A recruiter’s guide to Raven’s Progressive Matrices Test

Gone are the days when recruiters had to depend on intuition and gut feeling while shortlisting potential candidates for an organization. Today, many tools and assessments are available to help you evaluate potential candidates. 

According to SHRM, 76% of organizations with over 100 employees use some form of assessment tool during hiring.

Raven’s Progressive Matrices Test is an essential tool for testing candidates’ cognitive ability and problem-solving skills. It is primarily used to test abstract reasoning, an important indicator of intelligence transcending linguistic barriers.

In this blog, we will look at Raven’s Progressive Matrices test, its importance, how recruiters can use it, and what to consider while incorporating it into the hiring process.

Summarise this post with:

What is Raven’s Progressive Matrices test?

Raven’s Progressive Matrices Test, also commonly known as Raven’s Matrices, measures an individual’s general intelligence and logical problem-solving ability. The test comprises a set of visual geometric patterns for which the test taker has to identify the missing piece.

Unlike verbal intelligence tests, Raven’s Matrices have no words; hence, it does not require language proficiency. Being completely based on logic, this test lies solely on patterns and is thus all-inclusive in testing candidates from linguistically and culturally diversified regions.

Why is Raven’s Progressive Matrices test popular in recruitment?

Raven’s Matrices test has been highly noted for its ability to measure fluid intelligence, which is the ability to think abstractly and apply the thoughts involved in solving new problems. Since abstract reasoning is related to it, it is taken as an unbiased tool that reduces cultural and linguistic biases.

That is why many recruiters like it, especially when hiring for roles that demand skills like analytical thinking and problem-solving. 

The structure of Raven’s Progressive Matrices test

Raven’s Progressive Matrices Test consists of puzzles to assess problem-solving and abstract reasoning skills. The test has three versions, each tailored to different cognitive levels, making it a versatile tool for various candidates.

1. Test design

Raven’s Matrices is a series of visual puzzles in which the applicants are presented with a matrix of patterns. The matrix often forms a 3×3 grid in which one part of the puzzle is missing, and the applicant is asked to choose the appropriate piece from various options.

2. The three versions

There are three main versions of the Raven’s Progressive Matrices test:

• Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM): The classic test can be used for any population. It contains 60 items appropriately ordered in ascending order of difficulty.
• Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM): It is used for children, aged, and demented patients. It uses colored patterns as it is more attractive, but these individuals might find SPM too difficult.
• Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM): This is for high scorers and tests, even a more advanced range of abstract thinking. It features much more advanced patterns and tends to be used in testing recruits who will be working at the professional or executive level and require even a higher level of cognitive functioning.

Why use Raven’s Progressive Matrices test in recruitment?

This test is widely used in recruitment to assess candidates’ cognitive abilities fairly and unbiasedly. Its focus on abstract reasoning helps you identify individuals with strong problem-solving skills, which is critical for many roles.

1. Assessing cognitive abilities

According to LinkedIn, companies that use cognitive ability tests experience a 24% improvement in employee retention. This is why recruiting managers use Raven’s Matrices since it assesses cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, logical reasoning, and pattern recognition. These skills are relevant for many jobs, especially in data analysis, engineering, software development, and management.

2. Minimizing bias

Since the test is not dependent upon linguistic variables or particular knowledge, it is unlikely to be influenced by cultural or educational bias. Hence, this is a suitable test for international or multicultural hiring pools, as the applicants are assessed purely on their potential.

3. Predicting job performance

There have been so many studies that have depicted a high relationship between cognitive ability tests, like Raven’s Matrices, and job performance. With this instrument, you will better predict how a candidate will handle complex jobs, learn new skills, and adapt to various workplace differences.

How to administer Raven’s Progressive Matrices test

Raven’s Matrices can be administered online and offline, making it flexible for various recruitment settings. The test is usually timed, and recruiters must ensure that candidates clearly understand the format and environment.

1. Online or offline

Two main methods to take the Raven’s Progressive Matrices test are online and offline. With the advancement of technology and talent assessment platforms like Testlify, you can take these kinds of tests online instead of offline, especially during remote hiring or mass recruitment drives.

Online testing platforms like Testlify come with additional features like time limits on tests, automated scoring, and even the capability of detecting cheating attempts to ensure test integrity.

2. Duration of the test

The test is estimated to take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the version and difficulty level. Before commencement, there must be clear instructions for the candidates, and the candidate must be comfortable with the testing environment.

3. Timed vs. Untimed

Raven’s Progressive Matrices can be administered as a timed or untimed test. A timed test can pressure candidates to think quickly and efficiently, which can be useful in assessing their performance under stress. However, an untimed test can allow candidates to showcase their true cognitive abilities without the pressure of a ticking clock.

Scoring the Raven’s Progressive Matrices test

The test is scored based on the number of correct answers, with percentile rankings helping to compare candidates’ performance. You can use these scores to evaluate a candidate’s cognitive strengths and potential fit for the role.

1. How scoring works

The test score is determined based on the number of correct answers. No negative marking exists, and the candidate is encouraged to attempt all questions. The more correct answers they give, the higher their score is, representing good cognitive abilities.

2. Interpreting scores

Scores are given usually given in raw scores, the number of correct answers, and percentile rankings. Percentile rankings tell you how a candidate’s score ranks compared to a larger population. For instance, a candidate in the 80th percentile scored better than 80% of the test-takers.

There is, then, a question in the minds of recruiters about how to interpret the scores. A good score indicates that a person has a sound cognitive ability. On the other hand, a low score could be a pointer toward problems in problem-solving or logical reasoning.

3. Norm groups

Norm groups can be used to compare a candidate’s score to a relevant population. For instance, if you are hiring in the tech domain, compare your candidate’s score to the norm group of people in the tech industry.

Benefits of Raven’s Progressive Matrices test in recruitment

According to APA, cognitive ability tests are 50% more predictive of job performance than just relying on resumes and interviews. 

Raven’s Matrices is a universally applicable, cost-effective tool that minimizes cultural bias while offering valuable insights into cognitive abilities. It helps recruiters make data-driven decisions and find the best candidates.

1. Universal application

Since the test is non-verbal, it can be administered to candidates from different cultural backgrounds, nationalities, and languages. It flattens out uneven grounds when recruiting worldwide and from diverse pools.

2. Easy to administer

This test can be easily used online and integrated into the recruitment process. In addition to the automation of scores, the results are easy to understand, so you can summarize the candidates according to their necessities and make data-driven decisions.

3. Cost-effective

Raven’s Matrices does not require much resources compared to many cognitive tests. It is instrumental in telling about a candidate’s intellectual abilities at relatively inexpensive costs. This is particularly handy during mass recruitment or when sorting multiple candidates.

4. Reduces unconscious bias

The test helps eliminate unconscious bias from assessments based on other factors or even interviews. It changes the focus from background and experience to cognitive potential, especially in hiring people who should be able to adapt quickly and learn lots of things fast.

Challenges of using Raven’s Progressive Matrices test

While the test is great for measuring cognitive abilities, it doesn’t cover other important skills like emotional intelligence or creativity. Recruiters need to balance this test with other assessments for a comprehensive evaluation.

1. Limited to cognitive skills

Even though the test is perfect for assessing cognitive skills, it doesn’t measure other important criteria like emotional quotient, leadership qualities, or interpersonal skills. As a recruiter, you must administer this test and other assessment procedures or interviews to gain a holistic view of the candidate.

But you don’t have to worry with Testlify. You can use our emotional intelligence, leadership, and interpersonal skills tests to assess other aspects. 

2. May not suit every role

Raven’s Matrices is very helpful for those occupations demanding analytical thinking and solving problems. Still, it might not be relevant to work that entitles a role with creativity, communication, or customer service. Customize your plan for evaluation to the job you seek to fill.

3. Test anxiety

These tests may bring anxiety to some candidates; hence, performance may not be at its best. Ensure that the testing environment is safe and comforting, and inform them that the test is only one of the parts of the assessment.

How do you incorporate Raven’s Progressive Matrices test into your recruitment process?

Raven’s Matrices can be used as a pre-screening tool or alongside other assessments to get a complete picture of a candidate’s capabilities. It fits well into both traditional and modern recruitment processes.

1. Pre-screening tool

Use Raven’s Matrices as a preselection tool by providing it during the early stages of the selection process; this will help eliminate candidates at an earlier stage of the process because it will help identify top performers early.

2. Combining with other assessments

While Raven’s Matrices is quite good at measuring cognitive ability, it must be supplemented with other tests. Personality tests, video interviews, and role-specific tests give a broader view of a candidate’s potential.

3. Post-test interviews

After the test, interviews will be conducted to discuss the results with candidates. This can give insight into their approach to solving the problems, their strategies, and how they react to challenge questions.

Best practices for recruiters

Recruiters should ensure they choose the right version of the test, set clear expectations, and interpret results fairly. Combining Raven’s Matrices with other assessments can offer a well-rounded evaluation of candidates.

1. Set clear expectations

Before giving this test, communicate to the candidates what the test measures and how the test outcome will be utilized in the recruitment process. That increases their trust in the recruitment process and reduces pressure. 

2. Use the right version

Select the appropriate form of Raven’s Matrices based on the role and background of the candidate. Advanced Progressive Matrices go well with complex, high-level analytical jobs, while the Standard version suits the general population. 

3. Consider time limits

Depending on the job, one may administer the timed test form. The timed tests simulate pressure conditions, which are relevant only for some jobs that require fast decisions but perhaps unnecessary for all positions.

4. Fair interpretation of results

Also, do not interpret the results as if they represent accurate accounts. An applicant may have scored poorly, for example, because they were anxious or did not know how to handle the testing format. Use these results only as a part of a complete assessment process.

Conclusion

The Raven’s Progressive Matrices Test is an effective tool used in the recruitment process to judge a person’s cognitive abilities. The test is bias-free, being non-verbal. Hence, it is the ideal test for testing diverse groups of talent. That does not mean it is not worth it since it gives different information about the candidates’ cognitive skills related to solving problems and using logical reasoning to make decisions when choosing to recruit someone.

This test, incorporated into the recruitment process, can effectively assess cognitive potential fairly, efficiently, and objectively while ensuring that you get the right people for the job.

Looking to streamline your recruitment process and find top talent more efficiently? Testlify can help! As a leading skills assessment platform, Testlify offers various scientifically designed tests, including cognitive ability tests. 

Start optimizing your recruitment strategy today with our easy-to-use platform and get accurate insights into your candidates’ capabilities. Sign up for a free trial now!

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