1. Intelligence
Andrea Mejia
Spring 2017

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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