Module 2.8b - Intelligence: Achievement Tests

Intelligence Test

A test which assesses an individual's mental aptitudes and compares them with those of other people, using numerical scores

Aptitude Test

A test which measures the ability to learn

Achievement Test

A test which measures what has already been learned

Francis Galton

Fascinated with measuring hereditary genius so they could reproduce, and founder of the eugenics movement. Failed to construct a simple intelligence test in the late 1800s

Alfred Binet

Provided an environmental explanation of intelligence differences, started the modern intelligence-testing movement in France in the 1900s to predict children's future progress. The test measured mental age, but feared the test would limit children's opportunities

Stanford-Binet

The intelligence test, which revised Binet's work, assessed cognitive factors such as fluid reasoning, knowledge, quantitative reasoning, visual-spatial processing, and working memory

William Stern

Created the concept of the intelligence quotient (IQ)

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

The most widely used intelligence test for adults, which offers an overall intelligence score, and included testing on similarities, vocabulary, block design, letter-number sequencing, etc

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children

The most widely used intelligence test for children, which offers an overall intelligence score, and scores for verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed

Normal Curve

The bell-shaped curve with the peak at the top being the average point of the data set, 50%

Standardization

Defining uniform testing procedures and meaningful scores compared with a pretested group's performance (a representative sample).

Reliability

The extent to which a test yields consistent results

Validity

The extent to which a test measures or predicts what it is supposed to

Content Validity

If a test samples the pertinent behavior. Ex: A driving test measures driving ability

Construct Validity

If a test measures a concept or trait. Ex: Self esteem

Predictive Validity

If a test predicts the behavior it was designed to predict., it should predict future performance. Aptitude tests have predictive ability if they can predict future achievements

Eugenics

Founded by Francis Galton, the 19th-20th century movement that proposed measuring human traits and encouraging only those deemed "fit" to reproduce. Assessed based on "intellectual strengths". Supported the belief that certain races were more intelligent than others

Intellectual Strengths

Defined by Galton as reaction time, sensory acuity, muscular power, and body proportions.

Mental Age

The level of performance typically associated with a certain chronological age

Mental Orthopedics

The exercises that Binet suggested for enhancing determination, attention, and discipline. These procedures would prepare a child for formal education

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

Developed by William Stern, calculated by mental age / chronological age x 100 = IQ

Psychometric

The scientific study of the measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits.

Flynn Effect

The rise in intelligence test performance over time and across cultures.

Split-Half

Used for reliability, the agreement of odd-numbered question scores and even-numbered question scores

Test-Retest

Testing with alternative forms of the test, or retest with the same test