The validity of scores on the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery

The purpose of the present study was to examine the factor structure of the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery (MAB) and also the extent of overlap between the MAB and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales-Revised (WAIS-R). The sample consisted of 55 men and 30 women who were administered the WAIS-R and the MAB. Factor analysis showed that the MAB assesses two distinct aspects of intelligence: verbal and performance abilities. The validity coefficients indicated there was substantial overlap between the WAIS-R and MAB Verbal, Performance, and Total scale scores. However, 4 of the 10 MAB subtests did not correlate with the WAIS-R subscales they were designed to represent. It was concluded that the MAB is a suitable alternative to the WAIS-R when an indication of verbal, performance, or general abilities is required; however, the MAB should not be used when detailed information is required on specific abilities.