This research investigates reliability and validity of the Reasoning Battery Tests (BPR-5), a reduced version of the Battery of Differential Reasoning Tests (BPRD; Almeida, 1988). It is comprised by five subtests: Abstract Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning and Mechanical Reasoning. The participants were 1243 sixth grade to high school students from Brazil (N=771) and Portugal (N=472). The internal consistency coefficients varied from 0,62 to 0,84 and split-half coefficients 0,65 to 0,87. The factor analysis indicated an unidimensional solution accounting for approximately 55% of the total variance representing a composite score based on fluid intelligence, crystallized intelligence, visual processing ability, quantitative ability and practical-mechanical knowledge. The criterion validity coefficients based on the correlation with school success were around 0,54 (p < 0,01). It was concluded that the BPR-5 constitutes an efficient and fast way to assess general and specific abilities and could be a valuable instrument for professionals in their assessment needs.
intelligence assessment; validity studies; psychological assessment
