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Intelligence and Assessment for Education
In this module, we will focus on the topic of intelligence, examining its usefulness in understanding an individual and its application to the academic setting. In your own life, it is probable that you have come across intelligence testing in one facet or another. Often people associate intelligence with an intelligence quotient (IQ). While an IQ does provide us some information, it is only a piece of the very complex construct of intelligence. When we think of intelligence, we must consider areas like verbal comprehension, logic, processing speed, working memory, visual abilities, verbal skills, and intuition. Not all professionals agree upon everything within the topic of intelligence, and it is measured from a variety of perspectives, given its complex nature. This week, you will learn about many of the ways intelligence is measured.
The biggest areas of controversy surrounding intelligence testing have to do with the cultural considerations of the test. Think back to earlier modules, when we learned about test development. As you may remember, tests are normed on a specific group of individuals. Therefore, someone taking an intelligence test may be outside of the normed group. The controversy comes into play when intelligence tests are utilized in the academic setting for placement purposes or admission to certain schools. As you complete the assignments in this module, keep in mind the cultural and ethical considerations you would want to consider when reading the results of an intelligence test.
Despite the controversy, intelligence testing can provide valuable information to psychologists and educators that can prove vital to understanding an individual. This week, you will examine a mock assessment and use the information to draw conclusions based on the data provided. Throughout your readings, you will consider and discuss the usefulness, ethical and cultural considerations, and applications of intelligence testing.
