Chapter 11: Alternative Tests

Question 1

70. Where do traditional intelligence tests fail in the study of “normal” abilities?

Answer 1

Not great for people with learning disabilities or on the extremes

(a mute person cannot report verbal intelligence in the way required for the WAIS)

Question 2

71. What are the disadvantages of alternative intelligence tests when compared to Binet and Wechsler?

Answer 2

• Weaker psychometrics (Less validity, Weaker standardization sample, less stable)

Question 3

72. What are the advantages of alternative intelligence tests when compared to Binet and Wechsler?

Answer 3

• Designed for special populations
• Not dependent on visual-motor or verbal skills
• Useful for screening, supplement, reevaluation to catch it early on
• Not as reliant on learning/achievement

Question 4

73. What theme in relation to future intelligence do you notice about infant development tests?

Answer 4

Rarely predicts future IQ and good at assessing effects of prenatal trauma

Question 5

74. Compare and contrast surveillance and screening. Be able to identify either.

Answer 5

Surveillance: Recognizing a child at risk

Screening: Administer a preliminary test to identify risk

Question 6

75. Which two infant development tests were discussed in class? What are some disadvantages of each of these tests?

Answer 6

• Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale
  (No norms, Poor test-retest reliability, Does not predict later IQ!)
• Bayley Scales of Infant development
  (Psychometrics break down at lower ages, Does not predict later IQ)

Question 7

76. Know sensitivity, specificity, false positives, true negatives, etc.

Answer 7

• sensitivity: Accuracy of the test in identifying the issue when the issue is present

High sensitivity leads to more diagnoses but also gets false positives

• specificity: Accuracy of the test in identifying a lack of an issue when there is no issue

High specificity leads to less diagnoses but more false negatives

Question 8

77. What are acceptable sensitivity and specificity levels for developmental screening tests?

Answer 8

70-80%

Question 9

78. How is a learning disability currently defined in the school systems? Is this a good method? Why or why not?

Answer 9

• When a child scores 2 SDs below the general intelligence score.

NOT A GOOD METHOD:
- It encourages waiting until the child fails before helping them
- Discrepancy between a child’s potential and their actual performance
- Doesn’t account for other factors such as motivation

Question 10

79. For what was the Woodcock Johnson-III designed? (i.e., what does it assess?)

Answer 10

diagnosing learning disability

(Diagnosis based on discrepancy from IQ which is not great)

Question 11

80. Should test scores be used alone to define developmental or learning disabilities?

Answer 11

No