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What is the Raven Progressive Matrices Test?
Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) test, sometimes known as Raven's Matrices, is a nonverbal exam designed to examine fluid intelligence and abstract reasoning abilities. That is, your ability to solve novel problems non-dependent on existing knowledge.
Raven's matrices test is the most researched general mental ability (GMT) test, based on which numerous tests were developed (such as the Matrigma Test).
Raven's Test has several versions provided by Pearson: Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM), Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM). Among those, only the APM and SPM are used as pre-employment assessments.
Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test
The Raven APM test consists of 23 questions you’ll have to answer in 40 minutes. In each question, you’ll see a 3x3 matrix of geometric shapes with one missing element. Your task is to select the correct tile from a collection of six options to complete the general pattern in the matrix. As you advance through the exam, the questions get more difficult to answer.
There is another version of the test - the Short Advanced Progressive Matrices. The difference between the short APM and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices is the number of questions and the amount of time it takes to finish the test. This simplified version of Raven's intelligence test consists of only 12 questions and must be completed in under 15 minutes.
Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM)
The SPM raven test is another version of raven matrices used to select candidates for entry-level positions. It has 43 questions that must be completed within 47 minutes. Compared to the advanced matrices., the difficulty level of questions in this test is a bit easier.
Raven’s Progressive Matrices Practice Questions
On Raven's matrices test, in each question, you’ll need to find the underlying pattern in a series of images and pick the one that completes it.
Here are some questions that are solved by the popular rules. Try to answer them!
Raven Practice Question - Progression Rule
The correct answer is
The third image in the first two rows is the result of adding a diagonal line pattern to the top half of the first image in the first two rows. Thus, the third image of the bottom row must be the result of adding a diagonal line pattern to the top half of the first image in the bottom row.
In Progression rule questions the object changes, or rather progresses with every step throughout the row or the column (the direction may vary).
In our Raven's Matrices Preparation, you’ll find more rules and solving strategies that will reduce your solving time and improve your accuracy on Raven’s test.
Raven Practice Question - Motion Rule
The correct answer is
The second image in each row is the result of moving the three shapes in the first image in each row closer together, and the third image in the first two rows is the result of placing the shapes from the first image in each row inside each other. Thus, the third image in the bottom row must have the shapes from the first image in the bottom row inside each other.
In motion rule questions, the objects move (change their position) with each step. Usually, the motion is of one or more of the objects inside a frame. To identify the movement of the inner object, it is useful to compare the outer object or frames across either the rows or columns.
Raven Practice Question – Rotation Rule
The correct answer is
The first image in each row has a small black square on the left side of the bigger square, the second image in each row has the same small black square now in the middle of the bigger square, and the third image in the first two rows has the small black square on the right side of the bigger square. Thus, the third image in the bottom row must have the small black square on the right side of the bigger square.
In rotation rule questions, the figures in the matrix rotate in a determined pattern across either rows or columns.
Raven Practice Question - Construction Rule
The correct answer is
The second image in each row looks like a second horizontal line has been added to the first image in each row, and the third image in the first two rows looks like a third horizontal line has been added to the second image in each row. Thus, the third image in the bottom row must look like a third horizontal line has been added to the second image in the bottom row.
In construction rule questions, two objects from the same row or column are combined to form the third object. In simple matrices, this combination might look just like a simple addition equation.
In our Raven's Progressive Matrices preparation, each question includes a detailed explanation to help you grasp the rule it is based on. You’ll find full practice tests and answers that will improve your performance on Raven’s matrices tests.
Raven's Progressive Matrices Scoring?
Raven's test scoring methodology is more complex than the typical calculation of a number of correct answers scores.
Each item has a level of difficulty and discrimination that is factored into the scoring. For example, suppose you answered properly the more difficult and discriminating questions in the test. In that case, you will obtain higher marks than a candidate who properly answered the easier and less discriminating ones.
To calculate your SPM/ APM score, you'll first be given a theta score, which is the basic prediction of your capability. The theta scores range from -4.000 to +4.000. Scores at the bottom of the scale (-4.000) suggest someone with extremely low ability, while scores at the top (+4.000) suggest someone with extremely high ability.
In the second step, your theta score is transformed to percentiles for easier comprehension and comparison. Getting a percentile score of 62%, for example, means your score is equal to or higher than 62% of the people (in your comparison group) who took the test.
Can you prepare for Raven's Progressive Matrices?
You can absolutely prepare yourself for the Raven’s SPM and APM, and we highly recommend practicing before taking it. Many of the Raven questions appear to be difficult at first look, but there are standard rules that repeat throughout the test that you can learn to quickly identify.
Recognizing these rules can tremendously assist you in achieving a high Raven APM score. To help you with that, our expert team developed a comprehensive Raven Preparation Pack. Here is what it includes:
- A Raven Matrices study guide that will teach you all the important rules to easily identify the matrix pattern. The detailed guide will help you apply solving techniques essential for succeeding on the test.
- Dozens of practice questions, Each question is accompanied with step-by-step explanations to help you strengthen your solving strategy.
- Timed Simulations, resembling the online Raven tests (SPM+APM) as closely as possible. It will help you get used to the demanding time constraints while improving your speed. That way you’ll come to the test calm and ready to succeed.
What Is the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test Used For?
Raven's progressive matrices test is used for both clinical purposes and as a pre-employment screening tool, since it allows evaluating test takers' ability to analyze new information and solve problems regardless of prior knowledge.
Candidates applying for management, senior, and executive positions, as well as technical roles, will likely be given the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices Test. Since the APM also indicates employees' potential, it is often used to select applicants for graduate positions as well. For other entry-level positions, the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices Test might be used.
As a result, even though the test appears to be unrelated to your actual job, it is an important stage in the hiring process.
Other Versions of Raven's Progressive Matrices
Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices
These matrices were designed for people with general lower ability because of age - very old or young test-takers. It contains the two first sets from the Standard Matrices with an additional set of 12 items inserted in between the two. The questions are presented on a colored background to make them visually stimulating.
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