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

Marwa Manana 1, Diana Ghanem 1, Sarah Tarhini 1, Lina Ismaiil 1, Rana Sabra 1 and Georges Hatem 1, 2, *

1 Clinical and Epidemiological Research Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon.
2 EPI Unit - Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Rua das Taipas, n° 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2023, 19(03), 317–326
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2023.19.3.1801
Publication history: 
Received on 26 July 2023; revised on 06 September 2023; accepted on 08 September 2023
 
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.
 
Keywords: 
Children; School; Intellectual ability; Intelligence
 
Full text article in PDF: 
Share this