The Raven Matrix: what is it, and where is it applied?

This test was developed in the UK in the twentieth century to assess the subject's intelligence. The ability to build logical connections and to perceive graphic non-verbal signals was tested.

Since that time, the test is used as one of the most valid and reliable techniques in psychoanalysis. In addition, it allows for even a group survey and monitoring. Despite the fact that the technique is called the "Matrix of Raven", another person was involved in its creation - Pentroz. 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 children from 5 years and people over 65. In addition, the test is useful for examining individuals with violations of verbal communication. The third kind of matrix is designed to test highly intelligent personalities.

Despite the significant differences, all tests are built on one template, where as a stimulus geometric figures are used, organized according to a certain principle. It is characteristic that the first two variants, the progressive matrices of Raven in black and white and in color, have only the nonverbal part. The third species also contains this part, which is not surprising.

Matrix of Raven: the principle of organization and construction

The test is constructed according to the following principle: the subject is given pictures with geometric figures that are arranged in a certain order and are in close interdependence 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 will fit into the empty space. The quality of performance is affected by both the accuracy of perception, inductive thinking and the degree of development in a person's spatial thinking, and other parameters. Among them - the ability to operate with images, concentration of attention, logical thinking and the level of development of mental operations in general. A color test to test the abilities of the elderly and children consists of 3 series of 12 matrices. As in the black and white version, the complexity of assignments increases.

Matrices for adults

Test of progressive matrices Raven for adults includes 5 series. In each series there are 12 matrices. Thus, the total number of matrices is 60, and their complexity increases from series to series, from matrix to matrix.

Even the name and method "Progressive matrices of Raven" indicate that there should be some progress in the test. Initially, it was thought that the first 5 matrices a person performs with the help of an observer, and then works on the task himself. Thus, each next task, each new Raven matrix, is based on the experience that a person has received, fulfilling the previous task.

Principle of series construction

The person performing the task should do the following: make an analysis of the structure of the sample, determine the type and nature of the relationships between the objects, find the missing link or element and choose the most appropriate one from the proposed options. Despite all this, the series are built in different ways. For example, in the first series (series A), one must find the relationship in the structure of the matrix itself. For 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) one must find analogies and a connection between pair figures with distinct elements. From the subject it is required to determine the principle by which the figure is constructed and select the necessary element from the ones proposed below.

In the third series (series C), the figures progressively change not only horizontally, but also vertically. As the figures become more and more complicated from the matrix to the matrix, and new elements appear in them, the task of the person passing the test is to find the regularity of the appearance of these elements.

When performing a test in the D series, a person should discover the principle of rearranging the figures inside the matrix. The permutation takes place both horizontally and vertically.

The E series is the hardest. With her, most subjects have the biggest problems.

Calculation of results

The test can be performed as many as you like, but most often the time that is taken away is about 20 minutes. You can conduct both group and individual testing. In the first case, it is very important that all people finish and start performing the test of Raven at the same time. The analysis is carried out in a standard way - results are entered in the table by series, and 1 point is awarded for the correct answer. Then the percentage of the intelligence level is calculated.

95% or higher - high intelligence, 94-75% - intelligence above the average, 74-25% - the average intelligence, 24-5% - low intelligence. If a person recruits less than 5%, then it makes sense to talk about mental underdevelopment.

Is it possible to use the test for all people without exception?

The matrix of Raven is based on non-verbal signals, that is, to perform a test, reading and writing is not necessary. 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 relevant norms can be fully used in European countries. Meanwhile, their use for testing people who live in fundamentally different conditions is impossible. The factor of the availability of education still has an impact on the result. In addition, those who have already passed the test of the "Matrix of Raven", the second time solve it better.