Raven's Progressive Matrices Reasoning by Analogy Questions and Answers

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

A small square

Answer

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 2

Consider the classic analogy format A:B :: C:?. Figure A is a complete circle. Figure B is the same circle with its top-most arc segment removed. Figure C is a complete, upright equilateral triangle. Which figure correctly represents D?

Accepted Answer

The triangle with its top-most point (apex) removed

Answer

The relationship between A and B is the removal of the top-most portion of the shape. Applying this analogous transformation to C (an upright triangle) means removing its top-most portion, which is the apex.

Question 3

Which of the following describes the core principle of 'reasoning by analogy' as applied to Raven's Progressive Matrices?

Accepted Answer

Determining the relationship between an initial pair of figures and applying that identical relationship to a second pair.

Answer

Reasoning by analogy involves understanding a rule or transformation between one set of items and then applying that same rule or transformation to another set. [14] This is a fundamental cognitive process for solving many matrix problems.

Question 4

In a 3x3 matrix, the rule applied across Row 1 is analogous to the rule applied across Row 2. In Row 1, the figures are: a single vertical line, a single horizontal line, a plus sign (+). In Row 2, the figures are: a hollow circle, a solid black dot, and a missing figure. What is the missing figure in Row 2?

Accepted Answer

A solid black dot inside of a hollow circle

Answer

The rule established in Row 1 is that the third figure is a superposition, or combination, of the first two figures. Applying this analogous rule to Row 2 requires combining the hollow circle and the solid black dot, resulting in the dot being inside the circle.

Question 5

You are presented with an analogy problem: A single, solid black square is to a single, hollow white circle as a single, solid black triangle is to...?

Accepted Answer

A single, hollow white triangle

Answer

The relationship between the first pair involves two transformations: the shape changes from a square to a circle, and the fill changes from solid black to hollow white. Applying this analogous rule, the solid black triangle must become a hollow white shape of the same kind, i.e., a hollow white triangle.

Raven's Progressive Matrices Test Practice Test

Raven's Progressive Matrices Test Practice Test

Raven's Progressive Matrices Reasoning by Analogy Questions and Answers