Evaluating the Reliability and Validity of the TRI52: A Computerized Nonverbal Intelligence Test

Abstract

The TRI52 is a computerized nonverbal intelligence test composed of 52 figurative items designed to measure cognitive abilities without relying on acquired knowledge. This study aims to investigate the reliability, validity, and applicability of TRI52 in diverse populations. The TRI52 demonstrates high reliability, as indicated by a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of .92 (N = 1,019). Furthermore, the TRI52 Reasoning Index (RIX) exhibits strong correlations with established measures, such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) composite score, SAT Mathematical Reasoning test scaled score, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III (WAIS-III) Full-Scale IQ, and the Slosson Intelligence Test—Revised (SIT-R3) Total Standard Score. The nonverbal nature of the TRI52 minimizes cultural biases, making it suitable for diverse populations. The results support the potential of TRI52 as a reliable and valid measure of nonverbal intelligence.

Keywords: TRI52, nonverbal intelligence test, psychometrics, reliability, validity, cultural bias

Introduction

Intelligence tests are essential tools in psychometrics, as they measure an individual’s cognitive abilities and potential. However, many intelligence tests have been criticized for cultural bias, which can lead to inaccurate results for individuals from diverse backgrounds (Helms, 2006). The TRI52 is a computerized nonverbal intelligence test designed to address this issue by utilizing 52 figurative items that do not require acquired knowledge. This study aims to evaluate the reliability, validity, and applicability of TRI52 in diverse populations.

Method

Participants

A total of 1,019 individuals participated in the study. The sample consisted of a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and educational backgrounds, representing various cultural groups.

Procedure

The TRI52 was administered to participants in a controlled setting. Participants were given a set amount of time to complete the test. Before or after completing the TRI52, groups of participants also completed the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III (WAIS-III), and the Slosson Intelligence Test—Revised (SIT-R3) to evaluate the convergent validity of the TRI52.

Measures

The TRI52 is a computerized nonverbal intelligence test consisting of 52 figurative items. The test yields a raw score and a Reasoning Index (RIX), which is an age-referenced standard score equated to the SAT Mathematical Reasoning test scaled score (College Board, 2010).

Results

The TRI52 demonstrated high reliability, with a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of .92 (N = 1,019). The TRI52 raw score exhibited strong correlations with the SAT Composite Score (r = .74, N = 115), the SAT Mathematical Reasoning subtest scaled score (r = .86, N = 92), the WAIS-III Performance IQ (r = .73, N = 24), and the SIT-R3 Total Standard Score (r = .71, N = 30).

Discussion

These findings indicate that the TRI52 is a reliable and valid measure of nonverbal intelligence. The high reliability coefficient suggests that the TRI52 consistently measures cognitive abilities across various populations. The strong correlations with established measures further support its validity. The nonverbal nature of the TRI52 minimizes cultural biases, making it suitable for assessing individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Limitations and Future Research

Although the TRI52 demonstrated high reliability and strong convergent validity, the study has several limitations. First, the WAIS-III sample size was relatively small, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the study did not assess divergent validity or the test’s predictive validity. Future research should address these limitations and explore the TRI52’s performance in larger, more diverse samples. Furthermore, researchers should investigate the test’s divergent validity by comparing its scores with those of unrelated constructs, such as personality traits, to ensure that the TRI52 specifically measures nonverbal intelligence. Assessing the predictive validity of the TRI52 is also crucial to determine its ability to predict future outcomes, such as academic or occupational success. Longitudinal studies are recommended to explore this aspect of validity.

Conclusion

The TRI52 is a promising nonverbal intelligence test that demonstrates high reliability and strong convergent validity. Its nonverbal nature minimizes cultural biases, making it suitable for assessing individuals from diverse backgrounds. However, further research is needed to address limitations and explore the test’s divergent and predictive validity. If supported by future research, the TRI52 could become a valuable tool in the field of psychometrics for measuring nonverbal intelligence across various populations.

References

College Board. (2010). The SAT® test: Overview. Retrieved from https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat

Helms, J. E. (2006). Fairness is not validity or cultural bias in racial/ethnic test interpretation: But are they separate or sequential constructs? American Psychologist, 61(2), 106–114.

Slosson, R. L., Nicholson, C. L., & Hibpshman, S. L. (1991). Slosson Intelligence Test—Revised (SIT-R3). Slosson Educational Publications.

Wechsler, D. (1997). Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (3rd ed.). Psychological Corporation.