Construct Validity of the Scandinavian Version of the Cognitive Assessment System

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Cognitive Assessment System ver.2 in Swedish and Norwegian contexts (CAS-2). Methodology: A total of 614 students (aged 5 to 18 years) were assessed using the CAS-2. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to investigate the construct validity of three competing models of the Scandinavian version of the CAS-2: a four-factor, a three-factor, and a bifactor model. The measurement invariance was tested for age and sex. Key Findings: The results indicated an acceptable to good fit for all three models. In addition, measurement invariance across sex and age groups was also supported. However, with respect to the four-factor model, the two factors (Planning and Attention) were strongly correlated, raising a discussion on the empirical and theoretical distinctiveness of these factors. Conclusions/Implications: These findings suggest that all three tested models contribute uniquely to understanding the CAS-2 but also underscore the need for further refinement and caution when drawing conclusions about cognitive profiles in the present version.