What does the Raven test measure and what is it for?

If you have heard something about the renowned Raven test but do not know everything that is hidden behind it, in this interesting article you will learn about what it measures, what its benefits are, what aspects characterize it and much more.

In advance we can anticipate that it is a measurement tool, even one of the most widely used; where you can get to know the intelligence levels of a person, whether adult or child. Would you be able to take a Raven test? Do you think intelligence can be measured? How do you know what your way of reasoning is? You will clarify that and more below.

What does the Raven test measure?

The Raven test, also known by its acronym in English RPM of Ravens Progressive Matrices ; It is a measurement method which can be called a psychological test or test, in order to evaluate some specific psychological characteristics. In this case, it can also be known as a psychometric test.

Which means that, the Raven test has been created to know the levels of intelligence or the IQ of a person through the reasoning of various analogies, comparison of forms or the understanding of figurative stimuli.

Who created the Raven test?

It was the English psychologist with the last name Raven who created the test, moved by tastes and interests towards psychological issues, which for that time the diversity of studies and analyzes of this type turned out to be a trend.

By 1936 the first progressive matrices were published , which were designed in black and white to be applied by adults, and in color for children. Then a second edition was made for 1947 and a final public review for 1956.

Raven’s test characteristics

• It can be applied both individually and in groups.
• It is mainly built by geometric figures that represent a system of thought.
• Each series adds a higher level of complexity or difficulty compared to the previous ones.
• It allows to know the systems of thought in a deep way within the intellectual development.
• The processes incorporated into the Raven test are usually incorporated into everyday life.
• Although it does not have a stipulated time of completion, it is estimated that it should be between 45 minutes and an hour.
• Comparisons, mental representations, deductions must be made, all the logical tools for solving problems, which further enriches the practice.
• The ease of application allows it to be a tool for practical use in any personnel selection or training scenario.

What is the Raven test for?

The main objective is focused on the measurement of the intelligence G factor , which in its beginnings was useful to evaluate officers of the United States Navy; but over the years it became so popular that it was used in social settings.

For this reason, when being incorporated into society, knowing the development of intelligence was of main necessity, I feel this aspect of great value for today’s daily life.

Through 60 questions, it is possible to assess and evaluate all the aspects concerning the G factor that involves intelligence, where all the cognitive and mental processes emerge to give feasible answers to daily conflicts .

It is usually applied in educational centers or companies in order to select personnel or professional training. In some cases it could be a test that hides some discomfort from the challenge.

But, it really is an incredible little problem solving where you can identify positive aspects. Especially because, it is possible to access everything that has to do with fluid intelligence and abstract reasoning.

Benefits of the Raven test

Compared with other methods, techniques or measurement tests, the Raven has a wide list of benefits, since some factors stand out from the conventional to generate better results, since there is greater accessibility in front of any type of person . For example:

• It can be applied to both children and adults, this regardless of how high or low their cultural level is or if there are communication problems or motor difficulties.
• It turns out to be an accessible and inexpensive test at the time of application.
• It generates a lot of motivation and interest on the part of the people who are going to carry them out since the result invites them to stay until the end.
• For the resolution of the entire test, the person must walk through a broad reasoning of their behavior and understanding to be able to complete all the problems.
• Information on the cognitive functioning of the child or adult can be obtained in a very fast and accurate way.
• The measurement test against the intelligence factor should not only be unique, but can be used with other evaluation methods to obtain more powerful and robust results.

Raven’s test versions

Currently there are 3 versions of the Raven test , which vary according to some factors such as age or levels of understanding in general. In the case of the first version, which is known as General Progressive Nuances or also called Standard, it can be applied by people from 12 to 65 years old.

The second version is Progressive Matrices in Color or Colored , ideal for people between 3 and 8 years old, or individuals with a mental deficit. And the third version of the Raven test is called Advanced Progressive Matrices, which can be applied to people with an intellectual capacity superior to the conventional one.

• Progressive Matrices General : It deals with 60 problems with 5 series of 12 elements each. The exercises are presented in full black and white and are usually more difficult than the progressive color version.
• Progressive Matrices in Color : People who apply this version will have at their disposal 36 problems in 3 series of 12 elements each. Although they are presented in color to be a bit more appealing to users, some more complex problems are in black and white.
• Advanced Progressive Matrices : It is made up of 2 series, where in the first there are 12 problems with intellectual processes that are studied in the General version; and in the second series there are 36 problems. They are in black and white, turning out to be one of the most complicated exercises Raven has allowed.

How to apply the Raven test?

The main thing that you should be clear about is that the nature of the test is non-verbal , since the material used and the response obtained from the person analyzed is of this type.

Regarding the material to be used, only one sheet will be necessary where abstract and incomplete geometric figures are located , where the individual must complete and provide an effective solution according to the problem that arises according to its difficulty.

All this in order to measure the levels of a person’s analogical reasoning , as described above, which will result in the collection of surprising data about the intellect and its capabilities.

To give you a clearer idea, a sheet will have 8 incomplete geometric figures, where pattern 9 must be identified by the individual through their reasoning, and the choice of any of the previous pieces that complement the missing one.

Although there is no set time, it is recommended that only 45 minutes be used for its completion , since this time is enough for the person, whether adult or child, to put all their abilities into practice in each of the problems and series, depending on the version of Raven’s test.

Once the time has passed, it will be up to a professional psychologist or expert in the application of the Raven test to carry out a psychotechnical or psychological test on the results obtained, and in this way it will be possible to know, analyze and determine the final effects that give the person’s IQ levels.

How do the scores on the Raven test work?

The correction of the problem can be done through a sheet or manually, where according to the successes, the values ​​and scales allowed within the resolution of the problems will be determined. As you will see below:

• SPM: This is the maximum score with 60 points in correct answers to the total matrices applied.
• CPM: It is the regular scale that is applied in children from 4 to 10 years old where 36 points are correct as a general rule.
• APM: It adapts to the application of the test in adults and adolescents with optimal reasoning abilities and achieves a maximum score of 12 points.
• AMP II: The same as in the previous aspect but with 36 points as the maximum score.

Undoubtedly, the test created for John Raven over the years has not lost its validity or popularity, since more and more specialists decide to apply this method to learn a little more about people; but it is also useful for those individuals who want to know how fortunate they are intellectually.