AP Psychology Unit 2B Intelligence and Testing

Valid

the extent to which a test measures or predicts what it is supposed to

Predictive Validity

The success with which a test predicts the behavior it is designed to predict; it is assessed by computing the correlation between test scores and the criterion behavior.

Split-Half Reliability

A measure of reliability in which a test is split into two parts and an individual's scores on both halves are compared.

Growth Mindset

the idea that our abilities are malleable qualities that we can cultivate and grow

Intelligence

the ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and use knowledge to adapt to new situations

General Intelligence(g)

according to Spearman and others, underlies all mental abilities and is therefore measured by every task on an intelligence test

Fluid Intelligence

our ability to reason speedily and abstractly; tends to decrease during late adulthood

Crystallized Intelligence

our accumulated knowledge and verbal skills; tends to increase with age

Multiple Intelligences

The idea that human intelligence is comprised of a varied set of abilities rather than a single, all-encompassing one.

Reification

an error of treating an abstract concept as though it has a real, material existence

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

defined originally as the ratio of mental age (ma) to chronological age (ca) multiplied by 100 [thus, IQ = (ma/ca) x 100]. On contemporary intelligence tests, the average performance for a given age is assigned a score of 100.

Mental Age

a measure of intelligence test performance devised by Binet; the chronological age that most typically corresponds to a given level of performance

Chronological Age

Age as measured in years from date of birth

Intelligence Tests

a method for assessing an individual's mental aptitudes and comparing them with those of others, using numerical scores

Psychometrics

the scientific study of the measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits

Standardization

defining meaningful scores by comparison with the performance of a pretested group

Normal Curve

the symmetrical bell-shaped curve that describes the distribution of many physical and psychological attributes. Most scores fall near the average, and fewer and fewer scores lie near the extremes.

Construct Validity

how much a test measures a concept or trait

Reliability

the extent to which a test yields consistent results, as assessed by the consistency of scores on two halves of the test, on alternate forms of the test, or on retesting

Test-Retest Reliability

a method for determining the reliability of a test by comparing a test taker's scores on the same test taken on separate occasions

Stereotype Threat

a self-confirming concern that one will be evaluated based on a negative stereotype

Stereotype Lift

awareness of positive expectations can actually improve performance on tasks

Flynn Effect

The rise in average IQ scores that has occurred over the decades in many nations

Cross-Sectional Study

a study in which people of different ages are compared with one another

Longitudinal Study

research that follows and retests the same people over time

Achievement Tests

tests that measure a person's existing knowledge and skills

Aptitude Tests

tests that assess how well a person can learn or acquire skills and abilities

Fixed Mindset

the idea that we have a set amount of an ability that cannot change