Supplementary data for the paper: Responses to Raven Matrices: Governed by Visual Complexity and Centrality?

Raven matrices are widely considered a pure test of cognitive abilities. Previous research has examined the extent to which cognitive strategies, as inferred through eye-tracking measures, are predictive of the number of correct responses to Raven items. This study aimed to determine whether response times can be explained directly from the centrality and visual complexity of the matrix cells (edge density and perceived complexity). A total of 159 participants completed a 12-item version of the Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices. In addition to item number as an index of item difficulty, the findings demonstrated a positive correlation between the visual complexity of Raven items and both the mean response time and the number of fixations on the matrix (which is a strong indicator of response time). The results also revealed that more centrally placed and more complex cells received more fixations. It is concluded that response times on Raven matrices are impacted by low-level stimulus attributes, namely visual complexity and eccentricity.