Gould evalutaion

Question 1

advantage of psychometric testing

Answer 1

standardised tests, objective, therefore scientific measurements of psychological concepts such as IQ.
This test was received in the same way by each ps, generated quantitative data which can be analysed objectively.

Question 2

disadvantage of psychometric testing

Answer 2

psychometric tests offer a reductionist measure of intelligence.
Yerkes’ study assumes intelligence is fixed and unchanging overtime, which is simplistic therefore not giving a full measure of intelligence.

Question 3

advantage of quantitative data

Answer 3

objective, easy to analyse, provides direct comparisons and allows establishment of a ‘group norm’.
In study- scores on each test were counted and mean mental ages for each group calculated as its numerical-this is objective

Question 4

disadvantage of quantitative data

Answer 4

it is reductionist, implies there is a difference but no insight given as to why the differences exist.
In this study- e.g mean mental age was 13 for white, 10 for black- there is no info on why this difference exists-limiting usefulness of research.

Question 5

Ethics weaknesses

Answer 5

protection of ps- no mention of obtaining consent or allowing ps to withdraw, were denied of briefing beforehand, unaware what the test results meant for future.
Taking an exam was new to some ps, given little/no warning or instruction prior to testing.
Conditions appeared stressful (psychological harm to ps)

Question 6

validity advantage

Answer 6

All given same questions- internal validity high.

Question 7

validity weakness

Answer 7

Tests systematically advantaged most literate, spent longest in school, familiar with taking test and using pencil.
Less time in USA is a disadvantage as some of test items relied of American contemporary culture knowledge.
Yerkes’ results didn’t take into account cultural biases in tests-reduced any claim to validity and advantaged middle class white men.
Reductionist results(didn’t take other factors for intelligence into account)

Question 8

Reliability strength

Answer 8

Tests were standardised in presentation- used detailed mark scheme to be consistent in assessing each test.
If ps sat test again they likely to have same answers, receive similar scores.

Question 9

Reliability weakness

Answer 9

Differences in conditions they sat the tests in-depending what camp they were in.
Issues in inconsistency in selection process for alpha and beta tests- disadvantaged black Americans and recently immigrated recruits (lowers reliability)

Question 10

sample strength

Answer 10

generalisable, representative, large sample 1.75 million.

Question 11

sample weakness

Answer 11

Androcentric ( all men )
within certain age range (i.e young male adults)
Many illiterate but tested on literate test.

Question 12

Practical applications strength

Answer 12

Gould’s review of Yerkes’ study is useful as it highlights dangers and precautions that should be taken regarding mass intelligence testing.
Although flawed in his methodology, Yerkes’ attempt to make intelligence testing scientific has made a significant contribution to how we measure intelligence today.
Many of the mental tests in army alpha were revised and marketed for use in education.

Question 13

Practical applications weakness

Answer 13

Yerkes had a profound negative impact on social policy, therefore such a biased approach that ignores cultural differences must be avoided.