Matrix Reasoning practice effect revisited
I can count on one hand how many users here ever have stated that practice effect on matrix tests doesn't exist: Your_Favorite_Freak, Ok-Violinist and some dude named "Acceptable-Elk". Actually, Freak's information is just as good as mine. The people who say you can practice, have nothing to say other than "you get better at what you do." But that's not an argument. You have to explain how exactly you would get better.
The reasons practice effect doesn't exist are:
- Professional tests are designed so that every item has a similar logic to the rest of the items. When you do the easy questions you are already "practicing". In fact, you are getting the exact practice you need for that test. Anyone who understands how pro MR tests are formed, knows the level of detail they operate at. For example even the incorrect answer options are there to give you clues of how to solve. What this boils down to is that everything you need to maximize your performance is already in the test.
- By doing many matrix tests you are saturating your mind and filling it with irrelevant information. Now, I know what your going to say: "but then I have more information that could help me during the test." Again though, you get all the information you need in the easier puzzles of the test.
- You can't increase your IQ. So you think that you can better your brain capacity to see patterns? Somehow I doubt that.
- Professional matrix tests are relatively timed which means that even if you could practice, it is unlikely that you would have time to employ the logics you have learned.
To the practice effect camp: Even if you're going to ignore the fact that the burden of proof is on you, these 4 points are pretty airtight. Also, people seem to admit that their scores are similar. And that's despite having done many tests. Furthermore, is it really fair of you to claim that someone else's score is inflated just because you are too insecure to believe that your high score is real?