The Two-Dimensional Scale of Social-Nonsocial Cognitive Abilities: Redesigning and Modeling Based on Multidimensional Item Response Theory, Structural Equations and Simulated Data

The aim of this study was to investigate the structure of cognitive abilities of students based on the Nejati Cognitive Ability Questionnaire (2013) and offer a model for its structure. The sample size consisted of 1105 students (527 girls, 578 boys) of the 9th grade of Ahwaz, selected by proportional stratified random sampling method. Data analysis was performed using multidimensional item response theory (MIRT), structural equation modeling and simulated data. The results of exploratory dimensionality analysis showed that the initial structure of the cognitive ability questionnaire for students was not confirmed. The redesigned 21-item questionnaire was named as the two-dimensional scale of social-nonsocial cognitive abilities and the validity and reliability of the dimensions and the obtained factors were confirmed. The new scale showed that although the structure of cognitive abilities is hierarchical, it is not a unidimensional structure and contains at least two dimensions of non-social cognition and social cognition. Also, our findings showed that Spearman's theory of general intelligence or factor g cannot accurately represent the structure of cognitive abilities and social cognition needs to be considered as a dimension of cognitive abilities. Furthermore, our results also support the findings of some studies that non-social cognition and social cognition constitute two different dimensions of cognitive abilities.