Discusses an alternative approach to intelligence tests as a measure of intelligence. The approach is based on three classes of performance dealing with a person's choice of an internal representation for a problem, strategies for manipulating the representation, and abilities to execute elementary information processing steps required by the…

Provides tables of critical values for determining statistically significant discrepancies between Wechsler Verbal/Performance IQ and Wechsler Individual Achievement Test subtests and composite scores based on predicted-achievement method. Recommends that tables be used when statistically significant and diagnostically meaningful Verbal…

Examines the consequences of regarding Deviation Quotients (DQs) as estimates of Full Scale IQs. Offers a new formula and shows the increase in error to be negligible for short forms with typical validities, which supports linear scaling as an acceptable alternative to linear regression. (LLL)

Because many people still believe that specific, identifiable genes dictate the level of human intelligence and that the number/quality of these genes can be evaluated, presents evidence from human genetics (related to nervous system development) to counter this view. Also disputes erroneous assumptions made in "heritability studies" of human…

Provides new confidence intervals for Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) to improve accuracy over existing tables. Includes alternative confidence interval tables for WISC-R quotients at extreme levels where current tables are least accurate. New tables center confidence intervals on estimated true intelligence quotient and…

New research shows that Japanese achieved significantly higher average IQ scores than did their American counterparts. These results provide the focus of a discussion on the nature/nurture controversey, validity of using IQ scores in comparing mental capacity of races and nationality groups, and other factors related to intelligence testing. (JN)

Discusses distinction between statistically significant Verbal-Performance IQ discrepancies and frequencies with which such differences occur in Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) standardization sample, and compares statistically derived and empirically observed WAIS-R Verbal-Performance IQ frequencies. Delineates implications for…

During the last hundred years, the debate over the meaning of race has retained a highly consistent core, despite evolution of the technical details. Non-Europeans, and in particular, Africans, are assigned the role of deviants and outcasts, whose claim on our common humanity remains in doubt. Each time the technical facade of these racialist…

Argues that the typical psychometric model of human intelligence is limited because the database fails to take account of the many manifestations of intelligent behavior that are displayed in the world outside the testing room. Suggests that cognitive processes are influenced by test situation or setting and examiner's level of expertise. (PS)

Educators, as applied scientists, must work in partnership with investigative scientists who are researching brain functions in order to reach a better understanding of gifted students and students who are intelligent but do not learn. Improper understanding of brain functions can cause gross errors in educational placement. Until recently, the…

Compares two types of multiple criteria models used to select children for gifted classes. Breadth models, depth models, and a more traditional Intelligence Test Model were applied to fourth graders (N=159). Results indicated depth models included more students with unusually high IQ scores and more promising underachievers. (Author)

Illustrates a method for generating continuously adjusted age norms using the normative data for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R). Specific procedures for calculating age-adjusted Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQ scores also are demonstrated, with a worked example. Comparisons show continuous norming scores are more…

The choice between genetic and environmental explanations is most properly based on "jointly genetic/environmental designs," which control for both genetic and environmental differences in a behavior genetic framework. (Author/GC)

The belief that large segments of the population cannot learn what others learn, or do so much less rapidly, is predominant in our educational system. For schools to educate all children effectively, changes must occur in school ideology, structure, and instructional practices. (GC)

Considers approaches to assessing writing disabilities that use theory-based process measures to explain discrepancies between intelligence quotient (IQ) and achievement; may define learning disabilities independent of IQ; and employ branching diagnosis based on selected tests rather than all tests in standard battery. Outlines model for using…