Intelligence Andrea Mejia Spring 2017

Defining Intelligence Global capacity to think rationally, act purposely and deal effectively with the environment “Intelligence is what my test measures”

Theories of Intelligence Intelligence is a general ability Overall performance on tests of mental ability Single measure of general cognitive ability g factor = general intelligence (IQ) Intelligence is a cluster of abilities Verbal comprehension, numerical ability, reasoning, perceptual speed G factor = average of independent abilities

Theories of Intelligence Intelligence as multiple intelligences Intelligence is defined within the context of a particular culture E.g. linguistic intelligence – adept use of language: writer, public speaker, native storyteller E.g. Musical intelligence – ability to create, synthesize, or perform music: musician, composer, singer

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Developed by David Wechsler Intelligence as a global entity AND specific Most widely used intelligence test High validity and reliability User friendly administration and scoring guidelines Excellent psychometric properties

WAIS IV BREAK DOWN Verbal comprehension Perceptual Reasoning Similarities Vocabulary Information Perceptual Reasoning Block design Matrix reasoning Visual puzzles Working Memory Digit span Arithmetic Processing Speed Symbol search Coding

WAIS-IV: English Version Age range: 16 – 90 Administration Time: 60 – 90 minutes 10/15 Subtests: 5/7 – Verbal 5/8 – Performance 3 IQs (verbal, performance, full scale) Average: 100, Standard deviation: 15 Mainly used for determining intellectual ability/disability

Several Issues Regarding Assessment of Spanish-Speakers No IQ tests developed for the Spanish population by Spanish-speaking psychologists US Hispanic population Translations Spanish-speaking psychologists Available tests in Spanish

Consequences of Issues Regarding Assessment of Spanish-Speakers Current translations of tests must be reviewed Differences between Spanish and English cultures Test Equivalence Reliability Validity Can culture be held constant so the construct in question is accurately measure? Time factor Acculturation Different cognitive styles Bilingualism Level of Education Socioeconomic Status Implications of using Translated Tests

Example: WAIS-III in Capital Cases Atkins v Virginia – execution of the mentally retarded, a violation of the Eighth Amendment  Variable Mexican Norms English Norms Full Scale IQ 79 66 Confidence Intervals 65 – 105 63 – 71 Mentally Retarded NO YES Death Penalty