Lecture 3 - Development of IQ testing

Question 1

The Wechsler tests?

Answer 1

• there are 2 versions:
  1. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)
  2. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children (WISC)
• his tests tapped into a range of cognitive abilities = reflected his belief that there were many aspects to intelligence
• current version = WAIS-IV

Question 2

What are the Wechsler tests measuring?

Answer 2

• several different aspects of intelligence
• 6 verbal and 5 performance tests
• a verbal and performance IQ score are obtained

Question 3

The WAIS IV?

Answer 3

• consists of 15 different mental tests within 4 categories:
  1. similarities
  2. vocabulary
  3. information
  4. comprehension
  5. block design
  6. matrix reasoning
  7. visual puzzles
  8. figure weights
  9. picture completion
  10. digit span
  11. arithmetic
  12. letter- number sequencing
  13. symbol search
  14. coding
  15. cancellation
  can look at subtests in more detail

Question 4

Results of the WAIS IV?

Answer 4

• people who do well on 1 test typically tend to do well on others
• out of all correlations all were positive and no tests were unrelated
• highest correlation = between comprehension + vocabulary = 0.74
• lowest correlation = between cancellation and comprehension = 0.21
• there are 4 cognitive domains:
  1. verbal comprehension, c= 0.70
  2. perpetual reasoning, c = 0.52
  3. working memory, c = 0.62
  4. processing speed, c = 0.51

Question 5

What is the formula for the Wechsler tests?

Answer 5

(actual test score ÷ expected test score for that age) x 100

Question 6

Raven’s progressive matrices?

Answer 6

• designed to tap into abstract reasoning
• useful marker for how well someone can mentally visualise a solution to a visual problem
• correlates highly with WAIS despite different content
• freer of cultural and language differences
• can test 5 year olds to advanced adults
• widespread practical application and can be done online