Assessment of primary schoolchildren’s fluid intelligence using Raven's Colored progressive matrices: A pilot cross-sectional study in Lebanon

Abstract

This study aims to assess children’s reasoning ability, namely following the crises in Lebanon, and to identify those in need. A pilot study was conducted in April-May 2023, targeting children between 6 and 11 attending grades 1 to 5. The sample (130 students) comprised more females (60.5%) than males (39.5%). The score for simple pattern completion was significantly higher among students aged 8-11 (9.58 over 11) than their younger peers (8.38; p=0.007). This score showed statistically significant variation depending on the student’s grade, with the lowest score at grade 1 (6.88), which significantly increased at grade 2 (9.44) and attained its maximum value at grade 4 (10.72), then decreased again at grade 5 (9.03; p<0.001). Male students (9.33) had higher scores than females (8.84) with no statistical significance (p>0.05). The parent’s characteristics did not statistically affect these scores, but students with older and married parents and those with better economic situations had higher scores. The score in discrete and continuous pattern completion was significantly higher among older students (10.68) than their younger peers (7.24; p<0.001) and per grade increase. Educators can support the development of fluid intelligence in schoolchildren through activities that encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative exploration.