Cognition: Intelligence and Intelligence Testing

Intelligence (learning)

ability to alter behavior due to experience

Intelligence (fluid)

Ability to solve problems both quickly and abstractly

Intelligence (Evolutionary)

Ability to adapt to and alter one’s enviornment.

Aptitude Test

measure potential of the test taken to predict how they’ll perform in the future. (SAT)

Achievement Test

gauge a person’s mastery and know edge of various subjects from experience. (drivers test, AP exam)

Fixed Mindset

intelligence is fixed from birth and can’t be changed

Growth Mindset

Intelligence is malleable due to experience and can be increased.

Standardization

meaning that they’re administered using consistent procedures and enviornments.

Percentile Scores

indicates the percentage of people who score the same or lower than the score one has obtained and test.

Reliability

consistency for scores of a given test

Split half

dividing the test into two equal halves and assessing how consistent the scores are.

Test-Retest

using the same test on two separate occasions to measure consistency

Inter-rater

one test scored twice by two or more different people to determine consistency of scores.

Intra-rater

one test, scored twice by the same person to determine consistency of scores.

Validity

refers to what the test is supposed to measure or predict (TTWIST)

Face

a test measures the knowledge or skills it is supposed to, according to the test takers

Content

a test measures the knowledge or skills it’s supposed to, according to experts in the subject field.

Construct

extent to which a test measures a particular hypothetical construct

Predictive

the extent to which a test accurately predicts performance or future tasks

Nature

use twin studies to compare data and draw conclusions

Nurture

use adoption studies to compare data and draw conclusion

Flynn Effect

environment seems to be the cause: higher socioeconomic status, better health care, etc.

Culture-Fair testing

intelligence tests are designated to assess an individuals intelligence without relying on knowledge specific to one demographic or socioeconomic group.

Stereotype Lift

help reduce stereotype life (performance boost that occurs when downward comparisons are made with a denigrated outgroup)