Raven's Progressive Matrices

Raven's Matrices are nonverbal measures for the assessment of general cognitive abilities. These measures, constructed by John Raven, have been available for a very long time. The Standard Progressive Matrices were first published in 1938 and are still a widely used psychometric instrument. Meanwhile, a further set of matrices has been compiled and presented as measures that apply to specific ability ranges or show other specific characteristics. The original measures were constructed as paper-and-pencil tests; at present they are also available as computerized tests. This entry describes the structure of Raven's Matrices, its uses, and research supporting its usefulness to educators of gifted students.

The individual matrices are incomplete patterns that have to be completed in such a way that a regular whole is achieved. Such ...