Joint Analysis of Two Ability Tests: Two Theories, One Outcome

Abstract

Distinctions between tests of general cognitive ability (g) versus specific abilities (s) have been investigated for over a century. The similarity of two tests designed using two theories was examined. The Multidimensional Aptitude Battery used the individual differences psychometric approach while the MicroCog used a brain-behavior relationships approach. Both tests were administered to 10,612 participants. Correlations suggested the tests shared a common source of variance for the constructs measured. Confirmatory factor analyses established this and a hierarchical structure with g at the apex. The test designed to measure specific abilities (MicroCog) measured a single factor, g. Although different theories underlie their respective construction methods, results indicated the two tests measured much in common. That is, two theories, one outcome.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2014
Accession Number
ADA597447

Entities

People

  • Erica L. Barto
  • Malcolm J. Ree
  • Mark S. Teachout
  • Raymond E. King
  • Thomas R. Carretta

Organizations

  • University of the Incarnate Word

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Applied Psychology
  • Birds
  • Cognition
  • Construction
  • Data Science
  • Factor Analysis
  • Flight Training
  • Government Procurement
  • Governments
  • Information Processing
  • Information Science
  • Psychology
  • Reaction Time
  • Reasoning
  • Statistics

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.