Determinants of intellectual test performance under time pressure

Abstract

Theoretical and empirical grounds which enable to consider time pressure in intelligence problem solving as an important determinant of thought process are analyzed. Solving Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices with eye-tracking and pupillometry (N = 31) reveals that time pressure causes enhancement of applied mental effort and reduces the percent of matrix analysis in problem solving process and thus decreases intellectual efficiency. Differences in thought process between groups selected by intellectual efficiency level are demonstrated. Developing less effort in problem solving the least successful subjects are less likely to increase it under time pressure. The most successful subjects devote most of the time to task condition analysis and try not to constrict it even in time pressure. They also spend more time than others on solving difficult tasks. It is concluded that time pressure's influence on problem solving is determined by current intellectual resources and subject's motivation.