Who We Are

Test Infor

Calendar

Online Reg.

Search

The MAT is a high-level mental ability test which requires the solution of a series of intellectual problems stated in the form of analogies.

All forms of the test are equivalent-that is, of equal difficulty. The item content samples a number of subject matter fields. No one field is represented by more than a limited number of items, and some items are included specifically to pose novel tasks. Accordingly, the Psychological Corporation does not suggest any particular subject matter to review as preparation for taking the test.

It might be helpful to become familiar with the analogy concept, especially the verbal analogy, the item style which is used for the MAT. Preparing for the MAT, a guide to the MAT, is available for purchase from The Psychological Corporation, many controlled Testing Centers, and college bookstores. Preparing for the MAT describes the analogy item and gives a practice test of 100 items with correct answers and explanations. None of these analogies in the study guide appears in any form of the MAT currently in use.

The solution of an analogy involves several processes. (1) The meaning of the given terms must be understood. (2) The correct relationship between two of the given terms must be determined. (3) A selection must be made from among the choices in order to obtain the same relationship between the second pair of terms as exists between the first pair of terms.

The analogy is presented in the form A : B :: C : D, which is read "A is to B as C is to D." Thus, an item such as PLANE : AIR :: BOAT : (a. submarine, b. fish, c. water, d. pilot) should be read " PLANE is to AIR as BOAT is to (the correct answer)." The terms for which a relationship is present need not be the first two. Thus, the above item might be given as PLANE: BOAT :: AIR : (a. submarine, b. fish, c. water, d. pilot). The second and third terms have been interchanged, but the underlying relationships are the same. The term to be selected need not come last in the analogy. For example, AIR: (a. submarine, b. fish, c. water, d. pilot) ;; PLANE: BOAT is a proper example of a MAT item.

You must select the option ( a,b,c, or d) that completes the analogy most appropriately. After reading and understanding the terms, the next step is to find the relationship which is present for two of the given terms. Consideration of the three given terms suggests that the relationship is between PLANE and AIR; AIR is the medium through which a plane travels. The final step is to select the option which offers the same relationship with the other terms, BOAT. What is the medium through which a boat travels? The answer is water. No correct analogy can be constructed by choosing submarine, fish, or pilot. Accordingly, the analogy is PLANE: AIR:: BOAT: WATER and option c is the correct fourth term.