Unit 11 - Testing and Individual Differences

Unit 11 - Testing and Individual Differences

Powerpoint and Lecture Notes

Biblical Perspective on Intelligence and Wisdom

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."

- James 3:13-18 (New International Version, NIV)

Essential Questions:

• How do psychologists define and study intelligence?
• How do psychologists know whether a test is reliable and/or valid? Why are these qualities of tests important?
• How do testing scores differ between group and individual administrations of intelligence tests?Between genders? Races? Socioeconomic groups?

After concluding this unit, students understand:

1. Perspectives on intelligence

2. Assessment of intelligence

3. Issues in intelligence

Content Standard 1: Perspectives on intelligence 

1.1 Discuss intelligence as a general factor.

1.2 Discuss alternative conceptualizations of intelligence.

1.3 Describe the extremes of intelligence.

Content Standard 2: Assessment of intelligence

2.1 Discuss the history of intelligence testing, including historical use and misuse in the context of fairness.

2.2 Identify current methods of assessing human abilities.

2.3 Identify measures of and data on reliability and validity for intelligence test scores.

Content Standard 3: Issues in intelligence

3.1 Discuss issues related to the consequences of intelligence testing.

3.2 Discuss the influences of biological, cultural, and environmental factors on intelligence