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 then, the test is used as one of thethe most valid and reliable methods 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, much easier. It allows you to diagnose kids from 5 years old 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 significant differences, all testsare built on one template, where as an incentive used geometric shapes, 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 built on 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 - to find and choose from the 8 proposed options is 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 older people 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 adultsincludes 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 technique "ProgressiveRaven matrices "indicate that there should be some progress in the test.It was originally conceived that the first 5 matrices are performed by an observer with the help of an observer, and then works on the task on their own.Thus, each next task, each new Raven matrix is ​​based on the experience that a person received by performing the previous task.

Principle of series construction

A person, when performing an assignment, must dothe following actions: 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. 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) one must find analogies andconnection between pair shapes 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 progressivelychange 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 a regularity in 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 more oftenall the time that is allotted, about 20 minutes. You can conduct both group and individual testing. In the first case, it is very important that all people finish, and begin the execution of 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% and higher - high intelligence, 94-75%intelligence above the average, 74-25% - the average indicator of the level of 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 the 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 does influence the result. In addition, those who have already passed the test of the "Matrix of Raven", the second time solve it better.