Analogías de figuras: Teoría y construcción de ítemes

this paper describes the conceptual and operational bases of analogical problem - solving tests, placing emphasis on figural analogies. the importance of the study of such a hypothetical construct to the understanding of intellectual capacity is briefly outlined. the significance of the construct in relation to mental development and individual maturation from childhood to adulthood is also explained in a concise way. theoretical considerations about analogical reasoning are quoted and the fundamental characteristics and cognitive mechanisms involved in the resolution of figural matrix items are described. in this respect, the nature of relations and correlations between relations of figures is elucidated taking into account the a:b::c:d proportional model which has been researched by psychometrists since the beginning of the 20th century. this model suggests the existence of two pairs of relations between elements, where element a is to element b as element c is to a missing element d (figure 2). items created on the basis of this structure usually contain given answers, only one of which is correct. on the other hand, linkages are established with contributions from experts defending the cognitive perspective of the study of analogical reasoning, and also with general psychology schools like gestalt and gardner's theory of multiple intelligence. finally, an ideal framework for the creation of 2 x 2 figural matrices that can measure analogical reasoning is intended to be provided. with the purpose of reducing item bias, six essential suggestions for the preparation and administration of items are offered. these suggestions are: (1) the constructor should consider the double resolution pathway of a proportional analogy (horizontal as well as vertical, i.e. a:b::c:d and a:c::b:d). in doing so, the probability of generating non-controlled rules of analogical relation to one of these pathways will be reduced. these accidental rules correspond to resolution logics diffe