The Validity of Intelligence Tests

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that there is no one definition of intelligence as the approach can cover many aspects of human potentiality. This paper also considers how intelligence testing discriminates between children in different racial and ethnic groups as well as special education groups. The author also discusses whether intelligence tests predict equally well for bilingual or limited English speaking groups when compared to English speakers.
Topics covered in this report include:
Importance of Statistical Significance and Base Rate
Clinical Relevance of Sub Test Configurations
Face Validity
Concurrent Validity
Predictive Validity
Construct Validity
Weaknesses
Strengths

From the Paper:

"There are several considerations to be studied in questioning the validity of intelligence tests and the research that has been done on all of these. What is the importance of statistical significance and base rates? Is univariate, linear profile analysis less valid than multivariate, nonlinear profile analysis? What subtest configurations are unusual or clinically relevant? Do intelligence tests measure the model specified by the test developer? Do two or more intelligence tests measure similar models of intelligence? Do these tests measure the same model across different groups and races of people? What is the nature of genetic influence on intelligence? Do measures of intelligence demonstrate any type of diagnostic validity? How well do intelligence test measure current and future performance of students? Do subtest scores on intelligence tests discriminate between children in different racial and ethnic groups, as well as special education groups? Do intelligence tests have adequate subtests or total test floors to use with young children and what are the limitations of these tests with language delayed children or very young children."

More papers on The Validity of Intelligence Tests:

• Analytical Essay # 130437 : "Intelligence Tests in Education and Reliability"
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• Essay # 59273 : "The KAIT Intelligence Test"

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