Normed for ages 5:0 to 17:11 (Usual age range is 6:0 to 17:11; Out of level age range is 5:0 to 5:11).

This subtest assesses nonverbal, inductive reasoning ability; ability to formulate and test hypotheses; verbal mediation; and visual perception.

The Matrices subtest contains a total of 33 items. Each matrix problem is a square of 4 to 9 cells with a blank cell in the lower right corner. The child chooses from 4 to 6 alternatives. Responses are scored 1, or 0. Three different starting points are available (age 5:0 to 7:11 start at item 1; 8:0 to 10:11 start at item 5; 11:0 to 17:11 start at item 15).

The Matrices subtest is considered a fair measure of g across all ages (overall r = .71). For ages 6:0 to 7:11 and from 15:0 to 17:11, the g loading is considered fair while at the remaining ages (8:0 to 14:11) the g loading is considered good. This subtest contributes substantially to the Nonverbal Reasoning factor (loading = .74). Specificity is ample for all age groups 6:0 to 17:11.

Matrices is considered to possess medium overall reliability (r = .82), with reliability coefficients ranging from .72 to .87 across all of the 13 whole-age groups It correlates best with Sequential & Quantitative Reasoning (r =.58) and least with Recall of Objects - Delayed (r = .14). It has a moderate correlation with the GCA (r = .76).

Gf-Gc classification

In the Broad stratum definition of abilities, Matrices is considered to be a strong measure of Fluid Intelligence (Gf). In the Narrow stratum of abilities, it is considered to be a probable measure of Induction (I) (McGrew & Flanagan, 1998, p. 122).

The Matrices subtest is described on pages 222 to 225 in the DAS Administration and Scoring Manual and discussed on pages 58 and 59 in the DAS Introductory and Technical Handbook. To aid examiners in the scoring of the subtest, correct responses are highlighted in bold, blue ink on the record form, which must be shielded from the student.

Matrices stimuli are found in Booklet 2. Examiners will soon discover that all subtests, with the exception of Matrices, have the stimuli presented with Booklet 2 opened as if it were a book. Matrices requires that the booklet be turned sideways in order to correctly present the stimuli. The multiple-choice format and the difficulty of some items sometimes lead to haphazard guessing. The examiner must encourage careful work.

Three samples and one item are teaching items if the child fails them. The fourth sample is a teaching item, even if the child passes it. Correct responses are acknowledged on teaching items.