## Introduction A recent study has confirmed that a non-verbal intelligence test is widely used to measure intelligence in a coherent manner across different demographic categories, including Syrian refugees and Turkish students. Researchers found that the test provides balanced and comparable scores regardless of gender, age, school level, or nationality of children. This study was published on the journal Intelligence. ## Context Assumptions about psychological evaluations are often considered to work in the same way for everyone. However, this assumption requires statistical proof to ensure parity. Validity refers to the degree of evidence that supports the interpretation of test scores for their intended use. ## Test and Results The Bildiren Non-Verbal Cognitive Ability Test (BNV), also known as BNV, was developed to address the need for fair assessments in Turkey. The test is based on geometric shapes, completion of patterns, and abstract reasoning. The BNV does not require students to read, write, or speak to answer questions. This project was designed to minimize the impact of linguistic barriers and school history. In recent years, the Turkish Ministry of National Education has used the BNV to select hundreds of thousands of primary school students for specialized education programs. ## Study Ahmet Bildiren, a researcher at Aydin Adnan Menderes University in Turkey, led the investigation into the performance of the BNV. In collaboration with co-author Derya Akbaş, they aimed to verify that the test works equally well for the diverse student population in the region. Researchers were particularly interested in verifying whether the test is valid for Syrian students. Millions of Syrians have sought refuge in Turkey due to the war in Syria. Ensuring that these students are evaluated fairly alongside their Turkish peers is a matter of educational equity. ## Methodology Researchers analyzed two distinct samples to conduct their evaluation. The first sample included 7,745 Turkish students aged 4-13. This large group allowed the team to examine how the test works across gender, school level, and age. Participants came from 11 different cities representing various regions of the country. The second sample focused specifically on ethnicity. This group consisted of 1,719 students residing in Ankara, the capital city. It included both Turkish students and Syrian refugees. Researchers maintained these datasets separate to ensure accurate statistical comparisons. ## Results To analyze the data, Bildiren and Akbaş employed a statistical method known as multigroup confirmatory factor analysis. This technique allows researchers to test whether a theoretical model fits real data across different groups. Initially, the analysis confirmed that the BNV is indeed unidimensional. The data supported the idea that the test items measure a single cognitive construction for both groups. ## Limitations The sample used to compare ethnicities was composed entirely of Ankara residents. This may limit how well the results apply to Syrian students living in other parts of Turkey. Additionally, the number of Syrian students in the sample was smaller than the number of Turkish students. ## Conclusion The study also had a cross-sectional design, observing only children at a specific point in time. It did not follow how individual scores change over time for the same individuals. Longitudinal research would be necessary to understand how the test's measurement properties evolve over time for the same individuals. ## Implications Despite these limitations, the results provide solid evidence supporting the validity of the BNV. The establishment of invariance suggests that the test is a suitable tool for diagnostic and selection assessments in diverse populations. Supports the continued use of assessment to identify potential career paths for students from different backgrounds. Helps ensure that educational opportunities are distributed based on ability rather than demographic bias. ## References The study, «Measurement invariance of Bildiren non-verbal cognitive ability (BNV) test across gender, grade level, age, and ethnicity», was authorized by Ahmet Bildiren and Derya Akbaş.