Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: 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?

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

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

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 3: Which statistic best describes the spread or variability of RPM scores within a norming sample?

Standard deviation (Correct answer)
Raw score frequency
Mean
Percentile rank

Correct answer: Standard deviation

Standard deviation quantifies how much individual scores deviate from the mean, capturing the overall spread of the RPM score distribution.

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

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 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 down and to the right.
An arrow pointing down and to the left.
An arrow pointing up and to the right. (Correct answer)
An arrow pointing up 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 6: In standardized Raven's Progressive Matrices tests, items built around symmetry and mirror patterns most directly measure which cognitive ability?

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

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 7: Fill patterns cycle through three types per row: row 1 is (vertical lines, horizontal lines, crosshatch); row 2 is (horizontal lines, crosshatch, vertical lines); row 3 is (crosshatch, vertical lines, ___)?

Horizontal lines (Correct answer)
Dots
Vertical lines
Crosshatch

Correct answer: Horizontal lines

Each row shifts the fill-type sequence left by one position, so row 3's third cell completes the cycle with horizontal lines.

Question 8: 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 third frame.
The fourth frame. (Correct answer)
The fifth frame.
The second frame.

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

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 10: A matrix shows shapes halving in size per column: large in column 1, medium in column 2, and small in column 3. The missing figure is in column 3, row 1. What size is it?

Invisible
Medium
Large
Small (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Small

The halving size rule applies to every row, making all column 3 figures small.

Question 11: 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 triangle with one dot. (Correct answer)
A circle with three dots.
A circle with one dot.
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 12: Which property of the RPM score distribution allows conversion of raw scores to standardized IQ equivalents with mean 100 and SD 15?

The use of forced-choice response format
The equal difficulty of all matrix items
The normal distribution of scores in the standardization sample (Correct answer)
The fact that RPM is administered in timed conditions

Correct answer: The normal distribution of scores in the standardization sample

Because RPM norming samples approximate a normal distribution, linear transformation maps raw scores to the IQ scale (M=100, SD=15).

Question 13: In a 3×3 matrix, all column 1 figures are fully black, column 2 figures are half-shaded, and column 3 figures are unshaded. The missing figure is in row 3, column 3. Which option correctly fills it?

Striped shape
Half-shaded shape
Unshaded shape (Correct answer)
Fully black shape

Correct answer: Unshaded shape

Column 3 is always unshaded across every row, so the missing figure must have no shading.

Question 14: 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?

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

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 15: 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 16: 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 top-right cell.
A grid with the dot in the bottom-right cell. (Correct answer)
A grid with the dot in the bottom-center cell.
A grid with the dot in the middle-left 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 17: 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 bottom-left, circle in the top-right.
Square in the top-left, circle in the bottom-right. (Correct answer)
Square in the bottom-right, circle in the top-left.
Square in the top-right, circle in the bottom-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 18: Three shapes are shown: a large pentagon, a medium pentagon, and a small pentagon. Inside each, the number of internal segments equals the number of sides minus two. How many internal segments does the small pentagon have?

5 segments
4 segments
2 segments
3 segments (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3 segments

A pentagon has 5 sides; 5 minus 2 equals 3 internal segments.

Question 19: When the symmetry axis in a 3×3 Raven's matrix runs diagonally from the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner, which pair of cells are mirror images of each other?

(row 1, col 2) and (row 2, col 1) (Correct answer)
(row 1, col 3) and (row 3, col 1)
(row 2, col 3) and (row 3, col 3)
(row 1, col 1) and (row 3, col 3)

Correct answer: (row 1, col 2) and (row 2, col 1)

For a main diagonal axis of symmetry, cell (i, j) mirrors cell (j, i) by swapping indices, so (row 1, col 2) mirrors (row 2, col 1).

Question 20: 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 top-right corner. (Correct answer)
A square with a dot in the bottom-right corner.
A square with a dot in the bottom-left corner.
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 21: In a Raven's matrix governed by left-right bilateral symmetry, the left cell contains a shape with a dot only on its left side. To complete the symmetry rule, the right cell must contain:

A shape with a dot on its left side (identical)
A shape with no dot
A shape with a dot on its right side (Correct answer)
A shape with a dot at the top

Correct answer: A shape with a dot on its right side

Bilateral symmetry mirrors the left cell across a vertical axis, placing the dot on the opposite (right) side of the reflected figure.

Question 22: What distinguishes a 'nested rule' from a simple inner figure rule in Raven's Progressive Matrices?

Nested rules appear only in the Colored Progressive Matrices version
Nested rules involve color or shading changes applied to the inner figure only
Nested rules require the inner figure to undergo the same type of transformation as the outer figure (Correct answer)
Nested rules apply exclusively to circular outer shapes

Correct answer: Nested rules require the inner figure to undergo the same type of transformation as the outer figure

A nested rule means the inner figure undergoes the same logical transformation (such as rotation or size change) as the outer figure, creating parallel rule application at two hierarchical levels simultaneously.

Question 23: A matrix shows shapes with increasing side counts per column: triangles (3 sides) in column 1, squares (4 sides) in column 2, and pentagons (5 sides) in column 3. The missing cell is in row 2, column 3. What shape appears?

Triangle
Hexagon
Square
Pentagon (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pentagon

Column 3 always contains pentagons, as the number of sides increases by exactly one per column.

Question 24: A Raven's matrix diagonal displays the values 1, 4, 9. This sequence is best classified as:

A sequence of perfect squares (Correct answer)
An arithmetic sequence with common difference 3
A geometric sequence with ratio 3
A sequence of prime numbers

Correct answer: A sequence of perfect squares

1=1², 4=2², 9=3² — the values are the perfect squares of consecutive integers.

Question 25: 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 26: What is 'ceiling effect' in the context of RPM score distributions?

When a test-taker refuses to attempt the final items
When many test-takers score at or near the maximum possible score, compressing the upper tail of the distribution (Correct answer)
When the test has too many difficult items for most respondents
When older adults score higher than younger adults

Correct answer: When many test-takers score at or near the maximum possible score, compressing the upper tail of the distribution

Ceiling effect occurs when scores cluster near the maximum, truncating the distribution's upper end and reducing its ability to differentiate high scorers.

Question 27: A matrix shows shapes with smooth edges in column 1, jagged edges in column 2, and spiky edges in column 3. The missing cell is in column 3, row 3. What type of edges does it have?

Jagged
Rounded
Smooth
Spiky (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Spiky

Column 3 consistently displays spiky edges throughout the matrix, as edge style is determined by column.

Question 28: A matrix shows elements where each row's third element is formed by combining (overlaying) the first two elements and removing any features they share. Two overlapping circles each containing a dot yield which result?

An empty circle with a cross
Two circles with two dots
A circle with two dots
A circle with no dot (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A circle with no dot

The combination-subtraction rule removes shared features (the dot appears in both, so it cancels), leaving a plain circle.

Question 29: A 3×3 matrix has shapes arranged so that each row sums to 15. Row 1: 3, 7, 5. Row 2: 9, 2, 4. Row 3: 1, ?, 8. What fills the blank?

6 (Correct answer)
4
5
7

Correct answer: 6

Row 3 must sum to 15: 1 + ? + 8 = 15, so ? = 6.

Question 30: A matrix has a no-repeat shading rule: no two cells in the same row share a shade. Row 3 shows black in column 1, white in column 2, and ___ in column 3?

Gray (Correct answer)
Striped
White
Black

Correct answer: Gray

With black and white already used in row 3, gray is the only remaining shade that satisfies the no-repeat rule.

Question 31: In frequency distributions of RPM scores, what term describes the most commonly occurring raw score?

Mean
Median
Range
Mode (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Mode

The mode is the most frequently occurring value in a distribution, and in a normal RPM distribution it coincides near the mean and median.

Question 32: Each column in a matrix has a fixed fill style: column 1 is solid, column 2 is hatched, and column 3 is outline only. What fill does the missing column 3 cell show?

Outline only (Correct answer)
Dotted
Hatched
Solid

Correct answer: Outline only

Column 3 consistently displays outline-only fill throughout the entire matrix.

Question 33: In an RPM matrix, each cell shows two overlapping circles. Row 1: both circles are white — the intersection is white. Row 2: one circle is shaded, the other is white — the intersection is shaded. Row 3: both circles are shaded — the intersection is white. What rule governs the intersection shading?

OR logic — the intersection is shaded whenever either shape is shaded
NOT logic — the intersection is always opposite to both shapes
AND logic — the intersection is shaded only when both shapes are shaded
XOR logic — the intersection is shaded only when exactly one shape is shaded (Correct answer)

Correct answer: XOR logic — the intersection is shaded only when exactly one shape is shaded

The pattern follows XOR (exclusive-or) logic: the intersection is shaded only when exactly one of the two overlapping shapes is shaded, not when both or neither are shaded.

Question 34: 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?

No outline
Medium
Thick (Correct answer)
Thin

Correct answer: Thick

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

Question 35: 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 up.
Pointing down. (Correct answer)
Pointing right.
Pointing left.

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 36: A matrix has lines at 0°, 45°, and 90° in column 1. Column 2 shows lines at 45°, 90°, and 135°. What rule governs this matrix?

Each column shifts all angles up by 45° (Correct answer)
Angles decrease by 45° per column
Each cell contains perpendicular line pairs
Each row increases by 45°

Correct answer: Each column shifts all angles up by 45°

Every entry in column 2 is exactly 45° greater than the corresponding entry in column 1, indicating each column adds 45° to the set.

Question 37: 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...?

A single, hollow white triangle (Correct answer)
A single, solid black circle
Three solid black triangles
A single, hollow white square

Correct answer: A single, hollow white triangle

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.

Question 38: What does 'norm-referenced interpretation' of RPM scores mean?

Each item is scored by comparing the examinee to an expert rater
An individual's score is compared to the distribution of scores from a representative standardization sample (Correct answer)
Scores are interpreted relative to absolute mastery criteria set by the test developer
Scores are interpreted based on the number of errors made

Correct answer: An individual's score is compared to the distribution of scores from a representative standardization sample

Norm-referenced interpretation situates an individual's raw score within the frequency distribution of the normative sample to yield relative standing.

Question 39: In a Raven's matrix, an inner figure moves one position clockwise within the outer shape for each column from left to right. If the inner figure starts at the top in column 1, where is it in column 3?

At the left side — after three clockwise steps from the top
At the top — it has completed a full rotation back to start
At the bottom — after two clockwise steps from the top (Correct answer)
At the right side — after one clockwise step from the top

Correct answer: At the bottom — after two clockwise steps from the top

Starting at the top and moving one position clockwise per column: column 1 = top, column 2 = right, column 3 = bottom.

Question 40: 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, cross, and diamond, rotated 180 degrees. (Correct answer)
A cross and diamond, rotated 180 degrees.
A star and cross, rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise.
A star, cross, and diamond, rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise.

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 41: A matrix shows a diagonal shading band shifting one column to the right per row: row 1 shades the left section, row 2 shades the middle section. Which section is shaded in the missing row 3 cell?

Left section
Middle section
Right section (Correct answer)
Entire shape

Correct answer: Right section

The shaded band moves one position to the right per row, landing on the right section in row 3.

Question 42: In the provided 3x3 matrix, the figure in the third column of each row is derived from a logical operation applied to the figures in the first two columns. The operation remains consistent for all rows. Given the patterns in the first two rows, which of the following options correctly completes the third row? Row 1: (1) A 2x2 grid with top-left and bottom-right squares shaded. (2) A 2x2 grid with top-left and top-right squares shaded. (3) A 2x2 grid with only the top-left square shaded. Row 2: (1) A circle with a vertical diameter line. (2) A circle with a horizontal diameter line. (3) A circle with a small dot at the very center. Row 3: (1) A solid black square. (2) A hollow square outline. (3) ?

A solid black square with a hollow square inside.
A hollow square with a solid black dot in the center.
A solid black square.
An empty cell. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An empty cell.

The rule is a logical AND operation, also known as intersection. The third figure in each row contains only the elements that are common to both the first and second figures. In Row 1, only the top-left square is shaded in both grids. In Row 2, the only common point between a vertical and horizontal diameter is the exact center. In Row 3, a solid black square (all area) and a hollow square outline (only the perimeter) have no area in common, resulting in an empty figure.

Question 43: What is the most significant fraction?

1/2
4/7
3/5
5/8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5/8

To find the most significant fraction, convert each option to a decimal or find a common denominator. 1/2 = 0.5, 3/5 = 0.6, 4/7 ≈ 0.571, and 5/8 = 0.625. Comparing these decimal values, 0.625 (5/8) is the largest, making it the most significant fraction.

Question 44: 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 1 (far-left)
Position 5 (far-right)
Position 4 (mid-right)
Position 2 (mid-left) (Correct answer)

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 45: In an RPM problem, lines in each cell rotate 90° clockwise per column. If the first column shows a vertical line (90°), what does the third column show?

90°
270°
0° (same as start)
180° (horizontal) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 180° (horizontal)

Two 90° clockwise rotations from 90° yields 270°, which is equivalent to a horizontal line at 180°.

Question 46: A 3x3 matrix operates on two rules. Rule 1 (rows): The number of identical elements increases by one (1, 2, 3). Rule 2 (columns): The orientation of all elements in the cell rotates 45 degrees counter-clockwise from the cell above. If the top-left cell contains one horizontal line and the cell to its right contains two horizontal lines, what is the figure in the bottom-right cell?

Three vertical lines (Correct answer)
Three diagonal lines
Two vertical lines
Three horizontal lines

Correct answer: Three vertical lines

The target cell is in row 3, column 3. According to Rule 1 (rows), the number of elements in the third column must be three. According to Rule 2 (columns), the orientation rotates 45 degrees counter-clockwise down the column. Starting with a horizontal line in row 1, the elements in row 2 would be diagonal (rotated 45 degrees), and the elements in row 3 would be vertical (rotated another 45 degrees). Therefore, the bottom-right cell must contain three vertical lines.

Question 47: When RPM frequency data show a 'floor effect,' what does this indicate about the test and the sample?

Most examinees scored near the maximum, limiting upward differentiation
Many examinees scored near the minimum, limiting downward differentiation (Correct answer)
The score distribution is perfectly normal for that sample
The test has too many items of average difficulty

Correct answer: Many examinees scored near the minimum, limiting downward differentiation

Floor effect occurs when scores cluster at the lowest possible values, indicating the test may be too difficult for that particular sample.

Question 48: Which cognitive ability is most directly assessed by element combination and subtraction tasks in Raven's Progressive Matrices?

Arithmetic computation speed
Verbal memory and recall
Spatial rotation of 3D objects
Abstract reasoning and pattern deduction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Abstract reasoning and pattern deduction

These tasks measure the capacity to infer and apply abstract rules governing how visual elements change or combine.

Question 49: In a Raven's matrix, the top row contains 1 dot, the middle row contains 2 dots, and the bottom row contains 3 dots. What rule governs this pattern?

The number of dots remains constant
The number of dots decreases by 1 each row
The number of dots increases by 1 each row (Correct answer)
The number of dots doubles each row

Correct answer: The number of dots increases by 1 each row

Each row adds one more dot than the previous, following an arithmetic progression of +1.

Question 50: 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 = ?

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

Correct answer: Three-quarter-filled circle

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

Question 51: 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?

The original capital letter 'J'. (Correct answer)
A capital letter 'J' rotated 90 degrees clockwise.
A capital letter 'J' reflected horizontally.
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 52: In clinical and research settings, consistent difficulty identifying inner figure rules in Raven's matrices is most strongly associated with impairment in which cognitive domain?

Long-term episodic memory consolidation
Procedural motor skill and fine coordination
Crystallized verbal knowledge and vocabulary
Fluid intelligence and sustained attentional focus (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fluid intelligence and sustained attentional focus

Tracking embedded figure rules demands fluid intelligence (reasoning with novel patterns) and sustained attention to multiple simultaneous features — both specifically measured by Raven's matrices.

Question 53: In a 3×3 matrix, shapes increase in size from column 1 (small) to column 2 (medium) to column 3 (large) across every row. The missing cell is in row 2, column 3. What size is the shape?

Small
Large (Correct answer)
Medium
Extra-large

Correct answer: Large

Every row follows the same small-to-large size progression, so column 3 always contains a large shape.

Question 54: A 3x3 matrix operates on a principle of element combination down each column. Column 1 contains: a solid black circle, a hollow circle, and a solid black circle with a hollow center. Column 2 contains: a solid black square, a smaller solid black square, and a solid black square with a smaller, hollow square in the center. Column 3 contains: a solid black triangle, a small hollow circle, and a missing shape. Which of the following completes the pattern?

A solid black triangle.
A solid black triangle with a small hollow circle in the center. (Correct answer)
A hollow triangle with a solid black circle inside.
A solid black square with a hollow circle inside.

Correct answer: A solid black triangle with a small hollow circle in the center.

The rule operates vertically. The third cell in each column is a combination of the first two cells. The shape from the top cell becomes the main figure, and the shape from the second cell is placed in its center, but as a hollow version. Therefore, the solid black triangle from the top of column 3 should be combined with the small hollow circle from the middle cell, resulting in a solid black triangle with a small hollow circle in its center.

Question 55: A matrix shows shapes that rotate 90° clockwise with each column. If a shape points right in column 1 and down in column 2, what direction does it point in column 3?

Up
Down
Left (Correct answer)
Right

Correct answer: Left

Rotating 90° clockwise: right → down → left, so column 3 points left.

Question 56: 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 single horizontal line.
A plus sign.
Two vertical lines and one horizontal line.
A mirrored plus sign. (Correct answer)

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 57: In a progressive matrix, the number of sides of the central shape increases by 1 each row (triangle, square, pentagon…). The fill pattern rotates: none, stripes, solid. What shape and fill belongs in the missing cell at row 3, column 2?

Pentagon with no fill
Hexagon with solid fill
Pentagon with stripes (Correct answer)
Square with stripes

Correct answer: Pentagon with stripes

Row 3 uses pentagons (3 sides + 2), and column 2 always has the striped fill.

Question 58: Which of the following principles is fundamental to solving a continuous pattern progression problem in a Raven's Progressive Matrices test?

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

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

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 60: A matrix's shading decreases one step per row from top to bottom: row 1 is dark, row 2 is medium, and row 3 is ___?

Dark
Light (Correct answer)
Absent
Medium

Correct answer: Light

Each row decreases one shade step downward from the previous, making row 3 the lightest shade.

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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