Examination of the available literature regarding the development of the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool-Criminal Adjudication (MacCAT-CA) reveals 2 theoretical factor structures on which the MacCAT-CA was based: one in which 3 lower-order constructs are proposed (understanding, reasoning, appreciation) and one in which 2 higher-order constructs are proposed (competence to assist counsel and decisional competence). Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted with the MacCAT-CA’s original normative sample (N = 729) to test both the relative fit of these 2 theoretical factor structures and models that combine the 2 factor structures. Analyses were also completed to examine the convergent and discriminant validity of the MacCAT-CA. Results are discussed in terms of the strengths and weaknesses of the nomothetic nature of the MacCAT-CA. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)

Zapf, P., Skeem, J., & Golding, S. (2005).  Empirical analysis of the factor structure of the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool—Criminal Adjudication.  Psychological Assessment, 17, 433-445. doi:10.1037/1040-3590.17.4.433