Psychology: Standardized Tests and Reliability

Study Notes

Standardized Tests

Tests designed with items piloted on similar populations to those taking the test.
Achievement norms are established based on a standardization sample.
Allows fair comparison between test scores of different individuals.

Reliability

Reflects the consistency or repeatability of a test's measurements.
A test lacking reliability yields wildly different results across multiple administrations, undermining its credibility.

Test-Retest Reliability

Assesses reliability by correlating scores from the same individual across different test administrations.

Validity

A test is valid if it accurately measures what it claims to measure.
Reliability is a prerequisite for validity; inconsistent results indicate a lack of both.

Aptitude Tests

Measure an individual’s abilities or potential rather than what they have already learned.
Intelligence tests are designed as aptitude assessments to assess potential ability.

Achievement Tests

Evaluate how much knowledge has been acquired in a specific subject area.
These tests are commonly administered in educational settings, but pure achievement testing is complex due to experiential influences on performance.

Intelligence

Defined as the ability to gather and utilize information productively.
Differentiates between fluid intelligence (abstract problem-solving) and crystallized intelligence (knowledge accumulated over time).

Spearman's Intelligence Theory

Argues intelligence can be represented by a single underlying factor known as "g" (general intelligence).
Utilizes factor analysis to demonstrate correlations among various specific intelligences.

Gardner's Intelligence Theory

Proposes multiple intelligences instead of a single measure of intelligence.
Identifies eight distinct intelligences including linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and naturalist.

Sternberg's Intelligence Theory

Introduces a triarchic model of intelligence encompassing:
- Analytic intelligence: traditional problem-solving skills.
- Creative intelligence: innovative application of knowledge and experience.
- Practical intelligence: everyday problem-solving or "street smarts."

Stanford-Binet IQ Test

Developed by Alfred Binet to identify educational needs of children.
Louis Terman introduced the IQ ratio, calculated by dividing mental age by chronological age and multiplying by 100.

Weschler Intelligence Scales

David Weschler created three IQ scales: WAIS, WISC, and WPPSI.
Scores are standardized with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15, forming a normal distribution.

Normal Distribution

Represents scores arranged in a bell curve, with specific percentages falling within standard deviations of the mean.
Approximately 68% of scores lie within one standard deviation, 95% within two, and nearly all (99%) within three.

Heritability

Refers to the genetic contribution to variation in a specific trait among individuals.
Heritability ranges from 0 (environmental influences) to 1 (genetic factors), indicating the degree of genetic influence.

Flynn Effect

Indicates a consistent increase in intelligence test performance over the past century.
Suggests environmental factors, such as nutrition and education, play significant roles, despite a stable gene pool.

Description

This quiz explores key concepts in standardized testing, focusing on reliability and validity. Learn about the different types of tests, including achievement and aptitude assessments, and understand their significance in measuring abilities and learning outcomes.