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Reconsidering the search for alternatives to general mental ability tests

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  • Cucina, Jeffrey M.

Abstract

Cognitive ability tests that measure general mental ability (g-tests) are among the best predictors of academic, training, and job performance. One disadvantage of g-tests is the potential for adverse impact due to subgroup differences on general mental ability (g). For many years, psychologists have searched for high-validity low-adverse impact alternatives to traditional g-loaded cognitive ability tests (g-tests). This paper explores the mathematical possibility of developing such a test based on the known characteristics of g-tests. It was discovered that superior replacements to g-tests cannot mathematically exist. This is due to the fact that adverse impact and subgroup differences occur primarily on g rather than the specific factors and unique variance that cognitive ability tests measure. The reliable non-g variance in most g-tests is too small to offset the subgroup differences in g-test scores that is attributable to g.

Suggested Citation

  • Cucina, Jeffrey M., 2025. "Reconsidering the search for alternatives to general mental ability tests," Intelligence, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:intell:v:109:y:2025:i:c:s0160289624000862
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2024.101892
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sackett, Paul R. & Zhang, Charlene & Berry, Christopher M. & Lievens, Filip, 2023. "Revisiting the design of selection systems in light of new findings regarding the validity of widely used predictors," Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Cambridge University Press, vol. 16(3), pages 283-300, September.
    2. Ree, Malcolm James & Carretta, Thomas R., 2022. "Thirty years of research on general and specific abilities: Still not much more than g," Intelligence, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    3. Cucina, Jeffrey M. & Hayes, Theodore L., 2023. "Rumors of general mental ability’s demise are the next red herring," Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Cambridge University Press, vol. 16(3), pages 301-306, September.
    4. Sackett, Paul R. & Berry, Christopher M. & Lievens, Filip & Zhang, Charlene, 2023. "A reply to commentaries on “Revisiting the design of selection systems in light of new findings regarding the validity of widely used predictors”," Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Cambridge University Press, vol. 16(3), pages 371-377, September.
    5. Cucina, Jeffrey M. & Burtnick, Scott K. & De la Flor Musso, Maria E. & Walmsley, Philip T. & Wilson, Kimberly J., 2024. "Meta-analytic validity of cognitive ability for hands-on military job proficiency," Intelligence, Elsevier, vol. 104(C).
    6. Oh, In-Sue & Mendoza, Jorge & Le, Huy, 2023. "To correct or not to correct for range restriction, that is the question: Looking back and ahead to move forward," Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Cambridge University Press, vol. 16(3), pages 322-327, September.
    7. Ones, Deniz S. & Viswesvaran, Chockalingam, 2023. "A response to speculations about concurrent validities in selection: Implications for cognitive ability," Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Cambridge University Press, vol. 16(3), pages 358-365, September.
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