PSYC1030 Week 3: Measurement and Intelligence

Flashcards covering the fundamentals of psychological measurement, the history and modern application of intelligence testing, and various theoretical approaches to defining intelligence.

Psychological constructs

Intangible concepts that measurement translates into observable, quantifiable data to make the invisible visible.

Standardisation (in testing)

The process of ensuring a test is tested on the specific population it is intended for to ensure scores are relevant and representative.

Normal Distribution

A bell-shaped curve where the mean is positioned at the center and specific percentages of the population fall within standard deviations, such as $68.27\%$ within $1$ SD.

Reliability

The extent to which a measure provides consistent results and accurately measures the intended construct.

Alternate forms of reliability

A method of evaluating consistency by using two different forms or versions of the same test.

Split-half reliability

A measure of internal consistency calculated by dividing a test into two equivalent parts, such as odd and even numbers, and testing the relationship between them.

Cronbach’s alpha

A modern approach to measuring internal consistency that helps overcome the problem of multiple constructs within a scale.

Test-retest Reliability

The stability of a measure's score across time, determined by having the same group of people complete the same test twice.

Validity

The extent to which a test measures what it is supposed to be measuring.

Predictive Validity

The extent to which scores on a test can predict specific future outcomes, such as an intelligence test predicting job performance.

Criterion Validity

The extent to which scores on one test align with scores on another similar test, involving convergent and discriminant aspects.

Convergent Validity

Capturing overlapping aspects of the same construct when comparing different tests.

Discriminant Validity

The degree to which a test demonstrates the uniqueness of the construct it is measuring compared to others.

Construct Validity

How well a test maps onto the underlying theory of the thing being measured.

Bias

The extent to which factors like culture, language, or accessibility prevent everyone from having the same chance to succeed on a measure.

Mental age

A concept from the Binet & Simon test where a child is said to function at the age level of the tasks they can successfully perform.

Stanford-Binet Scale

A measure translated into English by Lewis Terman in 1916 that introduced the concept of Intelligence Quotient (IQ).

Intelligence Quotient (IQ) ratio formula

The ratio of a child’s mental age to their chronological age, calculated as $IQ = \frac{\text{mental}}{\text{chronological}} \times 100$.

Deviation IQ

A modern scoring method where performance is measured on a curve relative to age-normed standardized data, with a mean of $100$ and a standard deviation of $15$.

WAIS-IV

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, which organizes intelligence into four indices: Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Working Memory, and Processing Speed.

Verbal Comprehension Index

A WAIS index measuring verbal reasoning, knowledge acquired from the environment, and the ability to express ideas in words.

Perceptual Reasoning Index

A WAIS index measuring visual-spatial reasoning, nonverbal problem-solving, and the ability to synthesize abstract visual information.

Working Memory Index

A WAIS index measuring short-term memory, attention, and the ability to manipulate information in mind.

Processing Speed Index

A WAIS index measuring the speed and accuracy of visual identification and decision-making under timed conditions.

The Queensland Test

A non-verbal intelligence test designed for populations with limited Western cultural exposure.

Raven’s progressive matrices

Non-verbal tests used to reduce cultural bias that show more equity in results across different populations.

Psychometric Approach

An approach that uses factor analysis to identify common factors that underlie performance across various intellectual tasks.

Factor Analysis

A statistical method used to find hidden patterns across variables by grouping related items into factors that represent an underlying concept.

Two Factor Theory of Intelligence

Spearman’s theory proposing a single overarching factor of General intelligence ($g$) and unique individual Specific intellectual abilities ($s$).

Fluid Intelligence ($Gf$)

The ability to solve new problems, use logic in novel situations, and identify patterns, relatively independent of formal education.

Crystallised intelligence ($Gc$)

Accumulated knowledge and skills influenced by cultural, educational opportunities, and formal schooling.

Information Processing Approach

A theory that views intelligence as a process rather than a measurable quantity, focusing on how people use cognitive operations.

Knowledge Base

A variable in intelligence reflecting the amount, organization, and accessibility of information in long-term memory.

Multiple Intelligences (Gardner)

A contemporary approach identifying unrelated abilities such as linguistic, musical, spatial, bodily/kinaesthetic, intra-personal, and inter-personal skills.

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Sternberg’s theory identifying three types of intelligence: Creative, Practical, and Analytical.

CHC Model (Horn-Cattell-Carroll)

A comprehensive psychometric theory organizing cognitive abilities into three strata: General Ability (III), Broad Abilities (II), and Narrow Abilities (I).

Social intelligence (Collectivist context)

A concept of intelligence focused on community harmony, contextual awareness, and collective wellbeing common in non-Western cultures.

Ku-tumikila

A Chewa (Zambia) concept of intelligence involving social responsibility, attentiveness, obedience, and trustworthiness.

Ngom

A Kokwet (Kenya) term for intelligence involving reasonable participation in family life, responsibility, and verbal cognitive quickness.

Ngana

A Lozi (Zambia) term for intelligence encompassing self-sufficiency, respect for elders, and performing beyond age expectations.