Comparing Three Factors of Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices between Two Groups of Students with Weak and Strong Visuospatial Working Memory

According to the existing classifications of Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test, it is shown that RCPM is not a homogeneous test and various cognitive factors are involved in it. Moreover, success in RCPM is influenced by working memory ability. Therefore, the present study aims to compare the three factors of the RCPM test in two groups of students with weak and strong visuospatial working memory (VSWM) and examine their role in each of the existing components.This research evaluated a sample of 150 female students aged 6 to 10 years. Initially, after obtaining consent from the students, the school, and the parents, each student took the RCPM test. The score for each question was recorded as either correct or incorrect, and the total correct responses for each factor were calculated. Subsequently, the Corsi block span test was conducted to assess VSWM, and the score for each participant was recorded. Based on the scores of Corsi block span test, the participants were divided into two groups with strong and weak VSWM, and each factor was individually examined in these two groups.The results showed that the differences in two factors of the RCPM test in the two groups with strong and weak VSWM are statistically significant. Reviewing the literature shows that differences in VSWM can explain success in the first (involving similarity) and second (Gestalt principles) factors. However, the examination of the third factor (involving concrete and abstract reasoning) yields contradictory results in previous research. This research is the first study to focus on the difference in VSWM in the triadic factors of the RCPM test. It is recommended that in future research, the relationship between the factors of the RCPM test and other cognitive functions be examined, and the roles of gender and age be considered.