Structural models of cognitive and perceptualmotor abilities

A collection of 25 computer-administered tests was given to a sample of 172 adults to examine the overlap between the cognitive and perceptual-motor abilities domains. The focus was on multilimb coordination ability as a criterion variable, as this ability has a long history of validity in predicting pilot training performance. Structural equation modeling was used to test two related models of human abilities. The first one being a causal model and the second being a nested hierarchical model. The results suggest that multilimb coordination ability is not simply another manifestation of general cognitive ability, but instead the result of several abilities such as dynamic visual processing, visuo-spatial processing and working memory. A second narrower perceptual-motor factor, target tracking, was found to be related to processing speed but no other cognitive factor.