Matrix Analogies Test

The Matrix Analogies Test (published by Harcourt Assessment) consists of two forms: the Matrix Analogies Test–Expanded Form (MAT-EF) and the Matrix Analogies Test–Short Form (MAT-SF). Stimulus items on both tests employ abstract designs of the standard progressive matrix type. The matrix design of the stimulus items of both the MAT-EF and the MAT-SF require minimal verbal comprehension and no verbal response on the part of the examinee.

The MAT-EF is an individually administered test of nonverbal reasoning ability designed for children and adolescents 5 to 17 years old. The MAT-EF is reported to be appropriate for assessing the abilities of children with learning disabilities, mental retardation, hearing or language impairments, physical disabilities, those who may speak more than one language, and those with the ability to perform at the gifted level. It may be used as a stand-alone measure or as part of a comprehensive battery of tests.

The MAT-EF is organized into four specific item groups (Pattern Completion, Reasoning by Analogy, Serial Reasoning, and Spatial Visualization). The author claimed that these item groups were developed based on the results of item factor analysis. The MAT-EF was designed in such a way as to reduce the effects of impaired color vision. The colors (blue, yellow, black, and white) were used in the stimulus materials to reduce the influence of impaired color vision.

When administering the MAT-EF, a maximum of 12 minutes is allowed for each item group. The MAT-EF yields an overall standard score (M = 100, SD = 15) and item-group standard scores (M = 10, SD = 3). The MAT-EF is reported to yield similar scores for boys and girls, whites and African Americans, and Hispanics and non-Hispanics. Additionally, research has shown that similar scores are obtained across samples from different countries.

The MAT-SF is a group-administered version of the MAT-EF that is also used to obtain a measure of nonverbal reasoning ability. The MAT-SF consists of 34 items. It yields stanines and percentile scores for the total test score. As with the MAT-EF, the MAT-SF requires minimal motor involvement and a minimal level of verbal comprehension. The MAT-SF is appropriate for use with the same age group as the MAT-EF. The primary use of the MAT-SF is as a quick screening device to help identify students who may be at risk and students who may be gifted and are performing above age expectations. The MAT-SF uses self-scoring answer sheets that eliminate the need for scoring keys and provide immediate results.