Intelligence Testing and Its Factors

These flashcards focus on key vocabulary and concepts related to intelligence testing, including assumptions, biases, and the influence of various factors on test performance.

Terman's Assumption

Assumed that his IQ test only measured intelligence and was unaffected by language and cultural knowledge.

Cultural Bias

Performance on intelligence tests may be influenced by variables other than intellect, such as socioeconomic status.

Normal Distribution

Terman believed that because IQ scores fell on a normal distribution, they were valid measures of innate intelligence.

Confounding Variables

Variables that affect scores but are not accounted for when explaining relationships among variables.

Structural Inequities

Difficulty of intelligence tests to account for disparities in wealth, education, and healthcare.

Stereotype Threat

The pressure felt by individuals to not provide evidence supporting negative stereotypes of their group, which can increase anxiety and impact test performance.

Malleable Trait

The belief that intelligence can be developed and improved through effort and learning.

Standardized Testing

Intelligence tests must be standardized, meaning scores are defined by comparison to a pretested group.

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.

Mindfulness Practices

Techniques that may enhance working memory function and attention, potentially improving intelligence scores.