CAT scores - a simple explanation please!

[hazeyjane]

Verbal
Quantative
Non verbal
Spatial

And what would it mean if the scores in Quantative and Spatial were markedly lower than the other 2?

It would mean the DC was better at verbal and non verbal.

How markedly are we talking? 10 points or 30?

Haha! Yes....I asked for that!

30 points, as opposed to 10.

I'm just not sure what those terms even mean (spatial...eh?), and they have just sent percentile scores for each of these.

Dd2 has 'specific learning difficulties with dyslexic tendencies', but gets no support. I wasn't sure whether a marked difference in these scores would be a reflection of that.

A spiky profile might reflect a Spld.

Spatial is I think things like being able to turn objects around in your head.
Quantitative is dealing with numbers.
Verbal reasoning is 'cat is to kitten as dog is to ….'
Non verbal is things like being given 4 pictures and which is the odd one out (I think)

Not an expert on this at all! Experts feel free to contradict me.

My son is not dyslexic but was recently found to have 'slow processing' in some tests. The Ed Psych said this would affect his speed in non verbal reasoning tests as the processing scores were slow for visual picture tests and this tends to be the format for non verbal reasoning tests. I think spatial tests would be impacted similarly too as they also involve studying pictures. Some types of slow processing seem to be linked with dyslexia. Has your Dd been tested for processing speed? If her scores are below a certain level she could qualify for extra time in exams although unfortunately that doesn't necessarily get granted for reasoning tests.

Probably worth saying 100 is the average. A score like 140 is very very high. A score below 80 indicates significant learning difficulties (this is purely in my experience). 30 points is quite a large difference but depends on where it falls - if some tests are 70 and the others 100, you have to look more closely. If some tests are 130 and the others 100, it's less of an issue.

If your DD's verbal score is 30 points higher than their spatial score, that would be considered "extreme verbal bias". A sample report shows some information on pp 11-12. GL claim that:

• These students should excel in written work and should enjoy discussion and debate.
• They should prefer to learn through reading, writing and may be very competent independent learners.
• They are likely to be high achievers in subjects that require good verbal skills such as English, modern foreign languages and humanities.
• They may prefer to learn step-by-step, building on prior knowledge, as their spatial skills are relatively weaker, being in the low average or below average range.

These are, of course, all generalizations. Do you recognize any of them in your DD?