freshman-year classes at various universities across the country. It has also been normed for adults over 50 to take it because they want to keep track of their cognitive abilities as they age (Carlson et al., 2017). This group showed a significant decline in their scores on the test compared to those younger than them when they took it initially.
In addition, this test is based on a well-established psychometric model of intelligence: it measures both verbal and performance skills, but it also taps into other forms of knowledge and skill that are not measured by traditional IQ tests. For example, it examines the speed of processing and working memory capacity. It has been validated using several different methodologies, including factor analysis and item response theory analyses. It has also been used successfully in clinical settings for use with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The test has good reliability and validity (Carlson et al., 2017). It is not biased because it does not use any information about a person’s background or social class (Carlson et al., 2017). No normative procedures are included in this test; however, although this test may not have normative approaches, it does meet all other standards for reliable testing outlined in the book.
Moreover, the Raven Progressive Matrices are reliable when administered by trained professionals and are being delivered to have good validity for measuring intelligence. The test has been found to be fairly normed so that it can be used across different populations with different levels of education or language proficiency (Carlson et al., 2017). The test is also unbiased as it has not been shown to have any significant biases based on gender or race/ethnicity. Finally, this test also measures how well an individual can think through complex problems and identify relevant information to solve them. To do this it requires an individual to be able to filter out irrelevant information and focus on what is important when faced with a problem or challenge. The RPM has no specific time limit or the number of correct answers required. It requires an individual to think about and solve problems as they arise throughout their day-to-day life experiences so they can build up a general pattern of response over time, which will help them make better decisions going forward.
Reference
Carlson, J. F., Geisinger, K. F., & Jonson, J. L. (2017). The twentieth mental measurements yearbook. The Buros Center for Testing, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln.