What is the purpose of the Raven's Progressive Matrices test?

The purpose of the Raven's Progressive Matrices test is to assess abstract reasoning and general intellectual ability. This test is designed to measure an individual's capacity to identify patterns, relationships, and solve problems that do not rely on verbal or mathematical skills. It consists of visual puzzles where individuals must look for patterns and logical sequences among abstract images, making it a strong tool for gauging non-verbal reasoning skills.

This type of assessment is particularly valuable because it minimizes the influence of verbal skills and cultural biases, allowing for a purer measure of cognitive ability, particularly in contexts where language or educational background may vary widely among individuals. Unlike tests focused on verbal skills, social intelligence, or specific reasoning types such as mathematical reasoning, Raven's Progressive Matrices aims to tap into more universal cognitive processes related to problem-solving and analytical thinking. Thus, the choice that aligns with its design and intention is to assess abstract reasoning and intellectual ability.