K-ABC: Definition, History, and Characteristics
The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) is a widely used measure of cognitive abilities in children aged 2 ½ to 12 ½ years. Developed by Alan S. Kaufman and Nadeen L. Kaufman in 1983, the K-ABC is an individually administered intelligence test that measures cognitive skills in a variety of areas, such as language, spatial reasoning, and problem solving. The K-ABC is unique in that it assesses both verbal and nonverbal abilities, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of a child’s cognitive functioning.
The K-ABC was designed to assess the chronological age-related changes in cognitive functioning that occur during childhood. It is composed of 144 tasks, divided into three subtests. The first two subtests, Simultaneous and Sequential, measure the child’s ability to process information, while the third, Qualitative Performance, assesses the child’s conceptualization and problem-solving skills. The K-ABC is intended to be used in conjunction with other measures, such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the child’s cognitive abilities.
One of the unique features of the K-ABC is its use of both verbal and nonverbal tasks. This allows the assessor to gain a better understanding of how the child processes information. Additionally, the K-ABC is adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of the tasks presented to the child is adjusted based on their responses. This allows for a more accurate assessment of the child’s cognitive abilities.
The K-ABC is a widely used measure of cognitive abilities in children. It is used to assess a child’s cognitive functioning in a variety of areas, including language, spatial reasoning, problem solving, and conceptualization. The K-ABC is an adaptive test, allowing for a more accurate assessment of a child’s cognitive abilities.
References
Kaufman, A. S., & Kaufman, N. L. (1983). Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC). Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service.
Roid, G. H., & Miller, L. (1997). Leiter International Performance Scale-Revised. Wood Dale, IL: Stoelting Co.
Sattler, J. M. (2008). Assessment of children: Cognitive foundations (5th ed). San Diego, CA: Jerome M. Sattler.