Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Fourth Edition with Preschoolers with Developmental Delays

Abstract

The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Fourth Edition (Binet IV; Thorndike, Hagen, & Sattler, 1986) has allowed for the evaluation of cognitive abilities across the life span and has been used frequently to assess the cognitive functioning of young children (e.g., 2-year-olds). Traditionally, four cognitive factors are interpreted along with an overall composite score. This study presents results of confirmatory factor analyses of the Binet IV, administered to 441 children between the ages of 2 and 5 years who have developmental delays. Four competing models were tested using iterative, maximum likelihood estimation of parameters. Results are consistent with previous factor analytic studies in that the traditional four-factor model is inferior to a two-factor or three-factor model. Implications for interpretation of Binet IV scores with young children with developmental delays are discussed.