module 5 Intelligence testing (WAIS) Flashcards
explain what intelligence testing is
Intelligence testing is an attempt to rank or compare to a norm, a person’s intelligence (cognitive ability) Does so by participant performing a task or series of tasks which are not the same as performing everyday tasks, although somewhat reflective of them.. May be considered in terms of G (general intelligence) or sometimes broken up into different components of intelligence.
discuss the challenges associated with testing intelligence
Testing intelligence is challenging because definitions of intelligence are not agreed upon, different cultures may appreciate differing things in order to be “intelligent”, different cultures may not have adequate translated materials to perform the test with comprehension, generally accepted that academic “white western” is the usual “type” of intelligence most usually able to be tested/is tested. Many people also believe an intelligence score is private and should not be in the provence of testers or clinicians etc. Most believe that other types of intelligence such as emotional or creative, are harder to test for.
describe the WAIS and explain what it is used for
WAIS is the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales (typically today use WAIS-iv) (used for 16-90 years of age). A standardised battery of intelligence tests which are scored against an approprate age,culture,
psychologically sound/unsound cohort. It is used for a variety of things, most notably being able to predict likely academic success (due to an adequacy of existing intellectual ability). It can also be used with other diagnostic agents, to help differentiate likelihood of mental ill health or requirement for remedial learning.
identify the indexes and subsets of the WAIS.
The WISC (usually these days version v) is the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children(6-16 years) (WPPSI for 2.5-7.5 years) and is Almost equivalent to WAIS in scales but in an age appropriate level for children. Versions are available for various minor ages. WISC and WAIS generally have the same indexes and subsets, with a few slight differences. Each index has multiple subsets which are related but test for slightly different things. When scoring WAIS, it is particularly important to look at where individual subset scores vary significantly from the index score as these can highlight possible areas of weakness/difficulty. Sometimes, clarification of why a response was given, is also necessary. Sometimes need to consider if because a test was timed (not all are), whether this was a exacerbating/stress factor.
INDEXES AND SUBSETS OF WAIS-IV;
1. index VERBAL COMPREHENSION-most highly correlated to total score or G. Most susceptible to cultural bias.
subsets;
a) Similarities
b) Vocabulary
c) Information
Supplementary subsets available if required in Comprehension
2. Index PERCEPTUAL REASONING
a)Block Design
b) Matrix Reasoning
c) Visual Puzzles
Supplementary available in Figure Weights Picture Complex and Picture Completion.
3. Index WORKING MEMORY-requires motivation, attention, concentration and executive function. Least correlated to total G. Most affected by anxiety.
a) Digit Span
b) Arithmetic
Supplement available in Letter-Number Sequencing
4. Index PROCESSING SPEED-is most sensitive to cognitive issues.. More reflective styles may show as slower scores.
a) Symbol Search
b) Coding
Supplementary test available in Cancellation.
analogical reasoning
uses the ability to see commonalities between different things/situations, in order to solve a problem. ie by using an analogy….
G factor
The descriptor given to “total intelligence”. Is it the sum of its parts or more than the sum of its parts?
Intelligence types (7-8?)
Some believe there are many intelligence types, the most popular belief Gardner’s:
Musical, Visuo-spatial, Linguistic, Logical-mathematical, Bodily-kinesthetic, Inter-personal, Intra-personal, Naturalistic.
Ebonic
Now largely referred to as “African American English”. Arguably a distinct language in itself. Educators a while back tried to get it recognised as its own language and therefore recognise that those speaking it required translational teaching techniques etc to improve their educational outcomes. Caused a stir in the White House re what that would mean for funding etc
Aboriginal Culture notes
For Aboriginal clients, same sex counsellor recommended as there is frequently men’s/women’s business or groups or ways of deciding things. Need to recognise that there are aspects of the Aboriginal culture for which it is taboo to discuss them with those who have not been initiated into them.
Some aspects of Aboriginal culture may look “psychotic” to outsiders but in order to tell the difference must determine if displayed behaviour is considered normal to others of the same culture and /or if is self harming or done in order to release pain.
WRONG SKIN/WRONG WAY-There is a complex Aboriginal family system of who can marry whom (or which “skin”). Going against this can result in serious shunning/shaming of the perpetrators.
SORRY TIME-time of mourning. Does not have defined period, takes as long as necessary. There is a need for self or representative to attend.
MISSING COUNTRY-link with Country is real and part of who an Aboriginal is. Incarceration can worsen the sense of isolation and depression when gone from Country for long period.
BEING SUNG/BEING POINTED-some retribution is due on oneself and carried out by an authoritive figure.The one sung seems to suffer some ill effect or believes this.
SPIRITUAL VISITS might see departed ones etc. seems to only occur in specific culturally appropriate times and if hear voices, these voices stay distinct as others, cf in psychotic hallucination where often merge with voice ie “I am the Devil/God “ etc.
If there appears to be a CULTURAL CAUSE for the ailment, it is best to go with a CULTURAL SOLUTION.
There is often more external blaming in Aboriginal culture.
Is Intelligence fixed?
Whilst Intelligence seems to be genetically determined, environment and practice plays a large part in whether full potential of intelligence/skill can be developed or not.
Nurturing environments and the encouragement to practice what appeals most, is more likely to lead to full potential being achieved than a simply rigid education system. (according to Ted talk anyway).
