General and non-general intelligence factors simultaneously influence SAT, SAT-V, and SAT-M performance

Area of Science:

• Psychometrics
• Cognitive Psychology
• Educational Measurement

Background:

• The composition of the SAT is debated, with differing views on whether general intelligence alone or multiple factors predict performance.
• Understanding these predictive factors is crucial for test interpretation and validity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the predictive power of different theoretical models on SAT, SAT-Verbal (SAT-V), and SAT-Math (SAT-M) performance.
• To determine if a general intelligence factor ('g') or a multifactor model best explains test outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Structural Equation Models (SEMs) were employed to test various theoretical frameworks.
• Models included predictors such as general intelligence, metacognitive awareness, and performance avoidance-test anxiety.

Main Results:

• Multifactor SEMs (general intelligence, metacognitive awareness, anxiety) significantly outperformed single-factor models for SAT and SAT-M.
• For SAT-V, a single general intelligence factor model was a better fit than multifactor models.
• The multifactor model also explained SAT-V data adequately.

Conclusions:

• SAT and SAT-M performance are best explained by a combination of general intelligence and other factors like metacognitive awareness and test anxiety.
• SAT-V performance appears to be primarily driven by a general intelligence factor.