IQ Test- Intelligence Testing

WHAT IS INTELLIGENCE? A loaded question . . . Ability to modify one’s behavior to

meet demands of the situation Abstract reasoning (using symbols or

mental representations) Capacity to acquire knowledge Problem solving ability

DEFINITION OF INTELLIGENCE Common to many definitions of

intelligence Knowledge-based thinking Apprehension Adaptive purposeful striving Fluid analytic reasoning Mental playfulness Idiosyncratic learning

THEORIES OF INTELLIGENCE Terman coined the term “Intelligence

Quotient” (IQ) in 1916 Mental age/Chronological age

Spearman’s 2 Factor Theory (1927) Intelligence =

General factors (g) — “mental energy” E.g., abstract reasoning, problem solving

Specific factors (s) — less complex tasks E.g., motor speed, attention, v-m coordination, memory

Although originally a 2 factor theory, g is the only factor that accounts for correlations among intellectual abilities

THEORIES OF INTELLIGENCE Thurstone’s Multidimensional Theory (1938)

Eight primary mental factors Verbal, perceptual speed, inductive reasoning,

number, rote memory, deductive reasoning, word fluency, space or visualization)

He eventually found that these factors correlated and later postulated a second-order factor similar to “g”

A MODERN VIEW OF INTELLIGENCE Intelligence is an integrated construct

including: Biological—dependent on genetics, brain

structure, physiological functioning of brain Cognitive—metacognition and ordinary cognition Motivational—magnitude, direction, and

disposition of individual Behavioral—behavior in academic, social, and

adaptive domains Genetically-determined intelligence is always

modified by experience

ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON IQ Factors that enhance IQ:

Stimulating environment Good medical care/nutrition Parental involvement in learning Rich language environment

Factors that negatively impact IQ: Persistent poverty

Perinatal complications, inadequate stimulation in environment, lead exposure

Large family size Nutrition during gestation and early childhood

HEREDITY AND IQ “Heredity may limit a child’s potential, but

environment permits their potential to be actualized” (Sattler, 2001, p. 180) We inherit genes, not an actual IQ

Genetics is only 1 factor affecting IQ (familial, educational, nonfamilial factors)

IQ can change, but it is difficult Does seem to go up on average about 4 points

between childhood and adolescence (develop problem-solving strategies over time)

IQ TESTS AND CULTURE Culturally Biased

Proponents of this view feel IQ tests are biased against ethnic minorities and don’t take their sociocultural factors into account

Culturally loaded Proponents of this view feel IQ tests are

reflective of the knowledge and skills of the dominant society (those who created the test)

COMMON IQ MISPERCEPTIONS IQ is innate IQ never changes IQ tests provide perfectly reliable

scores All IQ tests measure the same thing IQ test scores are interchangeable

IQ TESTS VS. ACHIEVEMENT TESTS IQ tests measure broader abilities IQ tests are more predictive of future

performance Achievement tests (reading, math, etc.) are

heavily dependent on formal learning at home or school

Achievement test scores change more readily Achievement tests assess mastery of factual

information; IQ tests assess ability to apply information in new ways

COMMON INTELLIGENCE TESTS Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale

Originally developed in 1916 Currently in the 4th edition

Wechsler Intelligence Scale (WISC) For children 6-16 years Currently in the 4th edition (2003)

Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) For children 3 years to 7 years, 3 months

Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) For children aged 1 to 42 months Cognitive, Motor, and Behavioral scales

TYPES OF IQ Ratio IQ First type of IQ Stern (1938) IQ = MA/CA x 100 Same IQ has

different meanings at different ages

Not used as often now

Deviation IQ A type of standard

score Mean = 100, SD =

15/16 Compares IQ to

same age peers Normal distribution WISC uses this

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