The Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales: Measurement Invariance Across Four Language Groups

The Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS) measures general intelligence and its two main components, verbal and nonverbal intelligence, each comprising of two subtests. The RIAS has been recently standardized in Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, and Spain. Using the standardization samples of the U.S. ( n = 2,438), Danish ( n = 983), German ( n = 2,103), and Spanish ( n = 1,933) versions of the RIAS, this study examined measurement invariance across these four language groups for a single-factor structure, an oblique two-factor structure with a verbal and nonverbal factor, and a bifactor structure with a general, a verbal, and a nonverbal factor. Single-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the oblique two-factor and bifactor structure for each language group but not the single-factor structure. The bifactor analysis revealed that the general factor accounted for the largest proportion of common variance in each language group, while the amount of variance accounted for by the two specific factors was small and their reliabilities low. Multiple-group CFA supported scalar invariance in both, the oblique two-factor and bifactor structure.

Intellectual Assessment

Intellectual assessment includes the broad range of cognitive skills and processes as measured by major intelligence tests. Intelligence testing is an integral part of the assessment process; however, it is often misunderstood. A great deal of weight is assigned to the scores, and decisions are often made that are not justified by the results. It is important for the clinician to understand the nature of the process, the types and interpretations of the scores, and the limitations, to avoid common fallacies. Two of the predominant tests, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-V and the Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Cognitive Abilities, are described. Some misconceptions about IQ are explained, and interpretation of intelligence test results is carefully spelled out for the clinician unfamiliar with these tools. The various scores derived from the results of intelligence tests are clarified.