““Intelligence” and TestingIntelligence” and Testing

Measuring IntelligenceMeasuring Intelligence

Intelligence Tests:Intelligence Tests: tests tests for assessing a person’s for assessing a person’s mental abilities and mental abilities and comparing them with the comparing them with the abilities of other people, by abilities of other people, by means of numerical means of numerical scores. scores.

Origins of Intelligence TestsOrigins of Intelligence TestsAlfred BinetAlfred Binet, a French , a French

psychologist, is most psychologist, is most often considered to be often considered to be the pioneer of the the pioneer of the intelligence testing intelligence testing movement.movement.

What was his purpose?What was his purpose?

Alfred Binet and Intelligence Alfred Binet and Intelligence TestsTests

Binet looked to identify a child’s intelligence. Binet looked to identify a child’s intelligence. His test resulted in scientists calculating mental His test resulted in scientists calculating mental age as a measure of intelligence.age as a measure of intelligence.

Mental Age:Mental Age: chronological age that most chronological age that most typically corresponds to a given level of typically corresponds to a given level of performance. performance. A child who does as well as the average 8-A child who does as well as the average 8-

year-old is said to have a mental age of 8.year-old is said to have a mental age of 8. Binet did not believe his test measured inborn Binet did not believe his test measured inborn

intelligence.intelligence.

Lewis Terman and Lewis Terman and Intelligence TestsIntelligence Tests

Lewis TermanLewis Terman, an , an American psychologist at American psychologist at Stanford, adapted Binet’s Stanford, adapted Binet’s test in an attempt to test in an attempt to measure what he thought measure what he thought was inherited was inherited intelligence.intelligence.

Stanford-Binet:Stanford-Binet: refers refers to the widely used to the widely used revision of Binet’s revision of Binet’s original intelligence test.original intelligence test.

IQ TestsIQ TestsIn an attempt to measure inherited In an attempt to measure inherited

intelligence, tests developed the “IQ.”intelligence, tests developed the “IQ.”IQ: (intelligence quotient): IQ: (intelligence quotient):

defined originally as the ratio of defined originally as the ratio of mental age (ma) to chronological age mental age (ma) to chronological age (ca) multiplied by 100 (ca) multiplied by 100

IQ = ma/ca x 100IQ = ma/ca x 100on contemporary tests it is the on contemporary tests it is the

average performance for a given age average performance for a given age is assigned a score of 100is assigned a score of 100

The Normal CurveThe Normal Curve

Ninety-five percent of all people fall within 30 points

of 100

Number of

scores

55 70 85 100 115 130 145 Wechsler intelligence score

Sixty-eight percentof people score within 15 points

above or below 100

““Intelligence” is Hard to Intelligence” is Hard to DefineDefine

IntelligenceIntelligence is often defined as the is often defined as the ability to learn from experience, ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and use knowledge solve problems, and use knowledge to adapt to new situations. to adapt to new situations.

Intelligence is not a “thing” it is an Intelligence is not a “thing” it is an abstract concept…an IQ is simply a abstract concept…an IQ is simply a score on an intelligence test.score on an intelligence test.

What types of things are usually What types of things are usually NOT measured on an IQ test that NOT measured on an IQ test that might illustrate “intelligence?”might illustrate “intelligence?”

Broadening Theory of Broadening Theory of IntelligenceIntelligence

Savant Syndrome:Savant Syndrome: a a condition in which a condition in which a person otherwise limited person otherwise limited in mental ability has an in mental ability has an exceptional specific skill.exceptional specific skill.

Rain Man on Netflix: 37:50 -39:50 and 42:00Rain Man on Netflix: 37:50 -39:50 and 42:00

Gifted ChildrenGifted Children: Some children : Some children are born with high levels of are born with high levels of giftedness in specific areas.giftedness in specific areas.

Prodigies: Children who are Prodigies: Children who are exceptionally talented in exceptionally talented in certain areas. Ex: Mozartcertain areas. Ex: Mozart

Autism is Different than Savant Autism is Different than Savant SyndromeSyndrome

Autism Autism is a mysterious is a mysterious developmental brain developmental brain disorder which impacts disorder which impacts Social interaction and Social interaction and Communication with others. Communication with others.

Some people with autism Some people with autism also engage in repetitive also engage in repetitive and compulsive behaviors.and compulsive behaviors.

Autism has a spectrum –mild Autism has a spectrum –mild to severe. to severe.

Mental RetardationMental Retardation

Mild RetardationMild Retardation: IQs from 50 : IQs from 50 to 70 – can read, do basic to 70 – can read, do basic math, hold a job and take math, hold a job and take care of themselvescare of themselves

Moderate RetardationModerate Retardation: IQs : IQs from 35 to 49 – can speak, from 35 to 49 – can speak, feed and dress themselves, feed and dress themselves, work under supportive work under supportive conditionsconditions

Severe RetardationSevere Retardation: IQs from : IQs from 20 to 34 – Require constant 20 to 34 – Require constant supervision, limited supervision, limited communication.communication.

Causes of Mental RetardationCauses of Mental Retardation

Genetic disorders (Down Syndrome)Genetic disorders (Down Syndrome)

Pregnant women who do drugs or drink alcoholPregnant women who do drugs or drink alcohol

Difficulties during childbirth Difficulties during childbirth

Howard Gardner and Multiple Howard Gardner and Multiple IntelligencesIntelligences

From a biological point of From a biological point of view, Gardner has noted view, Gardner has noted that brain damage often that brain damage often may diminish some may diminish some abilities but not others.abilities but not others.

Gardner argues humans Gardner argues humans do not have an do not have an intelligence but instead intelligence but instead multiple intelligences multiple intelligences which are relatively which are relatively independent of the others.independent of the others.

Gardner’s Multiple Gardner’s Multiple IntelligencesIntelligences

Gardner argues there are 9 intelligences:Gardner argues there are 9 intelligences:1.1. Verbal Linguistic Verbal Linguistic

2.2. Logical-mathematicalLogical-mathematical

3.3. Visual Spatial Visual Spatial

4.4. Bodily-kinestheticBodily-kinesthetic

5.5. Auditory-musicalAuditory-musical6.6. Interpersonal Interpersonal (sensitivity to the feelings of others)(sensitivity to the feelings of others)

7.7. Intrapersonal Intrapersonal (insight into one’s own inner (insight into one’s own inner feelings)feelings)

8.8. Existential Existential (insight into larger picture of life ((phil.))(insight into larger picture of life ((phil.))

9.9. Naturalist Naturalist (understanding laws that govern natural (understanding laws that govern natural behavior)behavior)

The Real Rain ManDerek - 60 MinutesLily the geography wiz!

Howard

GARDNER“Multiple Intelligences” - continued

The existence of idiots savants, prodigies and other exceptional individuals supports Gardner’s theory:

Robert Sternberg and Robert Sternberg and “Successful Intelligence”“Successful Intelligence”

Sternberg looked to overcome the fact that Sternberg looked to overcome the fact that although IQ tests predicted school tests although IQ tests predicted school tests relatively well, they did less well predicting relatively well, they did less well predicting vocational success.vocational success.

Sternberg’s 3 Aspects of Intelligence:Sternberg’s 3 Aspects of Intelligence:

1.1. Analytical Intelligence:Analytical Intelligence: (academic (academic problem solving)problem solving)

2.2.Creative Intelligence:Creative Intelligence: (reacting to new (reacting to new situations and creating new ideas)situations and creating new ideas)

3.3.Practical Intelligence:Practical Intelligence: (often required for (often required for everyday tasks, “common sense”)everyday tasks, “common sense”)

Is Intelligence Neurologically Is Intelligence Neurologically Measurable?Measurable?

.15 correlation .15 correlation between head size between head size and intelligence and intelligence score.score.

.44 correlation .44 correlation between brain size between brain size and intelligence and intelligence score.score.

Is Intelligence Neurologically Is Intelligence Neurologically Measurable?Measurable?

Einstein’s brain was Einstein’s brain was 15% larger in the 15% larger in the parietal lobe’s lower parietal lobe’s lower region…center for region…center for mathematical mathematical processing and processing and spatial information.spatial information.

But smaller in some But smaller in some other regions. other regions.

Environmental Influences on Environmental Influences on IntelligenceIntelligence

Genetics play a role in intelligence Genetics play a role in intelligence (because identical twins have (because identical twins have similar IQs) but …similar IQs) but …

the home environment and the home environment and parenting styles can influence IQ parenting styles can influence IQ and;and;

preschool programs like Head Start preschool programs like Head Start affect IQ as well.affect IQ as well.

Assessing IntelligenceAssessing Intelligence

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)Scale (WAIS)most widely used intelligence testmost widely used intelligence testsubtestssubtests

verbal verbal performance (nonverbal) performance (nonverbal) Also a Also a WISCWISC (Wechsler (Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children).Intelligence Test for Children).

Assessing Intelligence- Sample Assessing Intelligence- Sample Items from the WAISItems from the WAIS

From Thorndike and Hagen, 1977

VERBAL

General Information Similarities Arithmetic ReasoningVocabularyComprehensionDigit Span

PERFORMANCE

Picture Completion Picture ArrangementBlock DesignObject AssemblyDigit-Symbol Substitution

WAIS SAMPLEWAIS SAMPLE

WAIS SAMPLEWAIS SAMPLE

http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5293http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5293

IQ Tests Go to War—IQ Tests Go to War—Measuring Intelligence in Measuring Intelligence in

the Armythe ArmyThe army’s use of intelligence tests during World War I lent The army’s use of intelligence tests during World War I lent

new credibility to the emerging profession of psychology, even new credibility to the emerging profession of psychology, even as it sparked public debate about the validity of the tests and as it sparked public debate about the validity of the tests and

their implications for American democracy. their implications for American democracy.

Intelligence testing influenced American society long after the Intelligence testing influenced American society long after the war that had launched it. The tests were revised for use in war that had launched it. The tests were revised for use in

schools and promoted the “tracking” systems of segregating schools and promoted the “tracking” systems of segregating students into ability groups according to test results. students into ability groups according to test results.

Intelligence testing fueled eugenics programs and were also Intelligence testing fueled eugenics programs and were also widely invoked by those who pressed successfully to restrict widely invoked by those who pressed successfully to restrict

immigration to the United States. immigration to the United States.

Match your wits with World War I-era recruits with questions Match your wits with World War I-era recruits with questions from actual army intelligence tests. from actual army intelligence tests.

Answer: CAnswer: C

1. Bull Durham is the name of a1. Bull Durham is the name of aA.A. chewing gum chewing gumB.B. aluminum ware aluminum wareC.C. tobacco tobaccoD.D. clothing clothing

Answer: BAnswer: B

2. Seven-up is played with2. Seven-up is played withA.A. rackets racketsB.B. cards cardsC.C. pins pinsD.D. dice dice

Answer: BAnswer: B

3. The Merino is a kind of3. The Merino is a kind ofA.A. horse horseB.B. sheep sheepC.C. goat goatD.D. cow cow

Answer: AAnswer: A

4. The most prominent industry 4. The most prominent industry of Minneapolis isof Minneapolis isA.A. flour flourB.B. packing packingC.C. automobiles automobilesD.D. brewing brewing

Answer: DAnswer: D

5. Garnets are usually5. Garnets are usuallyA.A. yellow yellowB.B. blue blueC.C. green greenD.D. red red

Answer: AAnswer: A

6. The Orpington is a kind of6. The Orpington is a kind ofA.A. fowl fowlB.B. horse horseC.C. granite graniteD.D. cattle cattle

Answer: DAnswer: D

7. George Ade is famous as a7. George Ade is famous as aA.A. baseball player baseball playerB.B. comic artist comic artistC.C. actor actorD.D. author author

Answer: AAnswer: A

8. Soap is made by8. Soap is made byA.A. B. T. Babbitt B. T. BabbittB.B. Smith & Wesson Smith & WessonC.C. W. L. Douglas W. L. DouglasD.D. Swift & Co. Swift & Co.

Answer: CAnswer: C

9. Laura Jean Libby is known as a9. Laura Jean Libby is known as aA.A. singer singerB.B. suffragist suffragistC.C. writer writerD.D. army nurse army nurse

Answer: CAnswer: C

10. An air-cooled engine is used 10. An air-cooled engine is used in thein theA. BuickA. BuickB. PackardB. PackardC. FranklinC. FranklinD. FordD. Ford

Answer: BAnswer: B

11. A house is better than a tent, 11. A house is better than a tent, becausebecause A.A. it costs more it costs moreB.B. it is more comfortable it is more comfortableC.C. it is made of wood it is made of wood

Answer: AAnswer: A

12. Why does it pay to get a 12. Why does it pay to get a good education? good education? A.A. it makes a man more useful and it makes a man more useful and happyhappyB.B. it makes work for teachers it makes work for teachersC.C. it makes demand for buildings for it makes demand for buildings for schools and colleges schools and colleges

Answer: CAnswer: C

13. If the grocer should give you 13. If the grocer should give you too much money in making too much money in making change, what is the right thing change, what is the right thing to do?to do? A.A. buy some candy off him with it buy some candy off him with itB.B. give it to the first poor man you give it to the first poor man you meetmeetC.C. tell him of his mistake tell him of his mistake

Answer: AAnswer: A

14. Why should food be chewed 14. Why should food be chewed before swallowing? before swallowing? A.A. it is better for the health it is better for the healthB.B. it is bad manners to swallow it is bad manners to swallow without chewing without chewing C.C. chewing keeps the teeth in chewing keeps the teeth in condition  condition  

Answer: BAnswer: B

15. If you saw a train 15. If you saw a train approaching a broken track you approaching a broken track you should should A.A. telephone for an ambulance telephone for an ambulanceB.B. signal the engineer to stop the signal the engineer to stop the traintrainC.C. look for a piece of rail to fit in look for a piece of rail to fit in

Answer: CAnswer: C

16. If you are lost in a forest in 16. If you are lost in a forest in the daytime, what is the thing to the daytime, what is the thing to do? do? A. hurry to the nearest house you A. hurry to the nearest house you know ofknow ofB. look for something to eatB. look for something to eatC. use the sun or a compass for a C. use the sun or a compass for a guide guide

Answer: BAnswer: B

17. It is better to fight than to 17. It is better to fight than to run, because run, because A.A. cowards are shot cowards are shotB.B. it is more honorable it is more honorableC.C. if you run you may get shot in the if you run you may get shot in the back back

Answer: AAnswer: A

18. Why should all parents be 18. Why should all parents be made to send their children to made to send their children to school? Because school? Because A.A. it prepares them for adult life it prepares them for adult lifeB.B. it keeps them out of mischief it keeps them out of mischiefC.C. they are too young to work they are too young to work

Answer: CAnswer: C

19. Why do some men who could 19. Why do some men who could afford to own a house live in a afford to own a house live in a rented one? Becauserented one? BecauseA.A. they don’t have to pay taxes they don’t have to pay taxesB.B. they don’t have to buy a rented they don’t have to buy a rented househouseC.C. they can make more by investing they can make more by investing the money the house would cost the money the house would cost

Answer: BAnswer: B

20. Why is beef better food than 20. Why is beef better food than cabbage? Because cabbage? Because A.A. it tastes better it tastes betterB.B. it is more nourishing it is more nourishingC.C. it is harder to obtain it is harder to obtain

•Was this test a valid measure of Was this test a valid measure of intelligence? Was there bias?intelligence? Was there bias?

Do you think the people who scored Do you think the people who scored highest on this test were the best highest on this test were the best soldiers? soldiers? (predictive validity)(predictive validity)

• Was this an ACHIEVEMENT TEST or and APTITUDE TEST?

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/brain-games/

The Biggest Brain –national The Biggest Brain –national geographic you tubegeographic you tube

I think therefore I am –Moody BluesI think therefore I am –Moody Blues