An Anthropomorphic Solver for Raven's Progressive Matrices

This report describes a computer program for solving Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM), a multiple choice test of abstract reasoning introduced by Dr. John C. Raven in 1936. Each RPM problem consists of a grid (or matrix) of 2x2 or 3x3 cells with graphical content, where the cell content in the bottom right corner is omitted; the solver's task is to pick the missing content from a set of eight solution candidates.<p/> We argue these problems are not only mathematical, but also psychological in nature. Due to this and other considerations such as algorithmic transparency, the program makes use of a simple cognitive model. <p/> The program solves RPM problems in a fully automatic fashion, without taking the solution candidates into account. The input is an RPM problem represented as a vector graphics file; the output is a complete or partial solution for the missing entry, represented in the same format. Internally we use multi-layered structures which enable the perception of the problems' different organizational levels. <p/> The program was tested on sections C, D and E of the Standard Progressive Matrices(SPM) and produced correct solutions for 28 of the 36 considered problem