Raven's Matrices and Working Memory: A Dual-Task Approach

Abstract

Raven's Matrices Test was developed as a "pure" measure of Spearman's concept of general intelligence, g. Subsequent research has attempted to specify the processes underpinning performance, some relating it to the concept of working memory and proposing a crucial role for the central executive, with the nature of other components currently unclear. Up to this point, virtually all work has been based on correlational analysis of number of correct solutions, sometimes related to possible strategies. We explore the application to this problem of the concurrent task methodology used widely in developing the concept of multicomponent working memory. Participants attempted to solve problems from the matrices under baseline conditions, or accompanied by backward counting or verbal repetition tasks, assumed to disrupt the central executive and phonological loop components of working memory, respectively. As in other uses of this method, number of items correct showed little effect, while solution time measures gave very clear evidence of an important role for the central executive, but no evidence for phonological loop involvement. We conclude that this and related concurrent task techniques hold considerable promise for the analysis of Raven's matrices and potentially for other established psychometric tests.

How language and inhibition influence analogical reasoning in children with or without developmental language disorder?

“…These findings are unexpected because articulatory suppression is beneficial for both groups, whereas we had expected that it would increase response times. This result is not consistent with other studies, which found either no effect or a detrimental effect of articulatory suppression on reasoning tasks involving analogies (Rao & Baddeley, 2013;Waltz et al, 2000). Thus, this data seems difficult to interpret.…”

Inner speech: Development, cognitive functions, phenomenology, and neurobiology.

“…These individual differences appear to relate to variation in verbal and spatial working memory skills, but do not necessarily translate into differences in reasoning skill ( Bacon, Handley, & Newstead, 2005 ). Similarly, matrix reasoning tasks, which predominantly consist of visuospatial stimuli but which can be solved using various visual or verbal strategies, do not appear to be specifically affected by articulatory suppression: for instance, Rao and Baddeley (2013) compared effects of number repetition (articulatory suppression) and backward counting (central executive interference) on matrix reasoning, and found that only the latter negatively affected the time it took to reach a solution. Thus, inner speech does not appear necessary for tasks involving logical reasoning, even for verbal material.…”

Processing speed, working memory, and executive functions: Independent or inter-related predictors of general intelligence

“…In addition to these correlational studies there are results from an experimental study suggesting that overloading working memory while performing a matrix reasoning test affected performance in the reasoning measure (Rao & Baddeley, 2013). In detail, participants were asked to remember a set of three digits and count backwards while working on the matrix reasoning task.…”