The Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test, or KBIT, is a quick assessment designed to gauge an individual's verbal and non-verbal intelligence.
This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the intricacies of the KBIT-2 in 2024, covering essential aspects like the test's purpose, format, scoring and how to prepare effectively.
Whether you're a parent helping your child or an individual preparing for the KBIT-2, this guide is your compass.
What Is the KBIT Test?
The Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test, abbreviated as KBIT, is a streamlined evaluation tool crafted to measure a person's verbal and non-verbal intelligence.
The test was developed by cognitive ability experts Alan S. Kaufman, PhD, and Nadeen L. Kaufman, EdD, and is suitable for individuals aged four to 90.
It is known for its brevity – it typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes to complete, making it an efficient assessment tool.
The KBIT assessment finds applications in a range of scenarios.
It is commonly used in schools to identify students who may benefit from enrichment programs, as well as for screening high-risk children who may require more in-depth cognitive evaluations.
Moreover, it serves as a quick and efficient means to estimate an individual's intellectual abilities, re-evaluate previous cognitive assessments and understand the balance between verbal and non-verbal intelligence.
The KBIT-1 vs. KBIT-2 Test
The Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test has evolved over time, with the original KBIT-1 being succeeded by the improved KBIT-2. The original KBIT, known as KBIT-1, was used from 1990 to 2004.
It was then replaced by the KBIT-2, an enhanced version designed to retain the strengths of its predecessor while addressing its weaknesses.
One notable change in the KBIT-2 was the replacement of the definitions subtest found in the KBIT-1.
In the KBIT-2, this subtest was replaced with a verbal test that relied less on reading cues, enhancing its accessibility.
Additionally, the KBIT-2 incorporated colored pictures, introduced a new scale for measuring verbal ability, updated the matrices subtest and standardized tasks across all age ranges.
KBIT-2 Test Format
The test is designed to evaluate verbal and non-verbal intelligence, consisting of two main sections: the Verbal section and the Non-verbal section.
The Verbal section of the KBIT-2 assesses your verbal intelligence through a series of subtests. These subtests include:
This subtest measures word knowledge by identifying pictures that illustrate a word or answer a question.
For example, you might be presented with a set of images and asked to point to the one that represents a specific word or concept.
This section tests your vocabulary and word comprehension.
In the Riddles subtest, you will encounter exercises that require you to form verbal concepts and reason.
The examiner might present you with a riddle and ask you to point to a picture or say a word that answers the riddle correctly.
This part of the test evaluates your ability to think critically and make connections between words and concepts.
The Non-verbal section of the KBIT-2 evaluates your non-verbal intelligence through a specific subtest:
The Matrices subtest assesses your ability to make visual analogies and recognize spatial relationships.
You will be presented with matrices that contain real and abstract designs.
Your task is to complete these matrices by selecting the image that logically fits into the missing space.
This section measures your visual problem-solving skills and your capacity to identify patterns and relationships in visual information.
Number of Questions and Timing
The KBIT-2 includes a total of 106 questions across the Verbal and Non-verbal sections.
However, it's important to note that the test is typically not timed, allowing test-takers to work through the questions at their own pace.
This lack of time pressure enables individuals to focus on their problem-solving and reasoning abilities without the stress of rushing through the assessment.
KBIT-2 Test Questions
Example 1: Matrices Subtest
Example Question
Question: Which image goes to the empty image slot?
Example 2: Verbal Knowledge Subtest
Example QuestionQuestion: Look at the phrase and the boldened word:
“Lisa should act accordingly at the presentation.”
Which word has practically the same meaning as the boldened word?
a) Understand
b) Behave
c) Learn
d) Sit
If you want 12-month access to all the practice resources for this test, our partner TestPrep-Online.com offers a Family Membership.
Family Membership gives you access to all the TestPrep-Online resources for the next 12 months. You will also get two separate accounts, which can be very helpful if you have two children preparing for their tests.
KBIT-2 Scoring System
Understanding the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test scoring system is crucial for interpreting KBIT-2 results.
The test provides three separate scores.
The KBIT-2 scoring system provides insights into an individual's intellectual abilities, particularly in verbal and non-verbal intelligence.
Here's how the scoring process works:
This score reflects your performance on the Verbal section, which includes the Verbal Knowledge and Riddles subtests.
It assesses your verbal concept formation, reasoning ability and word knowledge.
The Non-verbal score assesses your performance on the Matrices subtest, which evaluates your ability to solve visual problems, complete analogies and recognize spatial relationships.
Composite IQ score
The Composite IQ score is a culmination of your overall performance on the KBIT-2.
It combines both Verbal and Non-verbal scores to provide a comprehensive measure of your intellectual abilities.
KBIT 2 Scoring: What Is a Good Score in the KBIT Test?
There isn't a universal definition of a "good" or "bad" score on the KBIT-2.
The interpretation of your score largely depends on the context in which the test was administered and the specific goals of the assessment.
However, here are some general guidelines:
Scores significantly above the mean (above 115 to 130) are often considered above average and may indicate strong intellectual abilities in both verbal and non-verbal domains.
These scores might be desirable for individuals seeking KBIT gifted screening or admission to advanced programs.
A score near the mean (around 100) suggests an average level of intellectual ability.
This is perfectly normal and does not indicate any cause for concern.
Many factors can influence an individual's performance on the KBIT-2.
Scores significantly below the mean (below 85 to 70) may suggest below-average intellectual abilities.
It's important to remember that a low score on the KBIT-2 should not be used as the sole basis for making judgments about an individual's cognitive capabilities.
Further assessment and evaluation may be necessary.
Here’s an example of KBIT 2 scoring tables. However, bear in mind that these categories might not be the same across all institutions:
