Unit 2.8 AP Psychology

Defining and Measuring Intelligence

• Intelligence is a complex and debated concept, with researchers differing on whether it's a single general ability (g) or multiple specific abilities.
• Early intelligence tests calculated IQ by dividing mental age by chronological age.
• Modern IQ scores are often used to identify students for educational support programs.
• Example: A 10-year-old's mental age with an 8-year-old chronological age would have an IQ of 125.

Psychometric Principles for Intelligence Tests

• Standardized tests ensure fairness by using consistent procedures and environments.
• Example: Consistent administration in quiet conditions.
• Valid tests accurately measure what they aim to assess.
• Example: An intelligence test must measure intellectual ability, not unrelated traits.
• Reliable tests yield similar results upon repeated administration
• Example: Consistent scores on repeated administrations.

Socio-Cultural Responsiveness in Assessment

• Tests should be socio-culturally responsive to reduce potential bias.
• Stereotype threat negatively impacts performance due to social group stereotypes.
• Example: Students may underperform due to fears of confirming negative stereotypes.

The Flynn Effect

• The Flynn Effect is the rise in average IQ scores over recent decades.
• Possible factors contributing to this include higher socioeconomic status, improved healthcare, and better nutrition.

Within and Between-Group Variability in IQ Scores

• IQ scores vary more within groups than between groups.
• Personal and sociocultural biases affect interpretations and outcomes.
• Example: Poverty, discrimination, and lack of educational opportunities hinder intelligence scores.

Academic Tests and Mindset

• Achievement tests measure existing knowledge.
• Example: A final exam assesses subject knowledge in a course.
• Aptitude tests predict future performance.
• Example: The SAT aims to predict future academic success.
• Mindset can significantly influence academic success.

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

• Fixed mindset: Believes intelligence is static and unchangeable.
• Example: Believing you can't improve in a subject due to inherent limitations.
• Growth mindset: Believes intelligence can develop with effort and experience.
• Example: Believing practice and effort can improve skills.

General Ability (g) and IQ

• General ability (g) is a theoretical construct representing the common factor in diverse cognitive tasks.
• IQ is a standardized measure of intelligence derived from test performance.

Psychometric Concepts (Validity, Reliability, Standardization)

• Standardization establishes norms and uniform procedures for administering and scoring tests.
• Validity measures what a test claims to measure. It has different types.
• Construct validity: Measures the intended theoretical construct.
• Predictive validity predicts future performance.
• Reliability measures test consistency over time. It has different types.
• Test-retest reliability: Consistency over repeated administrations.
• Split-half reliability: Measures internal consistency by dividing the test in half.

Stereotype Threat and Stereotype Lift

• Stereotype threat is the risk of performing poorly due to fear of confirming negative stereotypes about one's social group.
• Stereotype lift is the improvement in performance due to awareness of positive stereotypes.

Academic Testing: Achievement and Aptitude Tests

• Achievement tests measure existing knowledge.
• Aptitude tests predict future performance.

Mindset and Academic Achievement

• Fixed mindset, the belief that intelligence is static, diminishes the drive to improve.
• Growth mindset, the belief that intelligence is malleable, fosters perseverance and motivation.

Explore the concepts of intelligence and the principles underlying psychometric testing. This quiz covers definitions, historical approaches to IQ, and modern applications in educational support. Assess your understanding of the socio-cultural factors that impact intelligence assessment.