1. Who developed the Raven’s Progressive Matrices (SPM)?

A. Charles Spearman
B. David Wechsler
C. J.C. Raven
D. E.L. Thorndike

Correct Answer: C. J.C. Raven

Explanation: Raven’s Progressive Matrices were developed in 1938 by John C. Raven to
measure abstract reasoning and fluid intelligence.

2. What is the primary type of intelligence assessed by the SPM?

A. Crystallized intelligence
B. Emotional intelligence
C. Fluid intelligence
D. Multiple intelligence

Correct Answer: C. Fluid intelligence

Explanation: SPM mainly measures fluid intelligence, which is the ability to solve novel
problems using logic and pattern recognition.

3. How many items are included in the Standard Progressive Matrices?

A. 36
B. 48
C. 60
D. 72

Correct Answer: C. 60
Explanation: The SPM consists of 60 items, divided equally across five sets (A to E) with
12 items each.

4. What is the structure of items in the SPM?

A. Verbal analogies
B. Arithmetic series
C. Visual puzzles with missing parts
D. Sentence completions

Correct Answer: C. Visual puzzles with missing parts

Explanation: Each SPM item is a visual matrix or pattern with one piece missing; the test-
taker must choose the correct piece to complete the pattern.
5. Which theory underlies the development of SPM?

A. Sternberg's Triarchic Theory

B. Thurstone’s Primary Mental Abilities
C. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences
D. Spearman’s g factor theory

Correct Answer: D. Spearman’s g factor theory

Explanation: Raven’s SPM was designed to measure the “educative” component of
Spearman’s g, or general intelligence.

6. What is unique about the difficulty arrangement of SPM items?

A. They are presented randomly

B. They become progressively easier
C. They remain consistent in difficulty
D. They become progressively harder within each set

Correct Answer: D. They become progressively harder within each set

Explanation: In each of the five sets (A–E), items increase in difficulty, allowing
assessment of the test-taker’s problem-solving ability.

7. What kind of test is SPM considered to be?

A. Power test
B. Speed test
C. Verbal aptitude test
D. Achievement test

Correct Answer: A. Power test

Explanation: SPM is a power test—it has no time limit, allowing individuals to work at
their own pace, focusing on accuracy over speed.

8. What is the primary use of SPM in psychological assessment?

A. Academic placement
B. Emotional intelligence screening
C. Estimation of general intellectual ability
D. Language proficiency testing
Correct Answer: C. Estimation of general intellectual ability
Explanation: SPM is widely used for estimating general intellectual ability in clinical,
educational, and research settings.

9. What score range corresponds to “Intellectually Average” in SPM

percentile classification?

A. Below the 25th percentile

B. Between the 25th and 75th percentile
C. Above the 75th percentile
D. Above the 95th percentile

Correct Answer: B. Between the 25th and 75th percentile

Explanation: According to SPM scoring guidelines, a percentile between 25 and 75 reflects
average intellectual functioning.

10. What is meant by a “discrepancy score” in SPM?

A. Difference between verbal and nonverbal reasoning

B. Difference in raw scores across repeated testing
C. Difference between expected and obtained scores in each set
D. Difference between individual and group scores

Correct Answer: C. Difference between expected and obtained scores in each set
Explanation: A discrepancy score reflects how a person’s score on each set deviates from
the expected score for their total performance—used to assess consistency.

11. What is the format of response in the SPM test?

A. Fill in the blanks

B. Match the following
C. Multiple choice
D. Written explanation

Correct Answer: C. Multiple choice

Explanation: Each SPM item presents multiple options, usually 6 to 8, from which the
examinee selects the correct visual fit for the missing piece.

12. What are the five sets in SPM named as?

A. A, B, C, D, E
B. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
C. X, Y, Z, U, V
D. AA, BB, CC, DD, EE

Correct Answer: A. A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The 60 items are divided equally into five sets (A to E), each increasing in
complexity and abstract reasoning demand.

13. What aspect of intelligence does SPM minimize in testing?

A. Logical reasoning
B. Verbal ability
C. Visual discrimination
D. Pattern recognition

Correct Answer: B. Verbal ability

Explanation: The SPM is a non-verbal test and was specifically designed to minimize the
impact of language and cultural knowledge.

14. What kind of patterns are commonly used in SPM items?

A. Numerical and word puzzles

B. Sentences and proverbs
C. Geometric figures and abstract designs
D. Real-life photographs

Correct Answer: C. Geometric figures and abstract designs

Explanation: SPM relies on geometric and abstract visual patterns that test fluid
reasoning through symmetry, progression, and transformation.

15. In what kind of environments is SPM especially useful?

A. Only urban schools

B. Clinical and research settings across diverse populations
C. For only literate individuals
D. In expressive writing therapy

Correct Answer: B. Clinical and research settings across diverse populations

Explanation: SPM’s non-verbal, culturally neutral format makes it ideal for diverse
settings, including cross-cultural and clinical assessments.

16. What does a steep drop in performance from Set B to Set C indicate?
A. Practice effect
B. Strong vocabulary
C. Poor abstract reasoning
D. High performance IQ

Correct Answer: C. Poor abstract reasoning

Explanation: Sets C–E test more complex reasoning; a performance drop may indicate
difficulty with higher-order abstract problem solving.

17. Which Raven’s variant is designed for younger children or elderly

individuals?

A. SPM
B. CPM
C. APM
D. WISC

Correct Answer: B. CPM (Coloured Progressive Matrices)

Explanation: The Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) is used for children (5–11
years), individuals with learning difficulties, or elderly adults.

18. The SPM test is primarily free from the influence of which factor?

A. Visual ability
B. Cultural background
C. Age
D. Processing speed

Correct Answer: B. Cultural background

Explanation: SPM was developed to minimize cultural bias, making it suitable for
comparing individuals across different backgrounds.

19. What is the usual time required to complete the SPM?

A. 10–15 minutes
B. 20–25 minutes
C. 40–45 minutes
D. 60–75 minutes

Correct Answer: C. 40–45 minutes

Explanation: Though untimed, most individuals complete the 60 items in about 40 to 45
minutes.
20. What does SPM’s scoring typically involve?

A. Scaled scoring and factor analysis

B. Raw scores converted to percentiles and standard scores
C. Essay-type evaluation
D. Qualitative observation

Correct Answer: B. Raw scores converted to percentiles and standard scores

Explanation: SPM raw scores are interpreted using norm tables and converted into
percentiles and standard IQ-equivalent scores.

21. Which of the following best describes the Progressive nature of the
matrices?

A. Questions are repeated

B. Difficulty remains the same
C. Items become more difficult within each set
D. Instructions get longer

Correct Answer: C. Items become more difficult within each set

Explanation: The term "progressive" refers to the increasing difficulty within and across
the five sets (A–E).

22. What is the typical number of response options per item in SPM?

A. 3
B. 4
C. 6–8
D. 10

Correct Answer: C. 6–8

Explanation: Most SPM items provide 6 to 8 answer choices, arranged below the matrix
puzzle.

23. What is the highest interpretation band in SPM scoring?

A. Intellectually Impaired
B. Below Average
C. Above Average
D. Intellectually Superior
Correct Answer: D. Intellectually Superior
Explanation: The top performance band in SPM indicates intellectually superior
reasoning (typically above the 95th percentile).

24. In what language is SPM administered?

A. Only English
B. Only regional language
C. Any spoken language
D. No language is required for item solving

Correct Answer: D. No language is required for item solving

Explanation: SPM is non-verbal and can be administered without any language
dependence, aiding inclusivity.

25. What does CPM contain that SPM does not?

A. Verbal reasoning tasks

B. Emotional intelligence tasks
C. Colored background to enhance figure-ground perception
D. Verbal instructions

Correct Answer: C. Colored background to enhance figure-ground perception

Explanation: CPM includes colored patterns to assist young or cognitively impaired
individuals in better distinguishing figure-ground elements.

26. In which age group is SPM considered valid?

A. 5–10 years
B. 7–18 years only
C. 12–65 years
D. 6–65+ years

Correct Answer: D. 6–65+ years

Explanation: SPM is valid for individuals aged 6 years and older, including adolescents
and adults across a wide functional range.

27. What type of validity is strongest in SPM?

A. Face validity
B. Construct validity
C. Concurrent validity
D. Content validity

Correct Answer: B. Construct validity

Explanation: SPM has strong construct validity as it reliably measures fluid intelligence
aligned with the g-factor theory.

28. What happens if an examinee leaves many items blank on the SPM?

A. Assume wrong answers

B. Provide extra time
C. Encourage guessing
D. Score only attempted items

Correct Answer: A. Assume wrong answers

Explanation: In scoring, unattempted items are treated as incorrect, so it is encouraged to
attempt all questions, even with guesses.

29. Which of the following is NOT part of Raven’s Progressive Matrices

family?

A. SPM
B. CPM
C. APM
D. WISC-IV

Correct Answer: D. WISC-IV

Explanation: WISC-IV (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) is a separate
intelligence test and not part of the Raven’s series.

30. What is a limitation of the SPM?

A. Language dependence
B. High cultural bias
C. Does not assess verbal reasoning or memory
D. Excessive time pressure

Correct Answer: C. Does not assess verbal reasoning or memory

Explanation: A major limitation of SPM is that it assesses only non-verbal, abstract
reasoning and omits other cognitive domains like verbal skills and memory.

31. What principle underlies the patterns in SPM items?

A. Trial and error
B. Verbal comprehension
C. Logical progression and analogy
D. Auditory processing

Correct Answer: C. Logical progression and analogy

Explanation: SPM patterns are based on logical relationships, such as symmetry,
progression, and analogical reasoning.

32. What is the main advantage of using SPM in group settings?

A. Requires computers
B. Can be orally administered
C. Easily administered without verbal instructions
D. Requires trained psychologists only

Correct Answer: C. Easily administered without verbal instructions

Explanation: SPM can be administered in groups, as the instructions are simple and non-
verbal, allowing wide-scale use in schools and organizations.

33. How are incorrect responses handled in SPM scoring?

A. Given partial credit

B. Ignored
C. Counted as 0
D. Penalized with negative marking

Correct Answer: C. Counted as 0

Explanation: SPM uses a binary scoring system: 1 point for a correct answer and 0 for
incorrect or omitted items.

34. Which component of intelligence is least influenced by SPM?

A. Abstract reasoning
B. Visual analysis
C. Vocabulary knowledge
D. Pattern recognition

Correct Answer: C. Vocabulary knowledge

Explanation: SPM minimizes the influence of language or learned knowledge, including
vocabulary, focusing instead on fluid intelligence.
35. Which professional commonly uses the SPM for screening intelligence?

A. Occupational therapist
B. Speech pathologist
C. Clinical psychologist
D. Physiotherapist

Correct Answer: C. Clinical psychologist

Explanation: Clinical psychologists use SPM as a screening tool for intellectual
functioning, particularly when verbal tests are unsuitable.

36. How many answer options are typically provided in CPM?

A. 4
B. 6
C. 8
D. 10

Correct Answer: B. 6
Explanation: The Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) typically have 6 answer options,
making it easier for younger or cognitively challenged individuals.

37. What does a "raw score" in SPM represent?

A. Standardized IQ
B. Number of incorrect responses
C. Total number of correct responses
D. Percentile rank

Correct Answer: C. Total number of correct responses

Explanation: The raw score is simply the sum of correct answers, which is later converted
into percentiles and standard scores.

38. What type of test is Raven’s APM?

A. Non-verbal aptitude test

B. Auditory memory test
C. Emotional intelligence test
D. Vocabulary-based test

Correct Answer: A. Non-verbal aptitude test

Explanation: Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) is a non-verbal reasoning test,
designed for above-average adults and gifted populations.
39. What does a high score on SPM generally indicate?

A. Good verbal comprehension

B. Superior working memory
C. Strong general intelligence (g factor)
D. Good rote memory

Correct Answer: C. Strong general intelligence (g factor)

Explanation: SPM is a measure of general intelligence (g); a high score reflects strong
problem-solving and reasoning skills.

40. Why is Raven’s SPM considered "culture fair"?

A. It has cultural stories

B. It avoids numerical content
C. It doesn’t rely on prior knowledge or language
D. It includes questions from different cultures

Correct Answer: C. It doesn’t rely on prior knowledge or language

Explanation: SPM is culture-fair because it tests abstract reasoning without relying on
language, formal education, or cultural familiarity.

41. What does a “ceiling effect” refer to in SPM use?

A. Low scores due to guessing

B. Lack of time to finish the test
C. Limited discrimination among high scorers
D. Excessively difficult instructions

Correct Answer: C. Limited discrimination among high scorers

Explanation: A ceiling effect occurs when many individuals score near the top, limiting the
test's ability to differentiate among high performers.

42. Which of the following is not a common use of SPM?

A. Giftedness screening
B. Estimating general intelligence
C. Assessing academic achievement
D. Comparative cross-cultural research
Correct Answer: C. Assessing academic achievement
Explanation: SPM does not assess academic knowledge; it is a measure of abstract
reasoning and general intelligence.

43. What is the primary format of the matrices used in SPM?

A. 2×2 square grids

B. 3×3 visual matrices
C. Numbered bullet points
D. Verbal puzzles

Correct Answer: B. 3×3 visual matrices

Explanation: Most SPM items are arranged in 3×3 matrices, with one missing piece that
must be selected from options.

44. What cognitive domain is most directly tested in SPM?

A. Crystallized knowledge
B. Motor speed
C. Fluid intelligence and visual-spatial reasoning
D. Episodic memory

Correct Answer: C. Fluid intelligence and visual-spatial reasoning

Explanation: SPM directly tests fluid intelligence, especially visual-spatial problem-
solving through abstract patterns.

45. What kind of reasoning is SPM not well suited to assess?

A. Inductive
B. Visual-spatial
C. Abstract
D. Deductive verbal reasoning

Correct Answer: D. Deductive verbal reasoning

Explanation: SPM is not a language-based test and does not assess verbal deductive
reasoning—its focus is visual and abstract logic.

46. What is a key benefit of SPM for testing individuals with speech or
hearing impairments?
A. It uses Braille
B. No instructions are needed
C. It is non-verbal and visually administered
D. It uses sign language

Correct Answer: C. It is non-verbal and visually administered

Explanation: SPM can be used with individuals with communication impairments, since
it is entirely visual and does not require speech.

47. What is the typical reliability coefficient reported for SPM?

A. 0.40–0.50
B. 0.60–0.70
C. 0.80–0.90
D. 0.95–1.0

Correct Answer: C. 0.80–0.90

Explanation: SPM shows high reliability, with coefficients ranging from 0.80 to 0.90,
indicating strong consistency.

48. What does SPM primarily measure in neuropsychological evaluations?

A. Language dominance
B. Visual construction skills
C. Intellectual decline or cognitive integrity
D. Mood and affect

Correct Answer: C. Intellectual decline or cognitive integrity

Explanation: In clinical contexts, SPM helps assess cognitive functioning and detect
intellectual decline, especially in dementia or brain injury cases.

49. What is the role of distractors in SPM multiple-choice options?

A. All are correct

B. They are meaningless shapes
C. They are logically similar but incorrect
D. They are just random graphics

Correct Answer: C. They are logically similar but incorrect

Explanation: Distractors in SPM are carefully designed to be plausible alternatives,
testing the depth of reasoning.
50. What type of test is the SPM classified as in psychometrics?

A. Projective test
B. Personality inventory
C. Performance-based non-verbal intelligence test
D. Speed-based memory test

Correct Answer: C. Performance-based non-verbal intelligence test

Explanation: The SPM is a performance test that measures non-verbal problem-solving
ability, commonly used in intelligence screening.