SON-R Test

Snijders-Oomen Non-Verbal Intelligence Test

The SON-R test is used to measure general intelligence in children. The sub-tests measure abstract and concrete reasoning, spatial ability and visual perception. The use of written or spoken language is not required during testing. The adaptive test procedure and the feedback that is given after each item enhance subject motivation and contribute to the general acceptability of the instrument.

The SON-R tests are designed for children between the ages of 2.5 to 17 years. The fact that they do not require written or spoken language during testing makes them particularly suited for:

Children with hearing impairment

Children with language or verbal communication difficulties

Children with autism or ASD

Children whose first language is not the language of the test version used

Children and adults with learning disabilities

Children who are difficult to test (e.g. because of test anxiety)

SON-R for Ages 2.5-7 Years

comprises six different sub-tests which are administered in the order below:
1. Mosaics Copying different mosaic patterns in a frame using 3-5 red squares. Copying mosaic patterns in a frame using red, yellow and red/yellow squares.
2. Categories Sorting cards into two groups according to the category to which they belong. Three pictures of objects have something in common. From a series of five pictures, two must be chosen that have the same thing in common.
3. Puzzles Puzzle pieces must be laid in a frame to resemble a given example. Putting three to six separate puzzle pieces together to form a whole.
4. Analogies Sorting discs into two compartments on the basis of form and/or color and/or size. Solving an analogy problem by applying the same rule as in the example.
5. Situations Half of each of four pictures is printed. The missing halves must be placed with the correct pictures. One or two pieces are missing from a drawing of a situation. The correct piece(s) must be selected from a number of alternatives.
6. Patterns Copying a simple pattern. Copying more complex patterns.

The sub-tests can be grouped into two types: reasoning tests (Categories, Analogies and Situations) and spatial performance tests (Mosaics, Puzzles and Patterns). The performance tests are so called because the item is solved while manipulating the test stimuli. In the reasoning tests the correct solution is chosen from a number of given alternatives. However, perceptual, spatial and reasoning ability play a role in all of the sub-tests. The performance sub-tests can be found in a similar form in other intelligence tests although in other tests these require verbal directions. Reasoning tests are also found in other batteries but they often have a verbal form (e.g. verbal analogies).

An important way in which SON-R tests differ from most intelligence tests is that after each item feedback is given by telling the test taker whether the solution was correct or incorrect. The test administrator provides help in the case of incorrect solutions. One of the advantages of this is that the test taker has the opportunity to adjust his or her strategy. In traditional tests where no feedback is allowed the test taker may assume incorrect answers are correct and continue using a faulty strategy. The disadvantage of giving feedback is the fact that receiving negative feedback can be demotivating. This drawback is partly compensated for through the adaptive nature of the test procedure.

Duration: Administration takes about 50 minutes. Time limits for completing items are only used in the second part of the performance tests and the time limit is generous.

Known Around The World As The Online IQ Test for Kids!

USA Canada Great Britain (UK) Australia Singapore Philippines Malaysia New Zealand Ireland Netherlands Mexico India South Africa Egypt Germany Romania Sweden Spain Greece Poland Pakistan Norway United Arab Emirates Turkey France