Questioning the K-ABC: What Does It Measure?

Abstract

Although only recently released, the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) has been the object of much speculation and interest and numerous claims. The K-ABC manuals are quite impressive, and it is obvious that much has been done to support the validity of the K-ABC. Still, a careful reading of the manuals generates several questions, among the most important being those concerning what the K-ABC measures. Here, three age levels from the K-ABC standardization sample were selected at random and their subtest score intercorrelations subjected to both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Results often support the K-ABC processing dichotomy, but also suggest at least one set of alternative names for the K-ABC Sequential, Simultaneous, and Achievement Scales. Thus it appears that users should exercise caution when interpreting the K-ABC; routine interpretation of the Scales as measuring simultaneous and sequential mental processing skills and achievement may be premature.