A Confirmatory Examination of the Factor Structure of the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery

Abstract

Although some research has examined the factorial nature of the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery (MAB), none has tested hypotheses relevant to both oblique and orthogonal models via confirmatory factor analysis. Thus, in this investigation, a series of models was tested, which compared the model fit of both oblique/higher order models against a completely orthogonal first-order factor model (i.e., nested factor model). Based on a sample of 3,121 individuals, the intersubscale covariation within the MAB was demonstrated to be captured most accurately by a nested factor model, which consisted of a first-order general factor, a first-order Verbal Intelligence factor, and a first-order Performance Intelligence factor. There was also evidence to suggest that Arithmetic did not share any variance with any Verbal Intelligence factor, independently of the general factor. The results are discussed in light of the advantages of modeling factors as completely first-order, orthogonal models in the area of intelligence research, for the purposes of archiving satisfactory model fit, as well as obtaining less ambiguous associations between intelligence factors and external criteria.