Standard Progressive Matrices

The Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) is a group of individually administered test that non-verbally assesses intelligence in children and adults through abstract reasoning tasks. It is sometimes called Raven's, although the SPM is only one of three tests that together comprise Raven's Progressive Matrices. The Standard Progressive Matrices was designed for ages 8 - 65.

The SPM consists of 60 problems 5 sets of 12 all of which involve completing a pattern or figure with a part missing by choosing the correct missing piece from among six alternatives. Patterns are arranged in order of increasing difficulty.

The Standard Progressive Matrices is untimed but generally takes 15 - 45 minutes and the results are in a raw score which is then converted to a percentile ranking.

The Standard Progressive Matrices can be given to hearing and speech impaired children, as well as non-English speakers. The SPM is usually used as part of a battery of diagnostic tests and often used with the Mill Hill Vocabulary Scales.

1. The Raven's Progressive Matrices is for people of varying ages and/or abilities, all consisting of the same kind of nonverbal reasoning problems. Moreover, the SPM is considered an average level test for the general population. The Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM) which includes two easier sets from the SPM and a dozen other questions of similar difficulty which is designed for 5 to 11 year of age and persons with mental or physical handicaps and non-English speakers. And finally, the Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) is generally for ages 11 to adult or for gifted students. It consists of a practice and screening test and a 36-problem series for use with persons of above-average intellectual ability.