Module 31

Assessing Intelligence

Alfred Binet

• Paris, 1905

• Looked for mental age

• The goal of understanding intelligence was to predict how well children would do in school

Lewis Terman

• Revised the age standards for children

• Renamed test the Stanford – Binet Test (Terman was a professor at Stanford)

Intelligence Quotient

• William Stern derived the IQ from tests like the Stanford – Binet

IQ= Mental ageChronological age

Multiplied by 100

Modern Tests

• Aptitude tests• Achievement tests• WAIS, David

Weschler: tried to test more than just verbal intelligence

• Performance portion + verbal

Standardization

• People that take tests are compared against the sample group, “standardization group”

• Average IQ is 100• Average range is 85

– 115 • Koko had an IQ of 85

Reliability

• How a test yields consistent results

• Try to make an individuals scores correlate

• Test – retest or split – half scores are 2 ways to check reliability

Validity

• How well a test measures what it’s supposed to measure

• Test based on criterion

Extremes of Intelligence

• Below average 85 – 70• Mental retardation

below 70• Majority of people

classified as mentally retarded can live on their own, with assistance, and they can contribute valuable skills to society

Breakdown of Mental Retardation

• Mild Retardation:– Low 50s – 70s

• Function as an 8 year-old

• Moderate Retardation:– Mid 30s – Low 50s

• Function as a preschooler (3-5)

• Severe Retardation:– Low 20s – Mid 30s

• Function as a toddler (2-3)

• Profound Retardation:– Below 20-25

• Function as an infant

04/21/23 Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

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Other Extreme of Intelligence

• Gifted children, despite popular beliefs, are well adjusted, successful adults

• Gifted programs are supposed to get the same money as special services