Unit 11: Testing and Individual Differences Flashcards
achievement test
test that measures what knowledge one has already learned
aptitude test
test that measures how well one may do in the future in a particular area
Collectivism
cultural perspective in which group needs are valued over individual needs
content validity
the test measures the content it claims to measure
intellectual disability
disability that may lead to deficiency in adaptive skills
Intelligence
measure of one’s ability to learn, obtain and apply knowledge
intelligence quotient (IQ)
numerical value representing one’s intelligence level
intelligence test
tests designed to measure mental abilities such as reasoning, abstract thinking, and comprehension
mental age
normal age for a particular level of intelligence
normal curve
graph that shows a distribution in a measurement
predictive validity
a test adequately predicts future performance
Reliability
how consistent and repeatable the results are
Test-retest reliability
if the test is taken again similar results will be obtained
Split-half
individual obtains a similar number of correct answers for odd and even-numbered questions
Stanford-Binet
Intelligence test that measures one’s IQ score
Validity
how well something measures what it is supposed to
Wechsler adult intelligence scale (WAIS)
Intelligence test that measures intelligence via providing information on cognitive strengths and weaknesses in verbal comprehension, perceptual organization, working memory, and processing speed
Alfred Binet
developed the Binet-Simon Scale to measure intelligence based on mental age
David Wechsler
developed the Wechsler Intelligence Scale to measure intelligence based on information on cognitive strengths and weaknesses in verbal comprehension, perceptual organization, working memory, and processing speed
How do psychologists define intelligence?
Intelligence is one’s ability to learn, obtain, and apply knowledge
What are the qualities of a good psychological test?
A good psychological test is standardized, reliable, and valid
emotional intelligence
the ability to perceive, understand, manage, and use emotions
factor analysis
statistical procedure to identify clusters of related items
Flynn effect
worldwide average increase in intelligence scores
general intelligence (g)
a factor that underlies a broader range of mental abilities
Grit
motivation to pursue a long-term goal
multiple intelligences (Gardner)
8 intelligence that Gardner theorized to influence one’s intellectual ability
savant syndrome
a condition in which a person with limited mental ability is exceptional at one specific skill
Standardization
designing a test in such a way that it is possible to compare test results to a certain groups of people
Sternberg’s three intelligences (triarchic theory; analytic, creative, practical)
three intelligences that Sternberg proposed one could exhibit
Howard Gardner
Developed Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences identifying 8 intelligences that one could have
Charles Spearman
developed the theory of general intelligence stating that there was one general intelligence factor (g) that influenced all other domains
Robert Sternberg
developed his triarchic theory of intelligence stating that three intelligences influence us: analytical, practical, and creative
Lewis Terman
developed the Stanford-Benet Intelligence test that measured intelligence based on IQ
Cohort
group of people from a given time period
cross-sectional studies
research done at one point in time that compares people of various ages
crystallized intelligence
accumulated knowledge
fluid intelligence
one’s ability to think
Heritability
how well certain traits are passed down to the offspring
longitudinal studies
research done on the same group of people over their lifespan
standard deviation
average difference of the data values from the mean scores
stereotype threat
when a stereotype of an ethnic group leads to decreased IQ scores for that group
How do IQ scores relate to gender, age, and occupation?
Generally, despite small differences, IQ scores overall are stable and similar pertaining to gender, age, and occupation
What does IQ tell us about genius?
High IQ scores intend to imply greater genius
What causes mental retardation?
Intellectual disabilities
How do heredity and environments affect intelligence?
Heredity defines a certain IQ range for an individual, while environments determine where in that range the person falls
How have views of intelligence changed in recent years?
The definition of intelligence has varied over the years based on how intelligence was measured
Are IQ tests fair to all racial and cultural groups?
No, as IQ tests are designed mainly for European-American white individuals
Down syndrome
intellectual disability due to an extra set of chromosome 21
Epigenetics
study of how environmental influences can affect genetics
growth vs. fixed mindset
growth mindset states that intelligence can change and grow with sufficient environmental influence, while fixed mindset states that intelligence is fixed, genetically attributed, and can not change
Francis Galton
scientist who started a revolution of intelligence testing with his ideas of “natural” [intelligence] ability”
What are typical IQ tests like?
Typical IQ tests include the Weschler Adult and Student intelligence scales
