Assignment Information | Maximum grade: | 40 | Due date: | as per BlackBoard dropbox | Instructions: | Chapter 9: Defining Intelligence

Weiten defines “construct validity” as “the extent to which there is evidence that a test measures a particular hypothetical construct.” This problem is particularly acute when it comes to dealing with intelligence. Before one can develop a test to measure intelligence, one must decide exactly what makes up intelligence. How would you define intelligence? Then, use the “Binet method” to see if your definition can be measured.

Binet Method: A definition of intelligence must show how one can:

(a) demonstrate the capacity to find and maintain a definite direction or purpose

(b) demonstrate the ability to adjust strategy if necessary to achieve that purpose

(c) demonstrate the ability to argue the strategy so that adjustments can be made

Student example:

My definition of intelligence is being able to absorb what your immediate surroundings around you provide. If you surround yourself with study books and guides, learning tools and people that have above average intelligence then chances are you have an upper hand on intelligence. If you are around nothing that stimulates the brain in a positive, intelligent manner than chances are you become just that, an unstimulated, less intelligent person. The old adage of "if you run with dogs, you'll catch fleas" best reminds me of this. If you strive to become more intelligent and surround yourself with knowledge and intelligence than you yourself can adapt to that environment more so than if you sit in a room with the lights out and not attempting to become more knowledgeable and intelligent. You don't have to be a genius to be intelligent but you have to at least make an attempt at it to gain knowledge. |