Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A 3×3 matrix uses subtraction: each row's third element equals the first element minus the second element's shading. Row 1: filled square − half-filled square = quarter-filled square. Row 2: filled circle − quarter-filled circle = ?

Half-filled circle
Fully filled circle
Empty circle
Three-quarter-filled circle (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Three-quarter-filled circle

Subtracting a quarter-fill from a full fill leaves three-quarters filled.

Question 2: A 2x2 matrix presents a visual analogy. The top-left cell contains a U-shape. The top-right cell shows the same U-shape with a horizontal line across the top, forming a closed square-like shape. The bottom-left cell contains a V-shape. Which figure completes the analogy in the bottom-right cell?

A W-shape
An upward-pointing triangle (Correct answer)
A diamond shape
An inverted V-shape

Correct answer: An upward-pointing triangle

The relationship in the top row is 'closure'; a line is added to close the open part of the U-shape, turning it into a complete figure. Applying this same analogical reasoning to the bottom row, a line must be added to close the open part of the V-shape. This creates a complete, upward-pointing triangle.

Question 3: A continuous pattern involves the subtraction of elements. In a 3x3 matrix, each cell contains a square divided into four quadrants, with each quadrant containing a small symbol (circle, star, cross, diamond). As you move from left to right, one symbol disappears in a set order (circle, then star, then cross). As you move from top to bottom, the entire figure rotates 90 degrees counter-clockwise. If the top-left cell has all four symbols, what does the bottom-middle cell contain?

A star and cross, rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise.
A cross and diamond, rotated 180 degrees.
A star, cross, and diamond, rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise.
A star, cross, and diamond, rotated 180 degrees. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A star, cross, and diamond, rotated 180 degrees.

First, let's determine the symbols. The top-middle cell (row 1, column 2) would have the circle removed, leaving the star, cross, and diamond. Now, let's apply the rotation rule. Moving from top to bottom, the figure rotates 90 degrees counter-clockwise at each step. The cell directly below the top-middle cell (row 2, column 2) would have the star, cross, and diamond rotated 90 degrees. The bottom-middle cell (row 3, column 2) would have the same symbols rotated another 90 degrees, for a total of 180 degrees from the original orientation.

Question 4: Observe a 3x3 grid where each cell contains a shape. The rule for the grid is that the figure in the third column is a result of combining the figures from the first two columns. Specifically, the third figure is the first figure after it has been rotated to the orientation of the second figure. In a given row, the first figure is a 'T' shape. The second figure is a 'T' shape rotated 90 degrees clockwise (lying on its side, pointing right). What is the resulting figure in the third column?

A 'T' shape.
A 'T' shape rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise (pointing left).
A 'T' shape rotated 90 degrees clockwise (pointing right). (Correct answer)
A 'T' shape rotated 180 degrees (upside down).

Correct answer: A 'T' shape rotated 90 degrees clockwise (pointing right).

The rule states that the figure in the third column is the first figure rotated to match the orientation of the second figure. Since the first figure is a 'T' and the second figure is a 'T' rotated 90 degrees clockwise, the resulting figure in the third column must also be a 'T' shape rotated 90 degrees clockwise.

Question 5: In a 3×3 Raven's matrix, inner figures are present only in cells where the row number and column number differ (off-diagonal cells). How many cells in total contain an inner figure?

4
3
9
6 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 6

The three diagonal cells (row 1 col 1, row 2 col 2, row 3 col 3) have equal row and column numbers, leaving exactly 6 off-diagonal cells that contain an inner figure.

Question 6: In a 3x3 grid, the first row shows: (1) a large square with a small black circle, (2) a large square, (3) a small black circle. The second row shows: (1) a large triangle with a small star, (2) a small star, (3) a large triangle. The third row shows: (1) a large pentagon with a small cross, (2) a large pentagon, (3) a missing shape. Which shape belongs in the missing cell?

A small cross. (Correct answer)
A large pentagon.
A large pentagon with a small circle.
A small star.

Correct answer: A small cross.

The logic across each row involves subtraction. The shape in the third cell is what remains after the shape in the second cell is removed from the first cell. In the first row, removing the large square from the 'large square with a small circle' leaves the small circle. In the second row, removing the small star from the 'large triangle with a small star' leaves the large triangle. Following this pattern, removing the large pentagon from the 'large pentagon with a small cross' leaves the small cross.

Question 7: In a 3x3 matrix, the figure in each cell is a polygon. Moving from left to right across each row, one side is added to the polygon. Moving from top to bottom down each column, the polygon rotates 45 degrees clockwise. If the top-left cell contains an upright triangle, what is the figure in the bottom-right cell?

A pentagon rotated 45 degrees clockwise.
A hexagon rotated 45 degrees clockwise.
A pentagon rotated 90 degrees clockwise. (Correct answer)
A square rotated 90 degrees clockwise.

Correct answer: A pentagon rotated 90 degrees clockwise.

Moving two cells to the right adds two sides (Triangle -> Square -> Pentagon). Moving two cells down results in two 45-degree clockwise rotations (45 + 45 = 90 degrees). Therefore, the figure in the bottom-right cell must be a pentagon rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the original upright position.

Question 8: A matrix shows shapes with shaded segments increasing by 2 per column: 0 in column 1, 2 in column 2, and ___ in column 3?

3
2
4 (Correct answer)
6

Correct answer: 4

Adding 2 shaded segments per column gives the sequence 0, 2, 4 — so column 3 has 4 shaded segments.

Question 9: If the RPM score distribution in a clinical sample of individuals with traumatic brain injury is compared to the normative distribution, what shift is typically expected?

No systematic shift is expected
The clinical distribution shifts to the left (lower scores) (Correct answer)
The clinical distribution becomes more uniform
The clinical distribution shifts to the right (higher scores)

Correct answer: The clinical distribution shifts to the left (lower scores)

TBI commonly impairs fluid intelligence, so the score distribution for this clinical group tends to shift toward lower values compared to normative samples.

Question 10: A matrix shows one separate shape per cell in row 1, two shapes in row 2, and three shapes in row 3. How many shapes appear in each cell of the missing row 3?

Three (Correct answer)
Four
Two
One

Correct answer: Three

Row 3 consistently shows three shapes across all columns, matching the row's defining count.

Question 11: Each column has a consistent fill style throughout the matrix: column 1 has diagonal stripes, column 2 has dots, and column 3 has solid fill. The missing cell is in column 3. What fill does it show?

Empty
Dots
Diagonal stripes
Solid fill (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Solid fill

Column 3 always uses solid fill regardless of the row, as fill style is determined by column position.

Question 12: Each figure is divided into four quadrants, with the shaded quadrant rotating clockwise one position per column: column 1 shades top-left, column 2 shades top-right, and column 3 shades ___?

Top-left
Bottom-right (Correct answer)
Bottom-left
Top-right

Correct answer: Bottom-right

Rotating the shaded quadrant clockwise 90° from top-right gives bottom-right for column 3.

Question 13: Matrix-style questions need Ps to find the patterns or rules in the grid that identify the missing piece. By varying the grid size, the difficulty of the grids can be changed. Grids contain visual information because it is a non-verbal and progressive test. After all, the questions get more challenging.

Procedure
Method (Correct answer)
Discussion
Results

Correct answer: Method

The provided paragraph describes the systematic approach, design, and characteristics of Raven's Progressive Matrices tests. It details how the test is structured, the type of information it uses (visual, non-verbal), and how its difficulty is varied. This comprehensive description of the test's construction and administration falls under the definition of a 'Method' or methodology.

Question 14: In the given 3x3 matrix, a central figure undergoes a transformation in each row. The first row shows a capital letter 'F'. The second figure in the row is a horizontal reflection of the first. The third figure is a horizontal reflection of the second. The second row follows the same pattern with a letter 'R'. The third row starts with a letter 'J'. Which figure correctly completes the third row?

A capital letter 'J' reflected horizontally.
The original capital letter 'J'. (Correct answer)
A capital letter 'J' rotated 90 degrees clockwise.
A capital letter 'J' reflected vertically.

Correct answer: The original capital letter 'J'.

The pattern across each row is: Original Figure -> Horizontal Reflection -> Horizontal Reflection. A horizontal reflection of a horizontal reflection returns the figure to its original state. Therefore, the third figure in the row must be the same as the first, which is the original capital letter 'J'.

Question 15: In a 3×3 Raven's matrix, the row totals are 6, 9, and 12. If all three column totals are equal, what does each column total equal?

7
12
6
9 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 9

The grand total is 6+9+12=27; divided equally among 3 columns gives each column a total of 9.

Question 16: In a 3x3 matrix, each cell contains a small black square and a small white circle within its four quadrants. The rule for moving across a row (left to right) is that the two shapes swap their horizontal positions. The rule for moving down a column is that the two shapes swap their vertical positions. If the top-left cell has the square in the top-left quadrant and the circle in the bottom-right quadrant, what is the configuration of the bottom-right cell?

Square in the top-right, circle in the bottom-left.
Square in the top-left, circle in the bottom-right. (Correct answer)
Square in the bottom-left, circle in the top-right.
Square in the bottom-right, circle in the top-left.

Correct answer: Square in the top-left, circle in the bottom-right.

Let's trace the transformations. Moving from the top-left cell to the top-right cell involves two horizontal swaps, which results in the shapes returning to their original horizontal positions. Similarly, moving from the top-right cell to the bottom-right cell involves two vertical swaps, which returns the shapes to their original vertical positions. Therefore, the figure in the bottom-right cell is identical to the one in the top-left cell.

Question 17: A matrix has shapes where the number of internal lines equals the row number. Row 1 shapes have 1 line, row 2 have 2 lines. How many internal lines does a shape in row 5 have?

3
6
4
5 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5

The rule is direct: the number of internal lines equals the row number, so row 5 has 5 lines.

Question 18: Five machines can produce five parts in five minutes. How long does it take 100 machines to make 100 parts?

10
15
30
5 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5

This is a trick question. If five machines produce five parts in five minutes, it implies that each individual machine produces one part in five minutes. Therefore, if you have 100 machines, and each machine still takes five minutes to produce one part, then 100 machines will collectively produce 100 parts in the same five minutes. The time per part per machine remains constant regardless of the number of machines.

Question 19: In an RPM matrix, when three shapes mutually overlap in a Venn-diagram arrangement, how many distinct non-overlapping regions are created in total?

7 regions (Correct answer)
9 regions
6 regions
4 regions

Correct answer: 7 regions

Three mutually overlapping shapes create 7 distinct regions: 3 areas exclusive to each individual shape, 3 pairwise-only overlaps, and 1 central region where all three overlap simultaneously.

Question 20: A sequence shows a black dot moving within a 3x3 grid. The first frame shows the dot in the top-left corner. The second frame shows it in the top-center. The third frame shows it in the middle-center. The fourth frame shows it in the middle-right. Which frame correctly shows the fifth position in the sequence?

A grid with the dot in the bottom-center cell.
A grid with the dot in the middle-left cell.
A grid with the dot in the bottom-right cell. (Correct answer)
A grid with the dot in the top-right cell.

Correct answer: A grid with the dot in the bottom-right cell.

The pattern of movement is an alternating sequence: one step to the right, followed by one step down. The sequence is Top-Left -> (move right) -> Top-Center -> (move down) -> Middle-Center -> (move right) -> Middle-Right. The next move must be one step down, placing the dot in the bottom-right cell.

Question 21: A matrix shows fill proportion increasing per row: row 1 is 1/4 filled, row 2 is 1/2 filled, and row 3 is ___?

1/2 filled
Fully filled
3/4 filled (Correct answer)
1/4 filled

Correct answer: 3/4 filled

Fill proportion increases by 1/4 per row, making all row 3 cells consistently 3/4 filled.

Question 22: Consider a sequence where a simple shape is transformed. The sequence is: 1. An arrow pointing up. 2. The arrow is rotated 180 degrees. 3. The resulting figure is reflected across a vertical axis. What is the final orientation of the arrow?

Pointing down. (Correct answer)
Pointing up.
Pointing left.
Pointing right.

Correct answer: Pointing down.

Step 1: Arrow points up (↑). Step 2: Rotating it 180 degrees makes it point down (↓). Step 3: Reflecting a downward-pointing arrow, which is symmetrical, across a vertical axis results in no visible change. The arrow remains pointing down.

Question 23: In a Raven's matrix, each row's third figure is obtained by keeping only the elements present in BOTH the first and second figures. Figure 1 has a circle and a square; figure 2 has a circle and a triangle. What is figure 3?

Circle and square
Circle, square, and triangle
Circle only (Correct answer)
Square and triangle

Correct answer: Circle only

Only the circle appears in both figures, so figure 3 contains just the circle.

Question 24: A matrix shows a circle morphing across columns: filled circle in column 1, circle with a center hole in column 2, and ring only (hollow circle) in column 3. The missing cell is in column 3, row 3. What does it show?

Filled circle
Ring only (Correct answer)
Circle with a center hole
Empty space

Correct answer: Ring only

Column 3 always displays the final morph stage — a ring only — throughout the matrix.

Question 25: Which of the following best describes a 'constant angle' pattern in Raven's Progressive Matrices?

Lines alternate between two angles
Lines decrease in angle across rows
All lines in the matrix share the same orientation (Correct answer)
Lines rotate by a fixed amount each column

Correct answer: All lines in the matrix share the same orientation

A constant angle pattern means every cell in the matrix contains a line at the same orientation, and no rotation occurs.

Question 26: A matrix has the rule: combine figures by addition of elements, but any element appearing three or more times across a row is dropped. A row contains: [dot, square] + [dot, triangle] + [?]. The dot appears twice so far. Which answer correctly completes the row?

Dot, square, and triangle (Correct answer)
Empty cell
Square and triangle only
Dot only

Correct answer: Dot, square, and triangle

The dot has appeared twice and does not yet reach the threshold of three, so the third cell retains it along with the new elements from combining the accumulation.

Question 27: In a combination matrix, overlaying a shape with a diagonal line and a shape with a vertical line produces which result when shared features cancel?

A shape with only a diagonal line
A shape with both a diagonal and a vertical line (Correct answer)
A shape with no lines
A shape with only a vertical line

Correct answer: A shape with both a diagonal and a vertical line

Since the diagonal line and vertical line are different (not shared), both remain in the combined result.

Question 28: In a 3×3 matrix, each row contains one filled, one striped, and one empty version of the same shape. The missing cell is in a row where filled and striped already appear. What fill pattern completes it?

Empty (Correct answer)
Filled
Striped
Dotted

Correct answer: Empty

Since filled and striped are present, the missing pattern must be empty to complete the set.

Question 29: In RPM frequency tables published in manuals, what does the cumulative frequency column represent?

The sum of all frequencies from the lowest score up to and including the current score (Correct answer)
The average of all scores up to that point
The number of people who scored exactly at that raw score
The percentage of people above the current score

Correct answer: The sum of all frequencies from the lowest score up to and including the current score

Cumulative frequency is the running total of all frequencies from the lowest score through the current score level.

Question 30: In a 3x3 matrix, a figure (an arrow within a circle) changes from cell to cell. Moving left-to-right across any row, the arrow rotates 90 degrees clockwise. Moving top-to-bottom down any column, the entire figure moves to the next cell down without rotating. If the top-left cell contains an arrow pointing up (↑) inside a circle, what does the center cell (row 2, column 2) contain?

An arrow pointing down (↓) in a circle.
An arrow pointing left (←) in a circle.
An arrow pointing up (↑) in a circle.
An arrow pointing right (→) in a circle. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An arrow pointing right (→) in a circle.

To find the center cell (2,2), one can first determine an adjacent cell. For example, moving from the top-left cell (1,1) one step right to cell (1,2) rotates the arrow 90 degrees clockwise, resulting in a right-pointing arrow (→). Then, moving from cell (1,2) one step down to the center cell (2,2) applies the column rule, which is a positional change only. Thus, the center cell contains a right-pointing arrow.

Question 31: Consider a 2x2 matrix where the top-left cell contains a single vertical line. The rule for the row is that each subsequent cell adds a horizontal line. The rule for the column is that the entire figure in the cell below is a mirror image of the one above it. Which figure should be in the bottom-right cell?

A plus sign.
Two vertical lines and one horizontal line.
A mirrored plus sign. (Correct answer)
A single horizontal line.

Correct answer: A mirrored plus sign.

The top-left cell has a vertical line. The top-right cell adds a horizontal line, creating a plus sign. The bottom-left cell is a mirror image of the top-left, which is still a single vertical line. The bottom-right cell must be a mirror image of the top-right cell. A mirror image of a plus sign is identical to a plus sign. Therefore, the answer is a mirrored plus sign (which looks the same as a regular plus sign).

Question 32: In standardized Raven's Progressive Matrices tests, items built around symmetry and mirror patterns most directly measure which cognitive ability?

Short-term auditory memory
Visual-spatial reasoning and the ability to mentally manipulate shapes (Correct answer)
Long-term semantic memory for learned facts
Verbal reasoning and vocabulary

Correct answer: Visual-spatial reasoning and the ability to mentally manipulate shapes

Symmetry and mirror pattern items require mental reflection recognition and spatial reasoning — core components of fluid intelligence that Raven's matrices are specifically designed to measure.

Question 33: In a 3x3 matrix, each cell contains one of three shapes (circle, square, triangle) and has one of three shading patterns (solid, striped, hollow). The matrix follows two distribution rules: each row and column must contain one of each shape, AND each row and column must contain one of each shading pattern. Given the top-left cell is a solid circle and the center cell is a striped square, what must the bottom-right cell be to complete the matrix?

A solid triangle
A hollow triangle (Correct answer)
A striped square
A hollow circle

Correct answer: A hollow triangle

This problem involves two simultaneous distribution rules. For the shapes, each row and column needs one circle, one square, and one triangle. For the shading, each row and column needs one solid, one striped, and one hollow pattern. By analyzing the row and column of the missing cell, you can determine that both a triangle and a hollow pattern are required to satisfy both rules.

Question 34: A 3x3 matrix operates on a cumulative rule set. Moving one cell to the right adds a specific feature, and moving one cell down adds a different feature. The starting cell (top-left) is a blank square. Moving right adds concentric circles (one for each step right). Moving down adds radial lines from the center (one for each step down). What would the figure in the bottom-right cell (row 3, column 3) look like?

A square with three concentric circles and three radial lines
A square with two concentric circles and two radial lines (Correct answer)
A square with two radial lines
A square with three concentric circles

Correct answer: A square with two concentric circles and two radial lines

To reach the bottom-right cell (3,3) from the top-left (1,1), one must move two steps to the right and two steps down. Each step right adds a concentric circle, so two steps right results in two concentric circles. Each step down adds a radial line, so two steps down results in two radial lines. Therefore, the final figure combines both transformations, resulting in a square containing two concentric circles and two radial lines.

Question 35: In a subtraction matrix, figure A contains 4 small black circles and figure B contains 2 small black circles placed in identical positions. The result of A minus B contains how many circles?

2 circles (Correct answer)
4 circles
0 circles
6 circles

Correct answer: 2 circles

The 2 circles in B match 2 circles in A positionally and are subtracted, leaving 2 circles.

Question 36: In a scenario involving a 3x3 matrix, you observe that the number of dots inside a shape increases by one as you move down a column. Across the rows, the primary shape changes from a circle, to a square, to a triangle. Given the middle cell contains a square with two dots, what must the top-right cell contain?

A circle with one dot.
A circle with three dots.
A triangle with one dot. (Correct answer)
A triangle with two dots.

Correct answer: A triangle with one dot.

The middle cell (row 2, column 2) is a square with two dots. The vertical rule states the number of dots increases by one for each step down. This means the cell above it (row 1, column 2) must have one dot. The horizontal rule dictates the shape in the third column (top-right) must be a triangle. Since the number of dots is consistent across a row, the top-right cell must contain a triangle with one dot.

Question 37: A matrix shows internal lines increasing per row: 0 lines in row 1, 1 line in row 2, and 2 lines in row 3. The missing cell is in row 3, column 2. How many internal lines does it have?

One
Zero
Three
Two (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Two

Row 3 consistently contains 2 internal lines across all columns, as line count is defined by row.

Question 38: The shaded half of each shape rotates clockwise 90° per column: column 1 shades the left half, column 2 shades the bottom half, and column 3 shades ___?

Right half
Left half
Top half (Correct answer)
Bottom half

Correct answer: Top half

Rotating the shaded half clockwise 90° from bottom-half gives top-half for column 3.

Question 39: Which of the following principles is fundamental to solving a continuous pattern progression problem in a Raven's Progressive Matrices test?

Identifying a single, static feature that repeats.
Random association of elements.
Cultural or linguistic knowledge.
Recognizing a consistent, logical transformation across rows and columns. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Recognizing a consistent, logical transformation across rows and columns.

The core of solving Raven's Matrices is to identify the underlying logical rules or transformations that govern how the figures change from one cell to the next, both horizontally and vertically. These transformations are consistent and predictable, not random. The patterns are designed to be independent of cultural or linguistic knowledge.

Question 40: On the Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM), why is the score distribution typically more negatively skewed than on the Standard Progressive Matrices?

APM has more items overall
APM uses a different scoring method
APM norms were collected from a wider age range
APM is designed for above-average ability groups, so most scores cluster near the top (Correct answer)

Correct answer: APM is designed for above-average ability groups, so most scores cluster near the top

The APM targets high-ability individuals, so their scores bunch near the ceiling, creating negative skew with few low-end scores.

Question 41: A 3x3 matrix displays a pattern. In each row, a square containing a single black dot moves from one cell to the next. In the first row, the dot is in the top-left, then top-right, then bottom-right. In the second row, the dot is in the top-right, then bottom-right, then bottom-left. In the third row, the dot is in the bottom-left, then top-left. Which of the following options completes the pattern for the third row?

A square with a dot in the bottom-left corner.
A square with a dot in the bottom-right corner.
A square with a dot in the top-right corner. (Correct answer)
A square with a dot in the top-left corner.

Correct answer: A square with a dot in the top-right corner.

The pattern in each row is a 90-degree clockwise rotation of the dot's position around the corners of the square. In the third row, the dot moves from bottom-left to top-left. The next 90-degree clockwise step would move the dot to the top-right corner.

Question 42: In a 3x3 matrix, the figure in the third cell of each row is determined by a rule of subtraction. The elements of the second figure are removed from the first figure. Row 1 shows: (A large square with 4 small circles in the corners) - (A large square with 2 small circles on the left side) = (A large square with 2 small circles on the right side). Row 2 shows: (A plus sign inside a circle) - (A vertical line inside a circle) = (A horizontal line inside a circle). Following this rule, what is the missing figure in Row 3: (A shape with 8 sides and 2 diagonals forming an 'X') - (A shape with 8 sides and 1 diagonal line leaning right '/') = ?

A shape with 2 diagonal lines forming an 'X'
A shape with 8 sides and 1 diagonal line leaning left '\' (Correct answer)
A shape with 8 sides
A shape with 8 sides and a plus sign '+'

Correct answer: A shape with 8 sides and 1 diagonal line leaning left '\'

The governing rule for each row is that the third figure is the result of the first figure minus any overlapping elements from the second figure. In the third row, the first figure is an octagon with two diagonals ('X'). The second figure is an octagon with one right-leaning diagonal ('/'). Subtracting the common elements (the octagon shape and the '/' diagonal) from the first figure leaves only the octagon shape and the left-leaning diagonal ('\').

Question 43: Which of the following scenarios in a 3x3 matrix BEST describes the application of a 'Progressive Change' principle?

Each row and column contains one circle, one square, and one triangle.
The relationship from cell A to B is the same as from cell C to D.
The third column is a superposition of the first two columns.
Moving left-to-right, a central figure rotates 45 degrees clockwise per cell. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Moving left-to-right, a central figure rotates 45 degrees clockwise per cell.

'Progressive Change' refers to a continuous, step-by-step transformation of a figure across a row or down a column. The rotation of a figure by a set amount in each subsequent cell is a classic example of this principle. Superposition is a combination rule, distribution is a frequency rule, and the A:B::C:D structure is reasoning by analogy.

Question 44: A matrix shows lines progressing through 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, and 180° across cells. After 180°, the next line would logically appear at 0° because:

Lines cannot exceed 180° in RPM matrices
180° is always the maximum angle used in RPM
The pattern resets arbitrarily at 180°
A line at 180° is indistinguishable from a line at 0° (both are horizontal) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A line at 180° is indistinguishable from a line at 0° (both are horizontal)

A straight line at 180° looks identical to one at 0° — both appear horizontal — so the sequence wraps back to 0° naturally.

Question 45: A matrix shows increasing outline thickness per column: thin in column 1, medium in column 2, and thick in column 3. The missing cell is in column 3, row 2. What thickness does it show?

Medium
Thick (Correct answer)
Thin
No outline

Correct answer: Thick

Column 3 consistently displays thick outlines throughout the matrix, as thickness is determined by column.

Question 46: A three-part sequence shows a square divided into four quadrants. In the first figure, the top-left quadrant is shaded. In the second figure, the top-right quadrant is shaded. Which of the following figures represents the third step in a sequence governed by a single, consistent rotation?

A square with the bottom-right quadrant shaded. (Correct answer)
A square with the top-right quadrant shaded.
A square with the top-left quadrant shaded.
A square with the bottom-left quadrant shaded.

Correct answer: A square with the bottom-right quadrant shaded.

The pattern is a simple 90-degree clockwise rotation of the shaded quadrant. The shaded block moves from the top-left to the top-right. The next 90-degree clockwise rotation would move the shaded block to the bottom-right quadrant.

Question 47: A continuous pattern progression in a Raven's matrix shows a central shape with smaller shapes in the corners. Horizontally, a small circle is added to each subsequent corner in a clockwise manner, starting from the top-left. Vertically, the central shape's color alternates between black and white. If the top-left cell has a white central square and no corner shapes, what does the middle cell (row 2, column 2) of a 3x3 matrix contain?

A black central square with circles in the top-left and top-right corners. (Correct answer)
A white central square with a circle in the top-left corner.
A black central square with a circle in the top-left corner.
A white central square with circles in the top-left and top-right corners.

Correct answer: A black central square with circles in the top-left and top-right corners.

The top row would be: (1) White square, no circles; (2) White square, top-left circle; (3) White square, top-left & top-right circles. The first column would be: (1) White square, no circles; (2) Black square, no circles; (3) White square, no circles. To find the middle cell (2,2), we combine the rules. It must have a black central square (vertical rule for row 2). It must have one circle added, which is placed in the top-left corner (horizontal rule for column 2). Therefore, the cell at (2,2) will have a black central square with circles in both the top-left and top-right corners, following the progression from cell (2,1) which would have a black square with a top-left circle.

Question 48: Which of the following completes the matrix? Row 1: (1) Three horizontal lines, (2) One horizontal line, (3) Two horizontal lines. Row 2: (1) A square and a circle, (2) A circle, (3) A square. Row 3: (1) Two triangles and a diamond, (2) Two triangles, (3) ?

Two triangles.
A circle.
A square and a diamond.
A diamond. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A diamond.

The pattern in each row is based on subtraction. The elements in the second cell are subtracted from the elements in the first cell to produce the elements in the third cell. In Row 1, three lines minus one line equals two lines. In Row 2, a square and a circle minus a circle equals a square. Therefore, in Row 3, two triangles and a diamond minus two triangles equals a diamond.

Question 49: Which RPM edition uses age-stratified norms to account for developmental changes in fluid intelligence?

All major RPM editions (Correct answer)
Coloured Progressive Matrices
Advanced Progressive Matrices
Standard Progressive Matrices Plus

Correct answer: All major RPM editions

All major RPM editions (CPM, SPM, APM) use age-stratified norms because raw score distributions shift with age.

Question 50: In a 3x3 matrix, the figure in the third column is the result of a cumulative construction of the figures in the first two columns. The same principle applies down each column. Top Row: (1) A triangle. (2) A square. (3) A triangle inside a square. First Column: (1) A triangle. (2) A circle. (3) A triangle inside a circle. Given this logic, if the figure in the center cell (row 2, column 2) is a single dot, what must the figure in the bottom-right cell (row 3, column 3) be?

A dot inside a circle.
A circle inside a square, with a dot in the center. (Correct answer)
A dot inside a square.
A triangle inside a circle, with a dot in the center.

Correct answer: A circle inside a square, with a dot in the center.

The matrix operates on cumulative construction (superimposition) both horizontally and vertically. The bottom-right cell is the combination of the cell above it (row 2, column 3) and the cell to its left (row 3, column 2). We must first determine those two cells. Cell (2,3) is the combination of (2,1) and (2,2), which is a circle and a dot, resulting in a dot inside a circle. Cell (3,2) is the combination of (1,2) and (2,2), which is a square and a dot, resulting in a dot inside a square. Therefore, the final cell (3,3) is the combination of (a dot inside a circle) and (a dot inside a square). Superimposing these results in a dot inside a circle which is itself inside a square.

Question 51: In a matrix where the quantity of shapes follows a Fibonacci-like sequence (each value is the sum of the two preceding values), starting with 1, 1, what is the 5th value?

4
8
6
5 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5

Fibonacci sequence: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5 — the 5th value is 5.

Question 52: A 3x3 matrix is governed by a conditional transformation rule that is applied from one cell to the next across each row. The rule is: if a figure contains a straight line, it rotates 90 degrees clockwise; if it contains a curved line, it is reflected across a vertical axis. In the third row, the first figure is a capital letter 'S'. What will the third figure in that row be?

The letter 'S' rotated 180 degrees.
A horizontally flipped 'S' (a backwards 'S').
The letter 'S' rotated 90 degrees clockwise.
A capital letter 'S'. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A capital letter 'S'.

The transformation from cell 1 to cell 2 is based on the properties of the figure in cell 1. The transformation from cell 2 to cell 3 is based on the properties of the figure in cell 2. The letter 'S' contains only curved lines. Applying the rule, the figure in cell 1 (S) is reflected vertically to get the figure in cell 2 (a backwards S). The backwards 'S' also contains only curved lines, so it is reflected vertically again to get the figure in cell 3. Reflecting a backwards 'S' vertically returns it to the original 'S'.

Question 53: A 2x2 RPM sub-matrix shows layered shapes. Cell (1,1): circle over square. Cell (1,2): square over triangle. Cell (2,1): triangle over circle. Which combination must appear in cell (2,2) so that each shape appears exactly once as the front and exactly once as the back across all four cells?

Square over circle
Circle over square
Triangle over square
Circle over triangle (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Circle over triangle

Tallying front shapes used (circle, square, triangle) and back shapes used (square, triangle, circle), 'circle over triangle' is the only combination that completes both tallies without repeating any pairing.

Question 54: A sequence of figures shows a pointer that can be in one of five discrete positions, labeled 1 (far-left) through 5 (far-right). The sequence of observed positions is: 3 (center), 4 (mid-right), 5 (far-right), 4 (mid-right), 3 (center). What is the next position in this oscillating sequence?

Position 2 (mid-left) (Correct answer)
Position 5 (far-right)
Position 1 (far-left)
Position 4 (mid-right)

Correct answer: Position 2 (mid-left)

The pointer demonstrates an oscillating or swinging motion. It starts at the center (3), moves to the right extreme (5), and then returns to the center (3). The logical continuation of this pattern is for the swing to proceed towards the left extreme. The very next step after the center (3) in that direction is the mid-left position (2).

Question 55: In a matrix, the figure in each cell is determined by the properties of the figures in the row and column. Moving across a row, the figure rotates 45 degrees clockwise. Moving down a column, the figure is reflected across a horizontal axis. If the figure in the top-left cell is an arrow pointing directly to the right (→), what is the figure in the second row, second column?

An arrow pointing up and to the left.
An arrow pointing down and to the right.
An arrow pointing up and to the right. (Correct answer)
An arrow pointing down and to the left.

Correct answer: An arrow pointing up and to the right.

To find the figure in the second row, second column, we can first determine the figure in the first row, second column. The rule is to rotate 45 degrees clockwise across the row. So, the arrow pointing right (→) becomes an arrow pointing down and to the right (↘). Next, we apply the column rule, which is to reflect the figure across a horizontal axis. Reflecting the down-right arrow (↘) across a horizontal line results in an arrow pointing up and to the right (↗).

Question 56: A sequence consists of a box divided vertically in half. The first image shows the letter 'L' in the left half. The second image shows a horizontally reflected 'L' in the right half. Which image logically continues the sequence as the third image?

A horizontally reflected 'L' in the left half.
A standard 'L' in the right half.
A vertically reflected 'L' in the left half.
A standard 'L' in the left half. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A standard 'L' in the left half.

The rule is a two-part transformation: 1. Reflect the figure horizontally. 2. Move the figure to the opposite half of the box. Applying this rule to the second image (a reflected 'L' on the right side): 1. Reflecting it horizontally returns it to a standard 'L'. 2. Moving it to the opposite half places it in the left half. This results in an image identical to the first in the sequence.

Question 57: In a 2x2 matrix, the relationship between the figures in the top row is analogous to the relationship between the figures in the bottom row. The top-left figure is a large circle. The top-right figure is a small circle. The bottom-left figure is a large square. Which of the following figures must be in the bottom-right cell?

A small circle
A small square (Correct answer)
A large circle containing a large square
A large square containing a small square

Correct answer: A small square

The analogy in the top row is 'large shape becomes small shape'. To maintain the analogy, the large square in the bottom-left must become a small square in the bottom-right.

Question 58: In the context of RPM score distributions, 'interquartile range' (IQR) is useful because it:

Measures the distance between the mean and the mode
Indicates the percentage of scores above the 75th percentile
Equals exactly two standard deviations in any normal distribution
Captures the middle 50% of scores and is resistant to extreme outliers (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Captures the middle 50% of scores and is resistant to extreme outliers

IQR spans from the 25th to the 75th percentile, describing the central spread without being distorted by very high or low outlying scores.

Question 59: A sequence is displayed in a 1x4 horizontal grid. A single dot moves three cells to the right in each step. If a move goes past the fourth cell, it 'wraps around' to the first cell and continues. If the first frame shows the dot in the first (leftmost) cell, which frame shows the dot in the second cell?

The second frame.
The fifth frame.
The third frame.
The fourth frame. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The fourth frame.

The movement sequence is as follows: Frame 1 starts at position 1. For Frame 2, moving 3 cells right places the dot in position 4. For Frame 3, moving 3 cells right from position 4 results in landing on position 3 (one step to wrap to 1, then two more steps to 3). For Frame 4, moving 3 cells right from position 3 results in landing on position 2 (one step to 4, one step to wrap to 1, one more step to 2).

Question 60: In a checkerboard-patterned 3×3 matrix with alternating black and white cells, the top-left corner is black. What color is the bottom-right corner?

Black (Correct answer)
White
Striped
Gray

Correct answer: Black

In a 3×3 checkerboard, cells on the main diagonal (top-left to bottom-right) all share the same color.

Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Exam

Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices is a non-verbal intelligence test that measures abstract reasoning and fluid intelligence through pattern recognition in visual matrices.

Questions

40 min

Time Limit

50%

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