Aptitude Batteries FAQ
- What is the difference between the MAB-II and the MAB?
- What are the separate age group norms?
- Can the MAB-II be administered in a group setting?
- Is the MAB-II a timed test?
- What types of scores will the MAB-II provide?
- How are IQ scores interpreted?
- Does a respondent have to take the entire MAB-II to obtain an IQ score?
1. What is the difference between the MAB-II and the MAB?
The MAB-II is the revised version of the MAB. The most significant revision is an updated set of norms based on a national sample of 1600 respondents. The MAB-II manual (1998) incorporates new norm tables including percentile values, and updated scale descriptions including suggested occupations that may be relevant to high scores on each subscale. The actual test items in the MAB-II are identical to those in the MAB version.
2. What are the separate age group norms?
Subgroup norms exist for 9 age groups: 16-17, 18-19, 20-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-69, and 70-74. Each of these includes responses of 200 individuals, except the two subgroups, 65-69 and 70-74, which include the responses of 100 individuals each.
3. Can the MAB-II be administered in a group setting?
Yes, because the MAB-II test items are presented in a multiple-choice format in a booklet, the test does not need to be individually administered. This makes the MAB-II ideal for group settings, provided there is a proctor available to give instructions and time each sub-test.
4. Is the MAB-II a timed test?
Yes, respondents are allowed exactly 7 minutes on each of the 10 subtests. It is essential to follow the standardized administration procedure, particularly the 7 minute time limits, to allow for a valid comparison of an individual's test scores to the MAB-II norms.
5. What types of scores will the MAB-II provide?
There are three main scores provided by the MAB-II: a Full scale IQ, a Verbal IQ, and a Performance IQ. The Full scale IQ is based on the sum of the 10 subtests, the Verbal IQ is based on the sum of the 5 verbal subtests, and the Performance IQ is based on the sum of the 5 performance subtests. The MAB-II also provides individual scaled scores and percentile equivalents for each of the 10 subtests. Note that all the above scores are based on appropriate age groups.
6. How are IQ scores interpreted?
An IQ score is a standardized score that has been compared to an age appropriate normative sample. IQ scores have a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. IQ scores are more easily interpreted when considering their percentile equivalents. Percentiles express the relative position in the normative sample. The percentile equivalent for an IQ score of 100 is 50. This means that the individual with an IQ score of 100 has a score that is higher than those of 50% of the population. The percentile equivalent of an IQ score of 115 is 84, and that of an IQ score of 130 is 97.7. An individual who has an IQ score of 130 has scored higher than 97.7% of the normative sample.
7. Does a respondent have to take the entire MAB-II to obtain an IQ score?
No. Subtest scores can be prorated to obtain a full-scale score. Including more subtests in the prorated estimate will result in a more reliable score. The procedure for prorating is explained on page 101 of the MAB-II manual.
