By far, the greatest discrepancies in iq scores occur when comparing
Intelligence & Psychological TestingPsyc 1200 Ch 9Psychological tests are standardized measures of behaviour. Two categories: mental ability tests andpersonality scales.Mental ability testsinclude:Intelligence tests, which measure generalmental abilityAptitude tests, which measure more specificmental abilities.Personality measuresare usually called scales.Personality scalesmeasure a variety of motives, interests, values, and attitudes.There are alsopsychological teststhat are used to diagnose psychological disorders.Validity of Psychological TestsValidity refers to how well the test measures what it claims to measure.Content validityis the degree to which the content of a test represents the domain it is supposed tocover/ the extent to which a measure representsall facetsof a given construct.For example: your final exam for this class should measure how well you understood thematerial in this psychology course.Criterion-related validityis estimated by correlating subjects’ scores on a test with their scores on anindependentcriterion.For example, a test that measures high school academic skills should correlate positively withuniversity GPA.If it does, that's evidence of its predictive ability, which we call criterion-related validity becauseit predicts a criterion (outcome).Construct validityis the extent to which there is evidence that a test measures a particular hypotheticalconstruct(e.g., intelligence: Are we really measuring intelligence with an IQ test? Or are we measuringpeople's test-taking abilities?) Show
Historically, schools used this model to determine if a child had a learning difference that qualified him for services. But there are differences of opinion among professionals about the benefits and drawbacks of this approach. Many schools still use the discrepancy model. But many others are now using different models. Here’s what you need to know. What the Discrepancy Model IsThe discrepancy model is a way to capture and compare a student’s scores on different types of tests. It compares assessments of a child’s intellectual ability () with how much progress he’s making in school (his academic achievement). In some cases, there may be a significant “discrepancy” (difference) between various sets of scores. The idea is that when there’s a difference like this, it’s evidence that an underlying condition is making it unusually hard for a child to learn. For example, say your fifth grader’s IQ falls in the average range. The expectation would be for him to be reading at a typical fifth-grade level. But say his scores show that he’s actually reading at a second-grade level. In that case, there’s a discrepancy between what the IQ test said he’s capable of (ability) and his actual reading level (achievement). How the Discrepancy Model Is UsedFor decades, schools were required to use the discrepancy model. But in 2004, when IDEA was reauthorized, that changed. The law now says that states can use the discrepancy model if they choose. However, it allows them to use other models instead of or along with the discrepancy model. Thirty-nine states still allow their school districts to use the discrepancy model. Eleven states forbid its use. Benefits and Drawbacks of the Discrepancy ModelProfessionals and schools say that some benefits of the discrepancy model are:
Professionals and schools say some drawbacks in the discrepancy model are:
Other Approaches Used Today
When IDEA was reissued in 2004, the law permitted alternatives to the discrepancy model. This change was intended to help schools identify children with learning differences earlier and get them the specific kinds of help they need. One approach mentioned in the law was response to intervention (RTI). RTI looks at all students’ reading, writing and math skills early in the school year. Then it provides targeted support to those who are struggling. Children who don’t respond to increasing support may then be considered for special education. The benefits of RTI: Students get help early. And they don’t have to wait to prove eligibility in order to get support. Keep in mind that even if your child is receiving RTI, you still have the right to request an evaluation for special education services. Another approach being used in some schools is called the “processing deficit approach.” This includes testing that helps teachers understand kids’ patterns of strengths and weaknesses. That allows them to modify how they teach to meet the kids’ needs. For example, say a child has trouble processing information he hears. His instruction might include written materials and/or other . His teacher might give him notes before she lectures. He might also get follow-up notes to reinforce his classroom learning. Test scores and testing are still supposed to play a major role in identifying kids who need help. But in more and more cases, they’re not the only deciding factor. Educators now use data from RTI and MTSS activities and individualized assessments. This information helps them identify which kids need extra help and decide on teaching strategies. What You Can DoIt’s up to your child’s school (and the state you live in) to decide how it will identify students who need special education services. But no matter the method, you have rights in the process. Key takeaways
What is the biggest criticism of IQ test?Many critics have argued that IQ tests ignore or underestimate the contribution of factors like emotion, social skills, motivation or even morality.
What are two criticisms of IQ tests?IQ tests are also criticized because the results are often used to label some students as slow learners. Finally, IQ tests do not offer information on motivation, emotion, attitudes, and other similar factors that may have a strong bearing on a person's success in school and in life.
How Can IQ be misinterpreted?One of the ways the tests are frequently misinterpreted, according to Dombrowski, is when any score from the test besides the overall IQ is used. IQ tests measure a variety of skills like working memory, fluid reasoning, verbal comprehension and more.
What are the three main limitations of IQ tests?Sternberg's three-part theory of intelligence suggests that the traditions intelligence tests have three major limitations: (a) the IQ tests fail to measure creative insight, (b) they ignore the practical side of intelligence, and (c) since IQ tests are limited to a fixed time schedule, they wrongly equate intelligence ...
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