Two Measures Of A Psychological Construct Against Key Indicators - Coursework Example

An Evaluative Report Comparing & Contrasting Kaufman & Wechsler Intelligence Tests against Key Indicators Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation An Evaluative Report Comparing & Contrasting Kaufman & Wechsler Intelligence Tests against Key Indicators Brief Introduction to Intelligence Construct Intelligence can be defined as simply the ability to understand information and the ability to retain the perceived information in order to apply it with the changing behaviors within a context or an environment. Therefore, from the above definition, intelligence can be defined as the ability to grasp information and retain it so that it can be applied in a certain context. Intelligence has been broadly studied in though it has also been observed to be perceived by non-human creatures. Coon & Mitterer (2010) has defined intelligence as the ability to act in the most purposeful way that might be recommended, thinking in a rational way and the ability to develop tactics to deal with the environment. Those who have the best capabilities to think in a rational manner are considered to be the most intelligent. The definition of intelligence has also allowed the skills such as the street-wisdom which is valued by the culture of the community which the person belongs to. However, culture brings some contrasting definitions of intelligence for what is one culture defines to be intelligent, the other culture might not regard it as being intelligent. As a result, a clear definition of intelligence might not be given if it is defined by the cultural ways which might contrast. Therefore, intelligence should not be defined based on the cultural as this won’t give the reality of what is intelligence. Description of the Measures There has been numerous ways of testing intelligence where numerous tests have been done in order to measure it. Some of the tests that have been made include the Stanford-Binet test, Wechsler Abbreviated Intelligence Scale (WASI) for children and the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT). All the intelligence tests that are considered to be major share the key similarities. However, they also differ in others. In brief, the ability to think in the most rational manner by human beings can be tested using both WASI and KBIT. Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test The KBIT is a test that measures the fluid intelligence and the crystallized intelligence of a person. The fluid intelligence test of a person is characterized by the ability of an individual to solve problems. In addition to this, the fluid intelligence test is natural and rarely does it get affected by the education or the artistic experience. Crystallized intelligence on the other hand is the intelligence that defines the level of information or knowledge that a person has. However, unlike the fluid knowledge, crystallized intelligence is believed to be affected by the experience, culture and the education status of an individual. Therefore, the difference between fluid and crystallized intelligence is that the former can be said to be natural while the other can be viewed as to be artificial (Kaufman and Kaufman, 1990). KBIT is developed with an understanding that intelligence is not constant and therefore it is regarded as a changing phenomenon. As a result, the test measures the intelligence that has developed by the time measured is being done. In addition to the KBIT measure the neuro-psychological and developmental changes specifically for adults and need a different approach (Kaufman and Kaufman, 1990). Luria’s theory of planning ability influences the Kaufman intelligence test. The theory goes on to give an explanation of the changes that take place during the developmental stages of the adolescent. In addition to this, the theory explains how these changes during the adolescent influences the decision making of the individual components of the KBIT (Kaufman and Kaufman, 1990). The Strength of Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test The Kaufman intelligence test is essential as it can be used in testing in the vast variety of age. In addition to this, the intelligence test is highly reliable, as a result of its high validity. Also, the test is of great importance as its fluid, the crystallization and the IQ score are correctly and consistently measured through these tests (Kaufman and Kaufman, 1990). The Kaufman Brief Intelligence Process Raw scores, scaled scores and the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) are given by KBIT process. In order to ensure that the comparison between examinees and between the sub-tests is easy, raw scores are transformed into scaled scores. The standardized mean for scaled scores is made to be 10 while the standard deviation is set to be 3. The three intelligence quotients, which include the crystallized, fluid and composite intelligence, are calculated. In this test, a mean of 100 is set and a standard deviation is also set. In relation to this test, the summation of the three fluid intelligence sub-tests, forms the basis of the fluid intelligence IQ scores. Additionally, the summation of the three sub-tests of the crystallized intelligence which include the listening comprehension, the double meaning and the definitions determine IQ of the score of the crystallized intelligence (Kaufman and Kaufman, 1990). Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of intelligence This is an intelligence test that is administered to examine the intelligence of the examinees aged between 6 and 90 years. The test provides scores that estimate the perpetual listening abilities and the verbal comprehension. In the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of intelligence, there are four subtests that are done to provide the estimate of the IQ score. In relation to this, the four sub-tests in this subtest include the vocabulary, the matrix, similarities, block design and reasoning (Wechsler, 1999). Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence is used when obtaining scores for rehabilitation and vocational purposes. In addition to this, the cognitive functioning of individuals obtained is used for psycho-education evaluations, psychiatric and also psychological evaluations. There are a number of items that are available for measure in this test which include; the full scale IQ, vocabulary T-score combining the matrix reasoning scores, the matrix reasoning T-score, WASI rank in percentage and the summation of vocabulary and reasoning T-scores (Wechsler, 1999) . The Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of intelligence is also designed in a way that it gives the performance and verbal intelligence which are inconsistent with the other Wechsler tests. The four sub-tests of the Wechsler are the ones that comprise the full scale which in turn lead to the yielding of the Full Scale IQ which is abbreviated as FSIQ-4. Also, the verbal scale is formed after the combination of the similarities and the vocabulary sub-tests yielding a Verbal IQ abbreviated as (VIQ). In addition to this, after the matrix reasoning and the block design tests are combined, the results leads to the yield of the Performance IQ (PIQ) (Wechsler, 1999). Review and Critic of the Psychometric Properties in the Articles Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT) 2, 120 people appeared as a suitable sample stratified on factors that include educational level, race, ethnicity, and the geographical location. The data used from population surveys was deemed a close match with two sets of identified groups, the North and the South. Gender representation was put into consideration, though there was a seclusion of individuals with psychological, physical, and perceptual impairments. Also, institutionalized and non-native English speakers were secluded from this test. However, gifted-talented and special education students were also considered in the group of school age participants. With regard to norm tables, the test scored deviations of not less than 3.20 for the floors, and not less than 3.33 for the ceilings (Bracken and Walker, 1997). The IQ composite consistency depicted by the KBIT indicated a good coefficient of about 0.93 for all participants in ages marked between 0.89 and 0.96. In the former, reliabilities seemed to be positively correlated with increase in age. The test-retest reliability was stable at 0.90 points at mean intervals of between 22.5 and 30.8 days. Verbal scales (r=0.93 and r=o.83) also had a positive correlation with an increase on retest (Bracken and Walker, 1997). Also, different ages posted positive coefficients. There are various types of construct validity manifested in the KBIT test. First, there are no significant variations along gender lines as there are positive increases of raw scores within the age structures. It was examined that older participants showed decreased performance during the lifespan. Fluid ability measure depicted by matrices remained stable with old age and peaked at early ages. Groups that post above and below average IQ scores depicted the same with the KBIT test. Also, other tests such as impairments of language and speech ability and the ADHD condition posted positive results on the KBIT. The comparisons of this test with WASI posted very strong correlations (Bracken and Walker, 1997). Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of intelligence The WASI psychometric properties were tested with a sample that comprised of school going participants in the United Arabs Emirates. The success of the WASI test involved the possibility of making adaptations to particular items in the verbal category to be in tandem with the UAE societal context (Abu-Hilal, Al-Baili, Sartawi, Abdel-Fattah, & Al-Qaryouti, 2011). Thus, for the test to work the items in the WASI scale were transformed to Arabic and also some were newly developed to fit into this particular context.1721 participants from various geographic locations in the country were considered during this test with an age range of between 6 to 28 years. Also, gender equality was taken into consideration (Abu-Hilal et al., 2011). Reliability and stability estimates were conducted using various measures that included doing subtests on four main scales of the test that include block design, vocabulary, matrix reasoning, and similarities. The reliability estimates reported by the WASI test showed differences with the ones in the WASI manual. The latter is especially manifested in the block design subset. However, positive correlations between the test and the manual were recorded in IQ scores subsets (Abu-Hilal et al., 2011). A Critique of Any Psychometrics Not Reported or Any Weaknesses in What Was Reported Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT) KBIT is an IQ screening test that is well designed and based on solid practical and theoretical foundations and is applicable in a wide range of ages. Its main criticism is its applicability to participants with different reading ability. On a positive note, the KBIT posts very precise item gradients, floors and ceilings. It psychometric characteristics are strong, however, with the seclusion of the nonverbal scale for the primary and preschool children. Although the KBIT indicated positive correlation with WASI, the present data seems to suggest lower IQs for the KBIT that its comparison for sample means of between 115-120 for the gifted student participants (Bracken and Walker, 1997). The major weakness is the inability to administer KBIT in other languages other than English, as was observed that non- English speakers were secluded from participation. The latter aspect decreases likelihoods of posting artificial low IQs for the participants. Also, the seclusion of non-English subjects renders the scores obtained through KBIT vague to a particular extent. Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of intelligence (WASI) Various weaknesses were posted while conducting WASI test in the UAE. First, there is need for validation of the test results with much more samples that are heterogeneous in composition and structure. Secondly, the test in this scenario did not consider the invariance among the clinical samples, special needs groups, and normal people. Also, the structure of the WASI did not concentrate on the age groups, but rather worked on the sample as a whole. Despite the above constraints WASI is depicted as an efficient IQ assessment in the context under study (Abu-Hilal et al., 2011). Summary and Recommendations In brief, both KBIT and WASI are both assessments designed to measure the intelligence construct of the identified population sample. However, varying conditions, environment, and contexts present different test results that may or may not achieve congruence with the standardized manual in each case. In such a case various recommendations may be of relevance. First, the two IQ tests are primarily designed to be used in Western English speaking countries. Thus, their use seems limited to exclusive English speaking population, which may create relatively high artificial IQ results. To avert this, major redesigning of both WASI and KBIT should be considered to include other languages and include standardized manuals for the same. Otherwise, the tests done on other samples that are not English speakers may not show the correct results due to modifications that need to be made on the original test scale and manual. References Abu-Hilal, M., Al-Baili, M., Sartawi, A., Abdel-Fattah, F., & Al-Qaryouti, I. (2011). Psychometric Properties of the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) with an Arab Sample of School Students. Individual Differences Research, 9(4), 219-230. Bracken, B. A., and Walker, K. C. (1997). The utility of intelligence tests for preschool children. In D. P. Flanagan, J. L. Genshaft, and P. L. Harrison (Eds.), Contemporary intellectual assessment: Theories, tests, and issues (pp. 474-592). New York: Guilford. Coon, D., & Mitterer, J. O. (2011). Psychology: A journey. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning. Kaufman, A. S., and Kaufman, N. L. (1990). Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service. Wechsler, D. (1999). Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. The Psychological Corporation: Harcourt Brace & Company. New York, NY. Read More

The Strength of Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test The Kaufman intelligence test is essential as it can be used in testing in the vast variety of age. In addition to this, the intelligence test is highly reliable, as a result of its high validity. Also, the test is of great importance as its fluid, the crystallization and the IQ score are correctly and consistently measured through these tests (Kaufman and Kaufman, 1990). The Kaufman Brief Intelligence Process Raw scores, scaled scores and the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) are given by KBIT process.

In order to ensure that the comparison between examinees and between the sub-tests is easy, raw scores are transformed into scaled scores. The standardized mean for scaled scores is made to be 10 while the standard deviation is set to be 3. The three intelligence quotients, which include the crystallized, fluid and composite intelligence, are calculated. In this test, a mean of 100 is set and a standard deviation is also set. In relation to this test, the summation of the three fluid intelligence sub-tests, forms the basis of the fluid intelligence IQ scores.

Additionally, the summation of the three sub-tests of the crystallized intelligence which include the listening comprehension, the double meaning and the definitions determine IQ of the score of the crystallized intelligence (Kaufman and Kaufman, 1990). Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of intelligence This is an intelligence test that is administered to examine the intelligence of the examinees aged between 6 and 90 years. The test provides scores that estimate the perpetual listening abilities and the verbal comprehension.

In the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of intelligence, there are four subtests that are done to provide the estimate of the IQ score. In relation to this, the four sub-tests in this subtest include the vocabulary, the matrix, similarities, block design and reasoning (Wechsler, 1999). Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence is used when obtaining scores for rehabilitation and vocational purposes. In addition to this, the cognitive functioning of individuals obtained is used for psycho-education evaluations, psychiatric and also psychological evaluations.

There are a number of items that are available for measure in this test which include; the full scale IQ, vocabulary T-score combining the matrix reasoning scores, the matrix reasoning T-score, WASI rank in percentage and the summation of vocabulary and reasoning T-scores (Wechsler, 1999) . The Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of intelligence is also designed in a way that it gives the performance and verbal intelligence which are inconsistent with the other Wechsler tests. The four sub-tests of the Wechsler are the ones that comprise the full scale which in turn lead to the yielding of the Full Scale IQ which is abbreviated as FSIQ-4.

Also, the verbal scale is formed after the combination of the similarities and the vocabulary sub-tests yielding a Verbal IQ abbreviated as (VIQ). In addition to this, after the matrix reasoning and the block design tests are combined, the results leads to the yield of the Performance IQ (PIQ) (Wechsler, 1999). Review and Critic of the Psychometric Properties in the Articles Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT) 2, 120 people appeared as a suitable sample stratified on factors that include educational level, race, ethnicity, and the geographical location.

The data used from population surveys was deemed a close match with two sets of identified groups, the North and the South. Gender representation was put into consideration, though there was a seclusion of individuals with psychological, physical, and perceptual impairments. Also, institutionalized and non-native English speakers were secluded from this test. However, gifted-talented and special education students were also considered in the group of school age participants. With regard to norm tables, the test scored deviations of not less than 3.

20 for the floors, and not less than 3.33 for the ceilings (Bracken and Walker, 1997).

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