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What Are Matrices in Children's Testing?

Matrices are often included on standardized intelligence tests. These subtests consist of an array of squares in which one picture has been omitted. The student is required to select the missing square among four or five possible options. Therefore, the student must first examine the matrix to find the pattern in order to choose the correct answer. In general, matrices are a measure of visual abstract reasoning. However, they are not always measured similarly on all IQ tests.
  1. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children: Fourth Edition (WISC-IV)

    • Matrix Reasoning involves completing patterns.

      The Perceptual Reasoning Index on the WISC-IV measures nonverbal reasoning abilities. This includes comprehension abilities, organizational skills and the ability to interpret visually presented material. Matrix Reasoning is one of the four nonverbal subtests and measures visual information processing and abstract reasoning abilities. On this subtest, the student must complete the presented matrix by selecting one of the five options. For example, if the top two squares are a little orange and a big orange and the bottom left square is a small apple, the correct answer is a big apple.

    Raven Progressive Matrices

    • The Raven Matrices measure nonverbal thinking.

      The Raven Progressive Matrices is a nonverbal intellectual test that includes three instruments. The Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) measures an individual's perceptual reasoning skills. The Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) assesses how clearly an individual thinks. The Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) measures the speed and accuracy of high-level cognitive work. The questions are presented as incomplete matrices, either in black-and-white or color, based on the instrument. The subtests are fashioned similarly to Matrix Reasoning on the WISC-IV.

    Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities: Third Edition (WJ-III Cog)

    • Concept Formation requires the use of inductive reasoning.

      The WJ-III Cog measures verbal and nonverbal components of intellectual ability. The Concept Formation subtest, like the Matrix Reasoning subtest on the WISC-IV, measures induction and visual abstract reasoning. Unlike typical matrices, Concept Formation requires students to examine presented pictures to determine how they are alike (their "rule") using color, size and shape. For example, if the presented items are three triangles of similar size but of varying colors, the rule is size. The student is not required to select any choices. They simply must state the rule.

    Stanford Binet Intelligence Scales: Fifth Edition (SB5)

    • The SB5 matrices measure sequential and associate reasoning.

      The SB5 is a comprehensive measure of general thinking and reasoning abilities. Various subtests are included to assess verbal and nonverbal functioning. The nonverbal Fluid Reasoning subtest uses matrices to measure sequential and associative reasoning. These matrices are similar to the WISC-IV. Students are presented with incomplete matrices and asked to choose the missing portions. The SB5 also includes a nonverbal Visual Spatial Processing subtest, which measures visual abstract reasoning. Students are required to arrange shapes to look like presented pictures. Although this subtest is not technically a matrix, it measures the same concepts.

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