CABCI
Cognitive Assessment Battery for Contemporary Intelligence
A Next-Generation Intelligence Assessment
Overview
The Cognitive Assessment Battery for Contemporary Intelligence (CABCI) is a comprehensive, theory-driven assessment designed to rival and surpass existing gold-standard intelligence tests like the Woodcock-Johnson IV and Wechsler scales (WISC-V/WAIS-IV).
Key Highlights
- Age Range: 4 to 90+ years (four separate batteries)
- Administration Time: 60-75 minutes (Core Battery)
- Format: Digital adaptive testing with traditional options
- Theoretical Foundation: Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) Theory
- Languages: Available in 15+ languages with cultural adaptations
Theoretical Foundation
The CABCI is grounded in the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory, the most comprehensive and empirically supported model of human cognitive abilities. The assessment measures 10 broad cognitive domains:
Fluid Reasoning (Gf)
Novel problem-solving and reasoning with unfamiliar information
Crystallized Intelligence (Gc)
Depth and breadth of acquired knowledge and skills
Visual-Spatial Processing (Gv)
Mental manipulation and analysis of visual information
Short-Term Memory (Gsm)
Immediate awareness and working memory capacity
Long-Term Retrieval (Glr)
Storing information and efficiently retrieving it later
Processing Speed (Gs)
Speed of performing automatic cognitive tasks
Auditory Processing (Ga)
Analyzing and synthesizing auditory patterns
Quantitative Knowledge (Gq)
Mathematical reasoning and numerical facility
Reading/Writing (Grw)
Language-based reading and writing abilities
Decision Speed (Gt)
Speed and accuracy of decision-making
Test Structure
Age-Based Batteries
Battery A
Ages 4-7: Early childhood assessment with developmentally appropriate tasks
Battery B
Ages 8-12: Middle childhood with increased complexity
Battery C
Ages 13-21: Adolescent and young adult assessment
Battery D
Ages 22-90+: Adult and aging population assessment
Assessment Components
| Component | Subtests | Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Battery | 10 subtests | 60-75 min | Comprehensive cognitive profile + FSIQ |
| Extended Battery | 6 additional subtests | +45 min | In-depth assessment of specific abilities |
| Abbreviated Battery | 4 subtests | 20-25 min | Screening or brief estimate of ability |
Core Battery Subtests
The following 10 subtests comprise the core battery and provide comprehensive coverage of cognitive abilities:
1. Matrix Reasoning Plus
Gf - Fluid Reasoning 10 minutesDescription: Progressive matrices with pattern completion requiring identification of abstract rules and relationships. Adaptive algorithm adjusts difficulty in real-time.
Unique Features:
- Real-time adaptive testing using Item Response Theory (IRT)
- Includes 3D rotation elements for spatial reasoning
- Novel designs to minimize practice effects
- Culturally reduced stimuli for fairness
Process Scores: Response time analysis, error pattern analysis, strategy identification
2. Verbal Comprehension Integrated
Gc - Crystallized Intelligence 12 minutesThree integrated parts:
- Part A: Vocabulary definitions (oral presentation)
- Part B: Verbal analogies and relationships
- Part C: Conceptual understanding and explanation
Sample Items:
- Define: "Ameliorate"
- Complete: "Bird is to nest as person is to ___"
- Explain: "How are cooperation and collaboration similar and different?"
Scoring: 0-2 point scale with credit for partial responses; separate vocabulary and reasoning subscales
3. Visual-Spatial Construction
Gv - Visual Processing 8 minutesDescription: Manipulate geometric shapes using digital interface to match target designs.
Tasks Include:
- Mental rotation of 3D objects
- Pattern assembly and integration
- Spatial visualization with occluded elements
- Figure-ground discrimination
Innovation: Tablet/computer-based for precise measurement of construction time and efficiency; includes both 2D and 3D elements
4. Working Memory Complex
Gsm - Short-Term Memory 10 minutesThree integrated tasks measuring working memory capacity:
- Digit Span: Forward, backward, and sequencing variants
- Letter-Number Sequencing: Reorder mixed alphanumeric sequences
- Memory for Objects: Visual working memory with interference tasks
Adaptive Features: Difficulty adjusts based on performance within each task
Process Scores: Separate scores for forward/backward/sequencing; visual vs. auditory working memory comparison
5. Processing Speed Composite
Gs - Processing Speed 6 minutesTwo speeded tasks:
- Task A - Symbol Matching: Indicate if symbols match (simple perceptual speed)
- Task B - Code Substitution: Use key to translate symbols to numbers
Innovation: Digital administration eliminates motor speed confounds; pure perceptual speed measurement with adaptive baseline accounting for age-related slowing
6. Auditory Processing Suite
Ga - Auditory Processing 8 minutesComprehensive auditory ability assessment:
- Phonemic Synthesis: Blend isolated phonemes into words
- Sound Blending: Combine syllables presented with delays
- Auditory Attention: Identify target sounds in background noise
- Tonal Memory: Reproduce melodic sequences
Cultural Sensitivity: Uses both non-linguistic and linguistic stimuli
7. Quantitative Reasoning
Gq - Math Ability 10 minutesProgressive difficulty covering:
- Number sense and estimation
- Mental calculation
- Mathematical reasoning problems
- Applied mathematics in real-world contexts
- Algebraic and proportional thinking
Sample Item: "If 3 workers complete a job in 6 hours, how long would 2 workers take, assuming they work at the same rate?"
Adaptive: Stops after consistent failure pattern to reduce frustration
8. Long-Term Retrieval
Glr - Learning Efficiency 17 minutes totalTask: Learn associations between abstract symbols and words, then recall after delay
Five phases:
- Initial learning (4 trials) - 12 minutes
- Immediate recall
- Interference task (5 minutes during other subtests)
- Delayed recall (after 20-30 minutes)
- Recognition trial
Derived Scores: Learning slope, retention rate, recognition vs. recall differential
9. Reading Fluency and Comprehension
Grw - Reading/Writing 10 minutesThree components:
- Part A - Decoding: Read words of increasing complexity (2 min)
- Part B - Fluency: Read connected text, answer comprehension questions (5 min)
- Part C - Passage Comprehension: Complex inference and analysis (3 min)
Adaptive Feature: Text complexity adjusts based on initial performance
10. Cognitive Flexibility and Inhibition
Executive Function 8 minutesTask: Modified Stroop task combined with task-switching paradigm
Measures:
- Response inhibition (ability to suppress prepotent responses)
- Set-shifting ability (cognitive flexibility)
- Conflict resolution
- Sustained attention
Digital Format: Allows precise reaction time measurement and comprehensive error analysis
Extended Battery Available
Six additional subtests are available for in-depth assessment:
- Verbal Fluency - Phonemic and semantic fluency
- Nonverbal Reasoning - Language-free reasoning tasks
- Reaction Time/Decision Speed - Basic cognitive efficiency
- Planning Ability - Executive function and strategy
- Social Cognition - Emotion recognition and theory of mind
- Creative Thinking - Divergent thinking and problem-solving
Scoring and Interpretation
Standard Score Metrics
- Subtest Scaled Scores: M=10, SD=3 (range 1-19)
- Composite Standard Scores: M=100, SD=15 (range 40-160)
- Percentile Ranks: 0.1 to 99.9
- Confidence Intervals: 90% and 95% available
- Age Equivalents: Optional (discouraged for primary interpretation)
Eight Major Composite Scores
Components: All 10 core subtests
Interpretation: Overall intellectual ability; best single predictor of academic and occupational success
Components: Matrix Reasoning Plus, Quantitative Reasoning, Cognitive Flexibility
Interpretation: Novel problem-solving ability; capacity to reason in new situations
Components: Verbal Comprehension, Reading Comprehension
Interpretation: Acquired knowledge and verbal abilities; reflects educational and cultural opportunities
Components: Working Memory Complex subtests (all three tasks)
Interpretation: Capacity to hold and manipulate information in conscious awareness
Components: Both processing speed tasks (Symbol Matching, Code Substitution)
Interpretation: Speed of mental processing; cognitive efficiency
Components: Visual-Spatial Construction tasks
Interpretation: Visual perception and spatial reasoning abilities
Components: Long-term retrieval measures (learning slope, retention)
Interpretation: Ability to learn new information and retrieve it later
Components: All auditory processing tasks
Interpretation: Auditory perception and processing abilities; important for reading development
Supplemental Composite Scores
- Cognitive Efficiency: Combined working memory + processing speed
- General Ability: Combined fluid reasoning + crystallized knowledge
- Executive Function Composite: Cognitive flexibility + working memory + planning
- Academic Readiness: Reading/writing + quantitative + working memory
Clinical Analysis Features
Discrepancy Analysis
Compare ability and achievement; identify specific learning disabilities
Pattern Analysis
Identify cognitive profiles associated with ADHD, autism, learning disorders
Process Scores
Response time, error patterns, strategic approaches for deeper insight
Scatter Analysis
Examine variability across subtests (used with appropriate caution)
Innovation Features
The CABCI incorporates cutting-edge assessment methodology:
🖥️ Digital Adaptive Testing
IRT-based scoring adjusts difficulty in real-time, reducing test length while maintaining reliability
⏱️ Process Scoring
Analyze response times, error patterns, and strategic approaches for richer clinical information
🌍 Ecological Validity
Real-world problem-solving scenarios and 21st-century cognitive skills assessment
🤝 Cultural Fairness
Extensive bias review, multiple language versions, reduced language loading
🔍 Clinical Utility
Embedded validity indicators, effort assessment, disorder-specific profiles
📊 Intervention Links
Results directly inform educational planning with evidence-based recommendations
Digital Platform Advantages
- Precise Measurement: Millisecond-level reaction time tracking
- Eliminates Motor Confounds: Touch/click responses reduce fine motor demands
- Engaging Format: Interactive tasks increase motivation and cooperation
- Automatic Scoring: Instant results with comprehensive reports
- Data Security: HIPAA-compliant cloud storage with encryption
- Progress Monitoring: Re-test with alternate forms for tracking intervention effectiveness
Psychometric Properties
Reliability
| Reliability Type | Composite Scores | Subtest Scores |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Consistency (Cronbach's α) | α > .90 | α > .85 |
| Test-Retest Reliability | r > .85 (FSIQ) | r > .80 (Indices) |
| Alternate Form Reliability | r > .80 | Available for core subtests |
| Inter-Rater Reliability | κ > .90 | κ > .85 (for scored items) |
Validity Evidence
Concurrent Validity
WISC-V/WAIS-IV: r = .85-.92 for FSIQ
WJ-IV: r = .80-.88 for comparable composites
Predictive Validity
Academic achievement: r = .60-.75
Occupational performance: r = .50-.65
Construct Validity
CFA supports CHC structure (CFI > .95, RMSEA < .06)
Convergent/discriminant validity established
Clinical Validity
Differentiates clinical groups (ADHD, LD, ASD, ID)
Sensitivity/specificity > .80 for most diagnoses
Standardization Sample
Nationally Representative Sample
- Total N: 4,000+ participants across all age ranges
- Stratification Variables: Age, gender, race/ethnicity, SES, geographic region, parent education level
- Clinical Oversampling: Adequate representation of LD, ADHD, ASD, ID, gifted populations
- Norming Method: Continuous norming procedures for smoother age-based transitions
- Updates: Re-norming every 10 years with interim studies
Comparison to Gold-Standard Tests
| Feature | CABCI | WISC-V/WAIS-IV | WJ-IV |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHC Coverage | ✓ Comprehensive (10 domains) | Partial (5 indices) | ✓ Comprehensive |
| Adaptive Testing | ✓ True IRT-based | Limited | Limited |
| Digital Platform | ✓ Full digital option | Q-Interactive (partial) | Digital available |
| Process Scores | ✓ Built into core | Separate administration | Limited |
| Executive Function | ✓ Comprehensive | Limited | Separate battery |
| Learning/Memory | ✓ Integrated | Requires WMS-IV | Limited |
| Administration Time | 60-75 min (core) | 65-80 min | 60-90 min |
| Intervention Links | ✓ Direct integration | Indirect | Some available |
Administration & Practical Considerations
Examiner Qualifications
- Graduate-level training in psychological or educational assessment required
- CABCI certification program (online and in-person options available)
- Supervised practice with 5+ administrations before independent use
- Continuing education requirements for recertification
Available Accommodations
Time Extensions
1.5x or 2x time for speeded tasks; untimed subtests remain unchanged
Format Modifications
Large print, high contrast, auditory presentation options
Response Modifications
Oral responses, assistive technology, scribe services
Language Options
15+ languages; signed administration available
Report Generation
Automated, comprehensive reports include:
- Score Summary Table - All standard scores, percentiles, confidence intervals
- Composite Profile Graphs - Visual representation of strengths/weaknesses
- Interpretive Narrative - Plain-language explanation of results
- Strength/Weakness Analysis - Statistically significant differences highlighted
- Recommendations Section - Evidence-based intervention suggestions
- Progress Monitoring Plan - Suggested re-evaluation timeline and metrics
Reports are fully customizable:
Clinicians can add background information, behavioral observations, diagnostic impressions, and tailored recommendations. Reports can be generated in multiple formats (PDF, Word, secure web link) and comply with FERPA/HIPAA requirements.
Why Choose CABCI?
The CABCI represents the next generation of intelligence assessment
- ✓ Theoretically Grounded: Based on the most comprehensive model of intelligence (CHC theory)
- ✓ Technologically Advanced: Digital adaptive testing reduces administration time while maintaining precision
- ✓ Clinically Rich: Process scores and embedded validity indicators provide deeper insight
- ✓ Culturally Fair: Extensive development to ensure equitable assessment across diverse populations
- ✓ Actionable Results: Direct links to evidence-based interventions and progress monitoring
- ✓ Comprehensive Coverage: Assesses all major cognitive domains in a single, efficient battery
For More Information
Visit www.cabci-assessment.com or contact your regional representative
Professional training, certification programs, and technical manuals available