Chapter 9 - IQ & Testing

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms and concepts from AP Psychology Chapter 9: Intelligence & Psychological Testing.

Psychological Test

A standardized measure of a sample of a person’s behavior used to assess individual differences.

Standardization

Uniform procedures for administering and scoring a test.

Test Norms

Information about where a score ranks in relation to other scores on the same test.

Percentile Score

The percentage of people who score at or below a given score.

Reliability

The consistency of a test’s results across occasions or forms; higher correlation coefficient indicates higher reliability.

Correlation Coefficient

A numerical index of the relationship between two variables; ranges from -1 to +1 and closer to +1.00 indicates greater reliability.

Validity

The extent to which a test measures what it was designed to measure.

Content Validity

The degree to which test content represents the domain it covers.

Criterion-Related Validity

Estimated by correlating scores on a test with an independent criterion measure of the trait.

Construct Validity

The extent to which evidence shows the test measures a particular hypothetical construct.

Mental Age

The level of mental ability typical of a child of a given age.

Intelligence Test

A test designed to measure general mental ability.

Aptitude Test

A test designed to measure specific types of mental abilities (e.g., verbal reasoning, perceptual speed, accuracy).

Achievement Test

A test measuring mastery and knowledge of various subjects (e.g., reading, history).

Wechsler Scales

David Wechsler’s IQ tests for adults and children, featuring verbal and nonverbal subtests.

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

A score calculated as (Mental Age / Chronological Age) × 100; used to compare intelligence across ages.

Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale

Revised Binet tests (1916) by Lewis Terman; introduced IQ scoring.

Binet

Alfred Binet; created the first modern intelligence test for French schools (1905).

Normal Distribution

A symmetric, bell-shaped curve representing how traits are distributed in a population.

Deviation IQ

IQ scores that place individuals within the normal distribution using standard deviation as the unit.

Flynn Effect

The observed rise in average IQ scores across industrialized nations since the 1930s.

Heredity

Genetic influence on intelligence; the “Nature” side of nature-nurture.

Environment

Environmental influences that affect intelligence; the “Nurture” side.

Heritability Ratio

An estimate of the proportion of trait variability in a population determined by genetics.

Twin Studies

Research comparing identical and fraternal twins to assess genetic influence on intelligence.

Reaction Range

Genetically determined limits on IQ; environment determines where within these limits an individual falls.

Down Syndrome

Genetic disorder often associated with intellectual disability (a cause of mental retardation in some cases).

Mental Retardation

Sub-average general mental ability accompanied by adaptive skills deficits, typically originating before age 18.

Mild Mental Retardation

IQ range approximately 51–70.

Moderate Mental Retardation

IQ range approximately 36–50.

Severe Mental Retardation

IQ range approximately 20–35.

Profound Mental Retardation

IQ below 20.

Giftedness

Upper 2–3% of the IQ distribution with high intellectual ability.

Ellen Winner

Prolifically gifted individuals (IQ 180+) who are often introverted and may have emotional problems.

Drudge Theory of Exceptional Achievement

Eminence arises from dogged determination, endless practice, and outstanding mentoring/training.

Heredity & Environment as Determinants of Intelligence

Both genetics and environment influence intelligence; heredity sets limits, environment helps determine where within those limits one falls.

Cumulative Deprivation Hypothesis

Environmental deprivation leads to erosion of IQ over time.

Sandra Scarr

Proposed that heredity sets limits and environment determines where within those limits a person falls.

Reaction Range

Genetically determined limits on IQ within which environment can influence actual performance.

Arthur Jensen

Advocated a substantial role for heredity in IQ differences; associated with the bell-curve perspective.

Cultural Differences in IQ Scores

Average IQ differences across groups; explanations include heredity, socioeconomic factors, stereotype vulnerability, and bias in testing.

New Directions in Assessment & Study of Intelligence

Exploration of factors like raw mental speed and brain measures (e.g., head size, brain mass) in relation to intelligence.

Robert Sternberg

Proposed the Triarchic Theory of Human Intelligence.

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Sternberg’s theory with three sub-theories: contextual, experimental, and componential.

Contextual Sub-Theory

Intelligence as culturally defined; involves practical and tacit knowledge.

Experimental Sub-Theory

Learning and solving new tasks by forming and testing hypotheses.

Componential Sub-Theory

Analytical processes: evaluating, planning, and problem-solving.

Analytical Intelligence

Abstract reasoning, evaluation, and judgment.

Creative Intelligence

Ability to generate new ideas and solve novel problems.

Practical Intelligence

Ability to deal effectively with everyday problems; tacit knowledge.

Tacit Knowledge

Unwritten, practical knowledge needed to function effectively in real-world environments.

Howard Gardner

Proponent of multiple intelligences theory.

Multiple Intelligences

Gardner’s framework proposing several distinct intelligences (e.g., logical-mingu, linguistic, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalist).

Logical/Mathematical

One of Gardner’s proposed intelligences focused on logical reasoning and numerical problems.

Linguistic

Gardner’s intelligence involving language and words.

Musical

Gardner’s intelligence involving music and musical ability.

Spatial

Gardner’s intelligence involving spatial judgment and visualization.

Bodily-Kinesthetic

Gardner’s intelligence involving body movement and physical coordination.

Interpersonal

Gardner’s intelligence involving understanding others’ emotions and social cues.

Intrapersonal

Gardner’s intelligence involving self-awareness and understanding one’s own emotions.

Naturalist

Gardner’s intelligence involving categorizing natural phenomena.

Emotional Intelligence

Ability to perceive, express, regulate, and reason about emotions in oneself and others.