PSYC1030 Week 3: Measurement and Intelligence

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key concepts from PSYC1030 Week 3 lecture on psychological measurement, intelligence testing, and theories of intelligence.

Psychological Constructs

Intangible concepts that measurement translates into observable and quantifiable data.

Standardisation

The process of ensuring a test is used on and scored against the specific population it is intended for to provide relevant scores.

Normal Distribution

A bell-shaped curve representing the distribution of scores where the mean, median, and mode are equal; in modern IQ tests, the mean is $100$ and the SD is $15$.

Reliability

The extent to which a measure gives consistent results and measures what you think you are measuring.

Alternate forms reliability

The evaluation of two different forms or versions of the same test to ensure consistency between them.

Split-half reliability

A measure of internal consistency calculated by dividing a test into two equivalent parts and testing the relationship between results.

Cronbach’s alpha

A modern statistical approach used to measure internal consistency and overcome problems of multiple constructs in split-half testing.

Test-retest Reliability

Getting the same group of people to complete the same test twice to measure the stability of scores over time.

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 other related 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.

Construct Validity

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

Bias

The extent to which a test is influenced by factors like culture, language, or accessibility, rather than the intended knowledge or skill.

Mental age

An early intelligence concept where a child's performance is associated with the age at which most children can successfully perform those tasks.

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

Originally introduced by Lewis Terman as the ratio of mental age to chronological age expressed as $\text{IQ} = \frac{\text{mental age}}{\text{chronological age}} \times 100$.

Deviation IQ

Modern IQ measurement based on performance relative to age-normed standardized data on a curve.

WAIS-IV

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

Verbal Comprehension Index

Measures verbal reasoning, knowledge acquired from one’s environment, and the ability to express ideas in words.

Perceptual Reasoning Index

Measures visual-spatial reasoning, nonverbal problem-solving, and the ability to analyze abstract visual information.

Working Memory Index

Measures short-term memory, attention, and the ability to hold and manipulate information in the mind.

Processing Speed Index

Measures the speed and accuracy of visual identification, decision-making, and hand-eye coordination under timed conditions.

Psychometric Approach

Examines which intellectual abilities correlate statistically using factor analysis to identify common factors underlying performance.

Factor Analysis

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

Two Factor Theory of Intelligence

Charles Spearman’s theory consisting of a single overarching factor of general intelligence (g) and specific intellectual abilities (s).

Fluid Intelligence ($Gf$)

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

Crystallised intelligence ($Gc$)

The accumulated knowledge and skills influenced by cultural and educational opportunities.

Information Processing Approach

Understands intelligence as a process involving speed of processing, knowledge base, and the ability to acquire and apply mental strategies.

Knowledge Base

Differences in intellectual functioning reflecting the amount, organization, and accessibility of information in long-term memory.

Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences

A theory proposing unrelated abilities including linguistic, musical, logical/mathematical, spatial, bodily/kinaesthetic, intra-personal, and inter-personal skills.

Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory

A contemporary approach emphasizing the importance of analytical, creative, and practical intelligence.

Horn-Cattell-Carroll (CHC) Model

A comprehensive psychometric theory of cognitive abilities organized into three strata: General Ability, Broad Abilities, and Narrow Abilities.