Raven's Progressive Matrices is an example of?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Non-Verbal test

Option (1) Verbal test — Incorrect. Verbal tests need verbal responses, oral or written, so they can be given only to literate people. RPM needs no words at all.

Option (2) Non-Verbal test — Correct. Non-verbal tests use pictures or illustrations as test items. In RPM the subject examines an incomplete pattern and chooses, from the alternatives, the figure that completes it.

Option (3) Performance test — Incorrect. Performance tests require the subject to manipulate objects and other materials to perform a task, as in Kohs’ Block Design Test. In RPM the subject only looks at a pattern and chooses a figure; nothing is handled.

Option (4) Personality test — Incorrect. RPM is a test of intelligence, not of personality. Personality is assessed by self-report measures such as the MMPI, or by projective techniques such as the Rorschach inkblots.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2022 on 16-07-2022 (Slot 1), and in CUET (UG) 2026 on 31-05-2026 (Slot 1).

NCERT (2025-26): “Types of Intelligence Tests … Verbal tests require subjects to give verbal responses either orally or in a written form. Therefore, verbal tests can be administered only to literate people. The non-verbal tests use pictures or illustrations as test items. Raven’s Progressive Matrices (RPM) Test is an example of a non-verbal test. In this test, the subject examines an incomplete pattern and chooses a figure from the alternatives that will complete the pattern.…”

“Performance tests require subjects to manipulate objects and other materials to perform a task. Written language is not necessary for answering the items.…”