#AP Psychology: Intelligence - The Ultimate Study Guide

Hey there, future AP Psych master! Let's break down intelligence testing. This guide is designed to make sure you're not just memorizing, but understanding the concepts. Let's get started!

#What is Intelligence and How Do We Measure It?

First things first, intelligence is tricky to define, right? That's where psychometricians come in—they try to measure it with tests. But a good test needs to be more than just a bunch of questions. Here's what makes a test legit:

• 🔔 Standardization:

  • Uniform testing procedures and grading for everyone. Think of it like AP exams—same rules for all.
  • Scores usually follow a normal curve (more on that later).
  • Example: SAT, ACT, AP exams

• 🔄 Reliability:

  • The test gives consistent results over multiple attempts. If you take it again, your score should be similar.
  • Think of it as a reliable scale that always gives you the same weight.

• 🔄 Validity:

  • The test measures what it's supposed to measure. A math test shouldn't test your history knowledge, right?

  • It's about accuracy, not just consistency.

#Target Analogy

Think of it like darts:

• Reliable, but not valid: All darts hit the same spot (consistent), but not the bullseye (not accurate).
• Valid, but not reliable: Darts are scattered around the bullseye (accurate on average), but not consistent.

#Types of Tests

There are two main types of tests:

• 🧠 Achievement Tests:

  • Measure what you've already learned. Like your unit tests or the big AP exam!

• 🤔 Aptitude Tests:

  • Predict your future success. Think SAT or ACT—they try to gauge how well you'll do in college.

#Development of Intelligence Tests

Let's meet some key players in the history of intelligence testing:

#Alfred Binet

• Binet was a pioneer who developed the concept of mental age.
• Mental Age: The age at which a person functions intellectually. A 9-year-old with the knowledge of a 14-year-old has a mental age of 14. - He developed the ...