Recent Studies of Intelligence and Personality Using Jackson’s Multidimensional Aptitude Battery and Personality Research Form

Abstract

Since its publication in 1984, Jackson’s Multidimensional Aptitude Battery (MAB) has been used quite extensively in a variety of programs of research. In this chapter, the MAB and its psychometric properties are first described, followed by sections illustrating different types of research that the MAB has been used in. As will be seen, the MAB has allowed considerable advances to be made in investigations of such topics as relationships between intelligence and speed of information-processing; behavioral genetic studies of cognitive abilities; the identification of biological correlates of human intelligence; a study of both the phenotypic and the genetic relationship between intelligence and dimensions of personality; and a study of environmental factors that contribute to the differential personality development of twins and non-twin siblings. It is not claimed that none of these investigations could have been conducted without the MAB, however the existence of the MAB has certainly contributed to the ability of researchers to obtain valid estimates of broad dimensions of intelligence from large samples of people much more quickly and easily than would be the case if they had had to employ an individually-administered IQ test such as the Wecshler or Binet.