Cognitive Abilities Test™ Forms 7 and 8

Overview
Administration | Scoring
Features & Webinars
Ability Profiles
  • Overview

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    • Author

      Dr. David F. Lohman - Program Author

      Dr. David F. Lohman is Professor Emeritus in the department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations in the College of Education at The University of Iowa. He is the lead author of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s market-leading Cognitive Abilities Test™ (CogAT®).

      Dr. David F. Lohman has been internationally recognized for his research in assessing cognitive abilities and helping teachers use information to improve student learning. HMH is honored to publish CogAT, his psychometrically-sound and valid instrument for identifying gifted and talented students from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

      Research by Dr. David F. Lohman:

      Lohman, D. F., & Foley Nicpon, M. (in press). Ability testing and talent identification. In S. L. Hunsaker (Ed.), : The Theory and Practice of Identifying Students for Gifted and Talented Education Services. This chapter summarizes the uses of both individual and group ability tests in talent identification. It provides the conceptual background for the chapter on decision strategies (see next publication) that will appear in the same book. Together, the two chapters provide the most up-to-date statement of suggestions on how one might conceptualize the issues and tradeoffs involved in using ability tests as one component of a talent identification process.

      Lohman, D. F. (in press). Decision strategies In S. L. Hunsaker (Ed.), Identification of students for gifted and talented services: Theory into practice

      Lohman, D. F., & Gambrell, J. (in press). Use of nonverbal measures in gifted identification. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment.(invited paper). In addition to a brief summary of an older work, this paper examines the performance of ELL, poor, and minority students on the picture-based verbal, picture-based quantitative, and figural reasoning tests of CogAT, Form 7.

      Lohman, D. F. (in press). Nontraditional uses of traditional measures. In C. M. Callahan & H. Hertberg-Davis (Eds.) Fundamentals of gifted education. This chapter shows how one can create local norms using some simple spreadsheet procedures. Example are illustrated using talent identification reports from Form 7.

      Awards:

      • 2010 Research Paper of the Decade, National Association for Gifted Children
      • 2008 Charter Fellow, American Educational Research Association
      • 2008 Research Paper of the Year, National Association for Gifted Children
      • 2007 Distinguished Scholar Award, National Association for Gifted Children
      • 2006 Research Paper of the Year, National Association for Gifted Children
      • 2003 Regents Award for Faculty Excellence, State of Iowa
      • 2000 Distinguished Professor and Examiner, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
      • 1997 Fellow, American Psychological Society
      • 1995 Charter Member, Iowa Academy of Education
      • 1992 Fellow, American Psychological Association
      • 1998 Fulbright Fellow and Senior Research Award, University of Leiden, Netherlands
      • 1986 Faculty Scholar Award, The University of Iowa

      Learn more about Dr. David F. Lohman

      Download Dr. David F. Lohman's paper entitled, "The Role of Nonverbal Abilities Tests in Identifying Academically Gifted Students: An Aptitude Perspective."

      Download PDF (1.1 MB)

      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

    • Content

      While Form 7 of CogAT continues to measure three separate cognitive domains for a more complete perspective on a student's reasoning abilities, it differs importantly from earlier editions of the test by introducing new item types. The chart below demonstrates, through sample items, how these new types are carried across different levels of the test.

      Sample Items

      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

    • Verbal Battery

      The Verbal Battery consists of three subtests: Picture (Verbal) Analogies, Picture (Verbal) Classification, and Sentence Completion.

      For the Primary Edition, the Picture Analogies and Picture Classification subtests are comprised of all picture-based items which tap into verbal reasoning processes without tying items to a specific administration language. Only the Sentence Completion test requires teacher-read prompts. On this subtest, children listen to the teacher read a question and then choose the picture that best answers the question. The new picture-based item formats on Picture Analogies and Picture Classification reduce the language load of the tests. For the Multilevel Edition, the student must read individual words on two subtests of the Verbal Battery (Verbal Analogies and Verbal Classification) and a sentence on the third (Sentence Completion).

      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

    • Nonverbal Battery

      The Nonverbal Battery is comprised of three subtests: Figure Matrices, Paper Folding, and Figure Classification. The three subtests at the Primary level are just like those at the Multilevel and did not require much adaptation for young students. The Figure Matrices subtest contains three figures in an analogy (A→B: C→⟨) that the student must complete. Paper Folding requires the examinee to determine how a folded, hole-punched paper will appear when unfolded. Figure Classification presents three figures in the stem, and the examinee is required to determine a fourth figure that belongs to the set.

      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

    • Quantitative Battery

      The Quantitative Battery is comprised of three subtests: Number Analogies, Number Puzzles, and Number Series. The three subtests have been adapted for young students by couching quantitative reasoning challenges in engaging and accessible formats. The Number Analogies task for primary children relies on picture-based quantitative concepts rather than numeral representation. The Number Puzzles task presents equations as trains that must carry the same number of objects. And, finally, the Number Series task is presented as an abacus toy on which students search for patterns. All of these formats have been extensively tried out with students and have been found to engage students by tapping into important quantitative reasoning skills.

      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

    • Test & Times
        Session Subtest Number of Items
      Level 5/6 Level 7 Level 8 Level 9 Level 10–17/18
      Verbal Battery 1 Sample Items 2 2 2 2 2
      Picture/Verbal Analogies 14 16 18 22 24
      2 Sample Items 1 1 1 1 2
      Sentence Completion 14 16 18 20 20
      3 Sample Items 2 2 2 2 2
      Picture/Verbal Classification 14 16 18 20 20
      Quantitative Battery 4 Sample Items 2 2 2 2 2
      Number Analogies 14 16 18 18 18
      5 Sample Items 2 2 2 2 2
      Number Puzzles 10 12 14 16 16
      6 Sample Items 2 2 2 2 2
      Number Series 14 16 18 18 18
      Nonverbal Battery 7 Sample Items 2 2 2 2 2
      Figure Matrices 14 16 18 20 22
      8 Sample Items 2 2 2 2 2
      Paper Folding 10 12 14 16 16
      9 Sample Items 2 2 2 2 2
      Figure Classification 14 16 18 20 22

      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

  • Administration | Scoring

    HMH offers a comprehensive variety of test administration options to make your Iowa Assessments, Form E; CogAT, Form 7; and/or CogAT Screening Form assessment experience flexible and efficient. Whether you prefer paper-pencil or online administration, we have a mode to suit your needs.

    CogAT Form 7 Modes of Administration Options at a Glance

    Administration and Scoring Options Reporting Scoring Package
    • Paper- pencil testing with HMH machine scorable booklets and answer documents
    • Send documents to HMH Scoring Service
    • Includes paper list report and group summaries
    • Access to digital ancillaries online
    • Option to purchase paper reports in addition*
    		 Basic Data Package–HMH Central Scanning and Scoring*
    • Paper- pencil testing with HMH machine scorable booklets and answer documents
    • Send documents to HMH Scoring Service
    • Web–based reporting
    • Access to digital ancillaries online
    • Option to purchase paper reports in addition*
    		 DataPlus Package–HMH Central Scanning and Scoring*
    • Assessments taken directly online
    • Scoring online
    • Web–based reporting
    • Access to digital ancillaries online
    • Option to purchase paper reports in addition*
    		 Online Administration Package–Online Testing
    • Paper-pencil testing
    • Answer keys must be purchased separately for hand scoring
    • Option to purchase access to digital ancillaries online
    • $85 per building initial access
    • $28.40 annual renewal per building
    		 Hand-Scoring Package

    * Order for Scoring Services (OSS) must be completed for HMH Central Scanning and Scoring and/or ordering paper reports

    CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

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    • Powerful web-based reporting

      CogAT Form 7 offers powerful web-based reporting so that all stakeholders—families, teachers, and administrators—can get the most out of the data from the assessment. Dynamically analyze results on the fly or create instructional groups based on learning style with a few mouse clicks. Add optional paper reports to our robust online reporting to create a unique combination of services that best suits the needs of your school, district, and students.

      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

    • Scoring Services

      View and print your order form here:

      Scoring Options and Price Information

      Back to Scoring Services

      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

    • Basic Data Package

      For use with Iowa Assessments, Forms E and F and/or CogAT, Form 7/ CogAT Screening Form

      Scoring Method: HMH Scoring Service with Paper Reports

      Send documents to HMH Scoring Service and reporting results are delivered via paper within 15 days of receiving completed answer documents at our scoring center.

      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

    • Data Plus Package

      For use with Iowa Assessments Form E and/or CogAT Form 7

      Scoring Method: HMH Scoring Service with Web Reports

      Send documents to HMH Scoring Service and results are delivered via web-based reporting within 15 days of receiving completed answer documents at our scoring center.

      Web-based reporting offers more flexibility in working with data than a static paper report, as well as the ability to create dynamic displays with the click of a mouse. Compare data by different classes, different buildings, or review summary data for content area totals. You also may drill down to individual tests and analyze performance on diagnostic skill clusters and use the information to inform instruction.

      This interface allows the user to access data on demand.

      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

    • Online Administration Data Package

      Online Testing

      For use with Iowa Assessments, Form E; CogAT Form 7; and Riverside Interim Assessments

      Administer Iowa Assessments, CogAT, and Riverside Interim Assessments online and receive web-based reporting.

      Scoring Method: Online Testing with Web Reports

      Administer the assessment online and receive web-based reporting. Users can enjoy a paper-free assessment experience that includes data within 24–48 hours of completing an online test session.

      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

  • Features & Webinars

    Looking for more information about CogAT®? Check out these on-demand webinars that can help you streamline and validate your testing process. Share the links with your colleagues to help with planning and implementation.

    1. Using CogAT Ability Profiles to Differentiate Instruction
    2. Best Practices in Identifying Gifted and Talented English Learners
    3. Getting Valid Results from your CogAT Administration

    CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

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    • Ancillaries and Educator Support

      Our new Educator Support program can help you to increase the overall value and effectiveness of CogAT through an array of support materials that:

      • Streamlines and provides different modes of delivery, especially digital, so that educators can get to the information they need, when they need it, more quickly
      • Expands professional development offerings with online assessment workshops and job-aides
      • Expands data interpretation offerings (more robust score interpretation support, links to instructional strategies) so that educators can make greater use of assessment data

      Visit our Training page to learn more.

      Most ancillary content is available to DataManager users at no additional charge.

      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

    • English Language Learner

      Increasing Accessibility to ELL Students

      Form 7 differs importantly from earlier editions of the test, in that it makes the assessment more accessible to ELL children.

      All nine subtests from the Multilevel Battery (Grades 3–12) extend to the Primary Battery (Grades K–2). On Form 7, only one of the three tests on the Verbal Battery (Sentence Completion) and none of the items on the three Quantitative tests require comprehension of oral language—resulting in a more meaningful assessment of every student's reasoning ability. Third, items used on the new primary-level tests were selected from a larger pool of items specifically designed to be fair to ELL children. Finally, the total testing time is slightly less compared to previous editions.

      The Primary Edition of Form 7 (Levels 5/6, 7, and 8) is designed for students in kindergarten through second grade. The Verbal Battery has 42, 48, and 54 items, respectively, at Levels 5/6, 7, and 8. The Quantitative and Nonverbal Battery have 38, 44, and 50 items, respectively, at Levels 5/6, 7, and 8. The items in each battery are organized into three subtests with different item formats. No reading is required. All directions are read aloud by the teacher, who paces students through the items together. The structure and format of the Primary Edition test items have been adapted to be more consistent with the Multilevel Edition.

      CogAT Table

      The Multilevel Edition of Form 7 (Levels 9 to 17/18) is designed for students in grades 3 through 12. Level 9 transitions from the picture-based, teacher-paced verbal and quantitative tests used with students in grades K to 2 to the text- and numeric-based, timed verbal and quantitative tests used at the upper grades. The Levels 10 to 17/18 Verbal (64 items), Quantitative (52 items), and Nonverbal batteries (60 items) each contain three subtests that use different item formats.

      • Verbal Battery — The student must read individual words on two subtests of the Verbal Battery (Verbal Analogies and Verbal Classification) and a sentence on the third (Sentence Completion).
      • Quantitative Battery — The three subtests of the Quantitative Battery are Number Series, Number Analogies, and Number Puzzles. The first two formats are commonly used on ability tests. The latter is a novel format that requires students to determine the value of variables in number sentences (e.g., equations).
      • Nonverbal Battery — The three subtests of the Nonverbal Battery are Figure Classification, Figure Analogies, and Paper Folding, described above for the Levels 5/6, 7, and 8 tests.

      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

    • Research
      Sample Reports

      Like the Iowa Assessments™, CogAT's foundation has always been its strong research base. Dr. Lohman is one of the leading researchers in the field. Click here to see some of his research work. This emphasis on basis figures prominently in the development of CogAT itself.

      Before an item even makes it onto a form for a research event, it is first reviewed by our authors and by HMH staff for appropriateness. After this review, each item is carefully analyzed by a panel of Bias and Fairness reviewers, a heterogeneous group of educators across the country. This panel ensures that each item neither advantages nor disadvantages any particular cultural group. After an item has passed these reviews, it goes out for field tryout. Statistics from each item are analyzed to determine if it discriminates well, and for what and at what age or grade's test it is appropriate. Finally, test forms are assembled from these items that have been validated for a national standardization.

      Dr. Lohman and HMH's staff of psychometricians carefully construct a robust sample of students that reflects the larger demographic makeup of the current U.S. school-age population, conduct large-scale studies, then carefully analyze data to create sound statistics. These statistics are at the core of the reliable comparisons that the tests offer.

      In the fall of 2010, HMH coordinated a major standardization event for the new Form 7 of CogAT. There were several mini-studies incorporated in the larger effort that linked the new Form 7 with previous CogAT forms and other HMH assessments. However, the primary purpose of the standardization event was to provide updated national norms for Grades 1–12 of the new form.

      The foundation of the standardization lies in the sampling plan. Samples of schools were selected using a stratified random sampling process to develop a national probability sample, representative of students nationwide. Three stratifying variables were used to classify school districts throughout the nation: geographic region, district enrollment, and an index of the socioeconomic status (SES) of the school district. Although a stratified random sampling process was used to select the sample of schools, weighting adjusted the final obtained samples back to the targets used in the sampling.

      The results of these standardization events will allow future users of the new CogAT, Form 7 to have up-to-date relative comparisons to guide interpretations of student performance.

      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

    • On-Demand Webinars

      Looking for more information about CogAT®? Check out these on-demand webinars that can help you streamline and validate your testing process. Share the links with your colleagues to help with planning and implementation.

      1. Using CogAT Ability Profiles to Differentiate Instruction
      2. Best Practices in Identifying Gifted and Talented English Learners
      3. Getting Valid Results from your CogAT Administration

      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

    • Cognitively Speaking Newsletter

      Download and read a copy of our latest Cognitively Speaking Newsletter

      Cognitively Speaking Newsletter (1.7 MB)

      Previous Editions of the Cognitively Speaking Newsletter

      2017 Fall (1.2 MB)

      2017 Winter (1.2 MB)

      2016 Fall (1.3 MB)

      2016 Summer (1.2 MB)

      2015 Fall (1.9 MB)

      2013 Volume 7 (2.6 MB)

      2011 Volume 7 (1.0 MB)

      2008 Volume 6 (0.7 MB)

      2007 Volume 5 (356 KB)

      2005 Volume 4 (352 KB)

      2005 Volume 3 (1.7 MB)


      CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

  • Ability Profiles

    Every student assessed with CogAT receives an Ability Profile score that highlights both the level and pattern of a student's ability. CogAT is unique in offering this score, which helps provide educational guidance for all students, not just those with high ability.

    Educators will be able to visit this page, enter a student's profile, and receive:

    • General characteristics of learners with this profile
    • Instructional strategies tailored to the individual profile
    • Additional lists of resources and support materials

    Interactive Ability Profile Interpretation System

    Your local Assessment Account Executive can provide you with additional information and training on how to use the Interactive Profile Interpretation System in your school, district, or diocese.

    CogAT® is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.