Intellectual Ability and Performance on a Non-Verbal Problem-Solving Task

Abstract

A study was conducted in which performance on a non-verbal problem-solving task was correlated with the Otis Quick-scoring Mental Ability Test and the Raven Progressive Matrices Test. The problem-solving task, called “code-lock,” required Ss to determine the correct sequence in which to push 5 buttons in order to turn on a light. Measures of how quickly S responded and how many errors were made on each problem were taken from 45 college student volunteers. Results indicated substantial correlations (.50 to .60) between time measures on the code-lock task and the Otis but very limited relationships between the Raven and each code-lock measure.