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Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test

The Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test measures your fluid intelligence as well as your crystallized intelligence. 

What is the difference between the two intelligences?

Fluid intelligence means your capability to solve problems. It is considered natural and rarely affected by your artistic experience and education. On the other hand a crystallized intelligence means level of your information and knowledge. Obviously, it is affected by your culture, education and experience. 

Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test are suitable for the people of all age groups. It was developed by Alan S. Kaufman and Nadeen L. Kaufman. 

Basics of Kaufman Intelligence TestKaufman brief intelligence test is developed with the understanding that intelligence is a changing phenomenon. It measures your intelligence which has been developed to this moment. The Kaufman brief intelligence test also measures those developmental and neuro-psychological changes specific to adults that need a different approach for assessment. 

The Kaufman intelligence test is inclined to Horn and Cattell's formulation of the difference between fluid and crystallized intelligence that is Gf-Gc theory. Gf stands for general fluid abilities and Gc stands for the general crystallized capabilities.


The Kaufman intelligence test is also predisposed to some extent the Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. It has a special reference to the stage related to adolescence. The adolescents perform more complicated psychological operations at this stage and are better able to convert and use information.

The Kaufman brief intelligence test is also influenced with Luria's theory of planning ability. This theory endeavors to explain developmental changes taking place in early adolescence that effect your decision making and problem solving capabilities. 
Components of Kaufman Intelligence Test The Kaufman brief intelligence test has two components; core and expanded batteries. The core battery is composed of a fluid and a crystallized scale, and six sub-tests and the expanded battery consists of the core battery elements and four additional sub-tests. The following sub tests of core battery are related to fluid intelligence:
 

  • Rational or logical steps,

  • Chronological way of thinking

  • Secrecy rules,

  • Evaluate induction;

  • Rebus knowledge,

  • Long-term memory.

The following core battery subtests are related to crystallized intelligence

  • Description or definition,

  • Knowledge of words and language development

  • Double sense or meaning

  • Language command measurement

  • Auditory comprehension

  • Listening power


The expanded battery of Kaufman brief intelligence test includes:

  • Remembrance for block plan,

  • A measurement of visual dispensation

  • Well-known faces,

  • Cultural information related to crystallized intelligence

  • Hearing delayed recall;

  • Rebus delayed recall.


The two delayed recall sub-tests provide a general measure of delayed memory. 

Strengths of Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test 

  • The Kaufman intelligence test is presented in both visual and auditory formats. This gives test takers more variety and allows for measurement of intelligence in different contexts.

  • Due to the design of the test the test takers are kept active and engaged.

  • The Kaufman intelligence test is suitable for a vast age variety

  • This is more suitable and accurate in finding the intelligence changes between adolescence and adulthood.

  • The Kaufman intelligence test is highly reliable and has great validity.

  • Studies have indicated through the Kaufman tests, the crystallized, fluid, and composite IQ scores are rightly and consistently measured.

  • The Kaufman intelligence test gives IQ scores in a wide range, from much lower-than-average to much higher-than-average intelligence. Due to this the Kaufman intelligence test is often used to assess the exceptional individual abilities.

Process of Kaufman Intelligence TestThe Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test gives raw scores, scaled scores, and intelligent quotient (IQ) scores. Raw scores are transformed to the scaled scores to make comparison easy between sub tests and between examinees. A mean of 10 is made the standard for scaled scores and a standard deviation of three.

Three IQ scores are calculated: composite, fluid and crystallized intelligence.The mean of IQ scores is100 and a standard deviation of 15 is kept.. The fluid intelligence IQ score is based on the sum of the three fluid intelligence subtests (logical mystery and Rebus learning). IQ score of the crystallized intelligence is based on the sum of the three crystallized intelligence subtests; definitions, double meanings, and listening comprehension.

The composite intelligence IQ score is based on all six subtests.For complex nature of the test very particular rules are applied to administer the Kaufman brief intelligence test in order to get an accurate scoring. Thus, administrators must be properly trained to administer the KAIT. Specifically, for all subtests there is a discontinue rule, instructing administrators when to stop administering test items. 

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