AP Psychology 8th ed

Chapter 11: Learning Part 2

Name: Vidhu Manohara

While you read chapter 11, take notes for the following questions. 1. Define intelligence test, An intelligence test - is a method for assessing an individuals and discuss the history of mental aptitudes and comparing them with those of others, using intelligence testing. numerical scores. Alfred Binet developed the first IQ test to differentiate and place French schoolchildren into the proper classrooms to help them better learn. They measured a childs Mental Age which was a score for a typical child for their age. This test was later adapted by Lewis Terman into a modern IQ test. Aptitude tests predict the ability to learn a new skill. Achievement tests reflect what you have learned. The Wechelser Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)- is the most widely used intelligence test. It consists of verbal and performance subtests. It also separates scores for verbal comprehension, perceptual organization, working memory and processing speed. It can also reveal learning/ language disabilities. Allowing psychologists to reveal a new plan for those who have suffered strokes, etc.

Intelligence test Alfred Binet 2. Distinguish between aptitude and achievement tests, and describe modern tests of mental abilities such as the WAIS. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test Revised (WAIS)

3. Discuss the importance of standardizing psychological tests, and describe the distribution of scores in a normal curve Standardization

Standardization - is defining meaningful scores by comparison with the performance of a pretested standardization group. Average score is 100 which is the baseline to determine anything meaningful.

4. Explain what it means to say that a test is reliable. Reliability

Reliability is when the test produces consistent scores when used. They cant have any crazy deviations.

5. Explain what it means to say a test is valid, and describe two types of validity. Validity

Validity is when the test does what its supposed to do, Asses intelligence etc. Content Validity is the extent to which a test samples the behavior that is of interest. Predictive Validity is the success with which a test predicts the behavior it is designed to predict. It is assessed by computing the correlation between test scores and the criterion behavior. The stability increases with age, Performance on these tests predict future success.

6. Describe the stability of intelligence scores over the life span.

7. Discuss the two extremes of the normal distribution of intelligence. Mental retardation Down Syndrome gifted

Mental retardation is the condition of limited mental ability, indicated by an intelligence score of 70 or below and difficulty in adapting to the demands of life varies from mild to profound. Down Syndrome is a condition of retardation and associated physical disorders caused by an extra chromosome in ones genetic makeup. Gifted is a child with above average intelligence. A genius who is well adapted to everyday life. Is normal.

8. Discuss the evidence for the genetic contribution to individual intelligence, and explain what psychologists mean by the heritability of intelligence.

Genetically there might be something extra that makes a person smarter. When mice were inserted with an extra gene they were shown to be smarter. Identical twins also have the same brain makeup and same scores on tests. While fraternal twins dont. Even if the environment is different twins have extremely similar scores with slight differences.

9. Discuss the evidence for environmental influences on individual intelligence.

Environments do have impact on individual intelligence. Early environmental intervention can change a person drastically. But a nurturing environment can also aid the person.

10. Describe ethnic similarities and differences in intelligence test scores, and discuss some genetic and environmental factors that might explain them.

Ethnic differences are due to their culture. Asians have more schooling and are more focused on math. While another race might focus on something else.

11. Describe gender differences in abilities.

12. Discuss whether intelligence tests are biased, and describe the stereotype threat phenomenon.

Girls are better at: Spelling More verbally fluent and can remember more words Better at finding things More sensitive To color, touch and taste Boys are BETTER at: Counts of underachievement Math Women detect emotions more easily than guys. Stereotype threat is a self-confirming concern that one will be evaluated based on a negative stereotype. And IQ tests are biased by cultural differences too. Since a person might not have been in the same environment and had the same type of impact as another person.

Stereotype threat