Raven's Progressive Matrices™ (RPM)

Assess general mental ability from a non-verbal perspective.

Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM): A Leading Non-Verbal Ability Test

The Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) is the world's most widely used test to assess mental ability without relying on language. It measures your problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and ability to learn. This is particularly beneficial for evaluating people from diverse backgrounds where language fluency might differ.

Strong Track Record and Multiple Applications

The RPM's well-established foundation, extensive research use, and translation into various languages make it ideal for various settings. These include:

  • Organisations: Identifying candidates with strong analytical and problem-solving skills for leadership, technical, and management roles.

  • Education: Assessing students' potential for success, particularly those showing exceptional cognitive abilities.

  • Clinical Settings: Evaluating cognitive function in elderly populations or individuals with disabilities where traditional testing might be challenging.

Tailored Tests for Different Needs

The RPM comes in three forms with increasing difficulty:

  • Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM): Ideal for children under 11, assessing core cognitive processes like early reasoning.

  • Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM): Measures general observation skills suitable for the broader population.

  • Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM): Designed to differentiate between individuals with high intellectual ability and assess their efficiency under timed conditions.

Reliable Scoring and Insights

The RPM provides a raw score and percentile rank, indicating your ability to analyse complex situations compared to a reference group. These scores are less influenced by language or ethnicity and can predict success in educational pursuits for both children and adults.

In clinical settings, the RPM's reliability and lack of bias make it valuable for neuropsychological assessments and evaluations involving elderly or disabled populations.

Areas of Application (tailored by test)

  • Raven's CPM: Identifying gifted students, assessing cognitive development in younger individuals, and evaluating individuals with limitations.

  • Raven's SPM: Selecting candidates for management, technical, and professional roles requiring strong analytical thinking. Useful for monitoring progress in educational and occupational settings.

  • Raven's APM: Identifying candidates for high-level positions demanding exceptional intellectual ability and efficiency. Valuable for monitoring development in advanced educational settings.

Report Options

Scoring methods vary depending on the RPM version. The CPM and APM are currently hand-scored, while the SPM offers electronic reports through JVR Online.

Product Info

Training

None

Age range

CPM: Children 5 years to 11 years; SPM: 11 years 9 months and older; APM: Top 20% of the population

Administration time

CPM 15-30 minutes (36 items); SPM 15-45 minutes (60 items); APM 40-60 minutes (36 items)

Norms

South African

Languages

Instructions in English, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Zulu (Non-verbal assessment)

Administration Platform

Online (SPM), Hand-scoring (CPM, SPM, APM)

Integrated reports

Available

Author

John C. Raven

Publisher

Pearson Ltd.

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