Raven's Progressive Matrices Reasoning by Analogy Flashcards

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?

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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

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.

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?

Answer: A solid black dot inside of a hollow circle

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.

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...?

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.

A 2x2 matrix is set up to test reasoning by analogy. The top-left cell contains an arrow pointing up (↑). The top-right cell contains an arrow pointing right (→). The bottom-left cell contains a 'T' shape. What should the bottom-right cell contain?

Answer: A 'T' shape lying on its side, pointing right

The analogical relationship in the top row is a 90-degree clockwise rotation. Applying this same transformation to the 'T' shape in the bottom-left cell results in a 'T' shape rotated 90 degrees clockwise, making it lie on its side and point to the right.