intelligence testing psychometrics- the measure of mental abilities, traits, and processes

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Intelligence Testing

• Psychometrics- The measure of mental abilities, traits, and processes.

• Achievement tests- Designed to measure skills or knowledge you have already learned.

• Aptitude tests- Designed to measure your ability to acquire skills or knowledge in the future.

• Validity- Does the test measure what it is supposed to measure?

• Reliability- Does the test yield the same results over time?

• Standardized (norm referenced) tests- Tests are pre-tested to determine a bell curve.

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History of Intelligence Testing

• 1904 Binet-Simon test was created to test French school children in an effort to determine who needed remedial help.

• Less than a decade later Americans modified the test to determine innate intelligence and the IQ test was born. (Stanford-Binet became the leading test)

Why do you think it is that intelligence tests became so popular in America during the 20th century?

Three factors help account for this:

1. Screen incoming immigrants.

2. New laws mandating universal education.

3. Military screening.

Sample IQ Questions

Age 4-

Fill in the missing word:

Brother is a boy; sister is a _______.

Age 9-

In an old graveyard in Spain they have discovered a small skull which they believe to be that of Christopher Columbus when he was about 10 years old. What is foolish about this?

Adult-

1. Can describe the difference between misery and poverty, character and reputation, laziness and idleness.

2. Explains how to measure 3 pints of water with a 5-pint and a 2-pint can.

SAT

• Started in 1901

• 1990- Name was changed from Scholastic Aptitude Test to Scholastic Assessment Test. Why?

Cultural Bias

Oarsman is to Regatta as. . .

The answer was runner is to marathon

• 53% of white students got it

• 22% of black students got it

Since then analogies have been dropped from the test.

GRE

• Graduate Record Examinations

Is football better than sex?

Yes! If you are a Florida Gators fan.

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