Ravens Progressive Matrices Test: Accuracy of IQ Tests
By Inderbir Kaur Sandhu, Ph.D
Q:
Our daughter was tested for giftedness by our local
school and scored 93 on the Ravens Progressive Matrices
test. The cutoff is 95 for acceptance into the gifted
program. Of course, we think she's exceptional but the
district seems to run very rigidly on test scores. Can you
tell me if there is any information available regarding the
accuracy of Ravens tests?
I've searched online and have found nothing specific. My
objective is to call into question the school policy on test
score thresholds by suggesting to them that there is margin
for error in all tests, and that other factors should be
considered including above grade level achievement,
creativity, etc. Can you tell me about / point me to any
definitive information on IQ test accuracy -- particularly
Ravens?
A:
The Ravens Progressive Matrices: Colored, Standard,
Advanced Strong is generally a nonverbal test of visual
abstract reasoning and pattern recognition. Generally the
accuracy of standardized test is quite reliable; however
there may be other factors that may have influenced the
results (e.g., exhaustion, illness or distraction). An IQ
score is a general assessment of an individual's ability to
think and reason which indicates one's ability by comparing
the IQ of majority of people in that particular age group.
It is very difficult to pinpoint IQ scores with absolute
accuracy and it may vary 5 points either way from the test
score. There are also abilities that are not measured by IQ
testing (e.g., musical or sporting talent, manual dexterity,
etc.). Having said that, an IQ score given a good indication
of one's ability to think, reason and solve problems.
There is no single test that is said to be accurate enough
to determine IQ scores, so a combination of methods is
always the best. Schools vary in their identification
procedures for gifted programs. Your daughter's school may
use the Raven's as the main or perhaps the only indicator
for screening pupils into the gifted program. Intelligence
tests are primary measures of screening the gifted but
today, many schools incorporate more than one measure of
giftedness. This may not have been done in your daughter's
school.
There is always a margin for errors in such tests and it has
indeed been taken into consideration. Nevertheless, many
schools do screening in a sequential process, rather than in
a simultaneous process which means that further testing is
only done after the initial screening, that is, if the child
is selected initially. A 93 point score places your daughter
in the highly able range, so even if the scores did not meet
the cut-off point to qualify for a gifted program, she is
certainly likely to benefit from some kind of enrichment
program.
Apart from getting her tested from a private tester, you can
also speak to the school authorities to see how they can
help to cater for her needs. Some schools may be quite rigid
with their programs but there is always exception to the
case. You may want to suggest a probation period where your
daughter can try out a certain program that is likely to
benefit her. Good luck.
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