What is Pattern Recognition?

Pattern recognition tests are among the main aspects falling under the scope of IQ tests, which intend to estimate a person's level in his or her ability to identify and work out patterns under rapid conditions. These tests are non-verbal but are instead based on visual material in order to reduce cultural and linguistic biases.

One of the most well-known pattern recognition tests is RPM, which was developed by John C. Raven during the beginning of the 20th century. In RPM, test-takers come across a sequence of abstract designs where one has to choose, out of several provided images, one that completes a pattern. This test therefore assesses fluid intelligence: abstract reasoning, cognitive thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to identify patterns.

RPM is particularly important in job interviews and career assessments as it shows one's potential to learn or adapt to any new situation. Fluid intelligence reflects a more stable predictor of cognitive performance across domains and throughout the life span than crystallized intelligence, because it is less dependent on knowledge and experience that has been acquired.

The RPM test consists of 36-60 items, each comprising a grid with an abstract design and several answer choices. The difficulty increases progressively in such a way that the test taker has to recognize patterns and make logical deductions as the test goes on. The structure therefore makes it possible to comprehensively assess an individual's pattern recognition ability.

While preparing for an RPM or any test on pattern recognition, focus on the following key aspects:

• Speed and Accuracy: Success in pattern recognition tests depends on quickly and correctly identifying patterns. Practice under timed conditions to enhance both speed and accuracy.
• Time Management: Learn to manage your time wisely in practice and during tests. Regular timed exercises will help you develop stamina and make sure that you can mark all the questions within the given time.
• Increasing Difficulty: The questions in a test often get progressively harder. Get comfortable with progressive complexity in patterns with shapes, rotation, orientation, and color variation.
• Pattern Recognition: Develop your ability to recognize recurring patterns. Practice observing relationships across rows and columns to develop this crucial skill.
• Shape Familiarity: Familiarize yourself with common geometric shapes like circles, triangles, and rectangles to recognize their function in a pattern instantly.
• Rotation and Direction: Note the presence of rotational movements; if so, whether clockwise or counter-clockwise. Many times, such changes form part of the underlying structure.
• Line Orientation: Observe the shift in directions of lines within shapes. The subtlety of the change in orientation may be crucial for deciphering the development of the pattern.
• Color Variants: Observe when colors, often offsetting some critical transitions within a pattern, change. Commonly used colors such as black and white change places or shift in a predictable manner.
• Row and Column Relationships: Analyze patterns that repeat or vary systematically across rows and columns. Understanding these relationships can help uncover the test's logic.

The latter is considered to be the most reliable test for fluid intelligence and involves the solution of RPM among other pattern recognition tests. So, one can provide better results in such tests if they focus on speed, accuracy, time management, complexity awareness, pattern recognition, shape familiarity, rotation direction, line orientation, color shifts, and row and column patterns, and in this way prove their brain power to employers.

More info about IQ test you can watch in this educational video from Derek Muller (Veritasium):

Good luck in you practice!