Measuring Individual Differences Psychology relies heavily on
testing individuals, it is part of the foundation for psychological
analysis. To be effective, however, strict guidelines must be
followed. Validity: Does the test actually measure what we say it
does/what we want it to? Ex. Reading on a math test Face validity:
Does the test look like it tests what it is supposed to test?
Content validity: Each part of the test is representative of the
larger body of knowledge.
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Measuring Individual Differences Criterion Validity: The
behavior (such as college grades) that a test (such as the SAT) is
designed to predict Predictive Validity: The success with which a
test predicts the behavior it is designed to predict.
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Assessing Intelligence As the range of data under consideration
narrows, its predictive power diminishes Greater correlation over
broad range of body weights 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Little corre-
lation within restricted range Football linemens success Body
weight in pounds 180 250 290
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Measuring Individual Differences The second part of a credible
test is reliability. Reliability: A test yields the same results
over time Test-Retest or Split-Half Reliability Reliable, but not
valid Not reliable, not valid Reliable and valid
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Creating Validity and Reliability The most efficient way to
create validity and reliability is to use a standardized test. In
the most basic sense, a standardized test means: The administration
and scoring is the same for each test The results of the test can
be used to draw a conclusion about the test takers in regard to the
objectives of the test. Ex. AP test, S.A.T.
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Judging Normal A normal curve is applied to test to determine
establish norms. When a statistically significant sample of the
population has been tested, strong conclusions can be drawn. A
normal range for IQ scores is 70- 130. Scores below 70 indicate
mental retardation while scores above 130 are considered
gifted.
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Normal Distribution of IQ Scores
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Degrees of Mental Retardation
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Types of Tests There are two main types of tests: 1. Objective
Tests: Tests that have one set answer, that can be scored easily by
machine Ex. Multiple choice 1. Subjective Tests: Tests in which
individuals are given ambiguous figures or an open ended question
which requires some interpretation and analysis. Ex. FRQs
Inter-rater reliability measure of how two different scorers would
score the test
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Intelligence Testing A term that is used frequently, but often
misunderstood is intelligence. What exactly is intelligence? Many
people disagree about what exactly intelligence is, but most do
agree that it is: Relative: defined in relation to the same
abilities in a comparison group (usually age) Hypothetically
constructed: it is unobservable, but instead inferred from
behavior
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Testing IQ IQ (intelligence quotient) became a popular way to
classify people in the early 1900s when two French psychologists
(Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon) developed a test to identify
those students who were gifted, and those who needed extra
help.
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Binet-SimonTest The test had four important distinctions:
Scores were interpreted at their current performance Used to
identify students in need of help, not label them or categorize
them Emphasized that training and opportunity could affect
intelligence Was empirically constructed Scoring the test was done
by calculating the mental age (MA) and the chronological age (CA).
MA= The average age at which normal individuals achieve a
particular score CA= The number of years since an individuals
birth
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Coming to America The idea of IQ testing became popular in
America for three reasons: A huge increase in immigration New laws
requiring universal education Military assessing new recruits for
WWI It created an inexpensive and objective way to separate those
could benefit from education or military leadership training and
those who needed assistance.
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Downside of IQ Testing Despite its utility, IQ testing had a
big downside. Tests ended up reinforcing prevailing prejudices
about race and gender. Ignored was the fact that environmental
disadvantages limit the full development of peoples intellectual
abilities. Same problem of NCLB!!!
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Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale When the Binet test was
adopted by a Stanford professor, he changed the equation to make
intelligence scores into non-decimal numbers. This now became known
as the Intelligence Quotient (IQ). =IQ
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Assessing Intelligence Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)
most widely used intelligence test subtests Performance
Intelligence: Nonverbal intelligence; measured by solving puzzles,
completing pictures, and assembling objects Verbal Intelligence:
Language intelligence; measured by answering questions involving
vocabulary, information, arithmetic, and other language-oriented
tasks
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The Mental Rotation Test of Spatial Abilities Which two circles
contains configuration of blocks identical to the one in the circle
at left? StandardResponses
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Components of Intelligence Savant Syndrome: Individuals with
remarkable, but rare talent, even though they are mentally
deficient in other areas. Ex. Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man
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Theories of Intelligence Spearmans g Factor: Charles Spearman
thought intelligence was a general factor behind all of our mental
ability (g factor) Catells Fluid Intelligence ability to see
complex relationships and solve problems Crystallized intelligence
knowledge that a person has acquired
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Theories of Intelligence Howard Gardner believed that IQ scores
measured only a limited range of human mental abilities. He argued
we have seven separate mental abilities he calls the multiple
intelligences. Linguistic intelligence ("word smart"):
Logical-mathematical intelligence ("number/reasoning smart")
Spatial intelligence ("picture smart") Bodily-Kinesthetic
intelligence ("body smart") Musical intelligence ("music smart")
Interpersonal intelligence ("people smart") Intrapersonal
intelligence ("self smart")
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Sternbergs Triarchic Theory Practical Intelligence Analytical
Intelligence Creative Intelligence