A literature review and critical analysis of the concurrent validity of the differential ability scales and the cognitive assessment system

Abstract

Validation studies are a useful tool for comparing the relationship between the cognitive abilities of intelligence tests. Inferences can be made from the results as to the degree broad factors from each battery are similar or different in the abilities they measure. This paper is a review and critical analysis of the literature related to the concurrent validity between two recently developed intelligence assessments, the Differential Ability Scales (DAS) and the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS). Topics covered in the literature review include a consideration of the theoretical constructs associated with both the DAS and the CAS, and a presentation of the existing validity research regarding each assessment. The purpose of this paper is to propose a study examining the concurrent validity of the DAS and the CAS when used with a sample of school-aged children in regular education programs.