Testing and Individual Differences Flashcards
Constructs
Hypothetical abstractions related to behavior and defined by groups of objects or events.
Standardization
Two part test development procedure. First establishes test norms from the test results from of the large representative sample and then ensures that the test is both administered and scored uniformly for all.
Norms
Standards used to compare scores of test takers.
Reliability
Consistency of results over time. Methods of measurement include retest, split half, alternate form.
Validity
Test measures what it is supposed to measure. Methods include face, content, predictive, construct.
Psychometricians
Focus on methods for acquiring and analyzing psychological data. Measure mental traits, abilities, and processes.
Performance tests
Test taker knows how to respond to questions and tries to succeed.
Speed tests
Large number of relatively easy items in limited test period.
Power tests
Items of varying difficulty with adequate test period.
Aptitude tests
Assess person’s capacity to learn, predict future performance.
Group tests
Tests many people at one time; test taker works alone. Cheaper, more objective.
Individualized tests
Interaction of one examiner with one test taker. Expensive. Subjective grading.
Reification
Construct treated as a concrete, tangible object.
Intelligence
Aggregate or global capacity to act purposefully, to think rationally, and to deal effectively with the environment.
Intellectual disability
Range from mild to severe for those who score at or below 70 on IQ tests
Mild = (85%) can self care/hold a job/family
Moderate = (10%) May self care/function in group home.
Severe =(3-4%) require care/no social skills
Profound = (1-2%) require complete custodial care.
Factor Analysis
A statistical procedure that identifies common factors among groups of items by determining which variables have high degree of correlation.
Fluid Intelligence
Those cognitive abilities requiring speed or rapid learning that tend to diminish over time.
Crystallized Intelligence
Learned knowledge and skills, such as vocab, which tend to increase with age.
Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner’s theory that people process info differently and intelligence is composed of many different factors
Emotional Intelligence
The ability to perceive, express, understand, and regulate emotions
Triarchic Theory of Intelligence
Robert Sternberg’s idea of 3 separate and testable intelligences; analytical, practical, and creative.
Flynn Effect
Steady increase in performance on IQ tests over the last 80 yrs. possibly resulting from better nutrition, educational opportunities, and health care.
