History of Intelligence Assessments
The first IQ test was developed by Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon in the early 20th century and is referred to as the Binet-Simon Scale. Binet was requested by the French government to find a way to organize students in a way that would identify those who would likely experience difficulty in schools so that children who needed specialized assistance would receive the attention they needed. Binet and Simon focused on questions that were not taught in school, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills which allowed them to observe how some children could answer more advanced questions and others could not. This produced the concept of a mental age, although Binet did emphasize that the test had limitation and intelligence could not be measured by as ingle number.
When this IQ test reached America, psychologist Lewis Terman adapted it to American standards and published it in 1916, calling it the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale. This became the standard intelligence test used in the US. The intelligence quotient, IQ, was used to represent an individual's score on the test. This single number was calculated by dividing the test taker's mental age by their chronological age, then multiplying this number by 100. Again, this is a test that is used in this day and age despite its many revisions over the years.
Common Intelligence Assessments
- Cognitive Assessment System
- Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test (KAIT)
- Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC-II)
- Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT)
- Leiter International Performance Scale (LEITER-R)
- Multidimensional Aptitude Battery (MAB-II)
- Raven Standard Progressive Matrices
- Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scale (RIAS)
- Reynolds Intellectual Screening Test (RIST)
- Slosson Intelligence Test
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale-5th Edition (SB5)
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales for Early Childhood
- Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test (WAIS-III or WAIS-IV)
- Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children (WISC-III or WISC-IV)
- Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-III)
- Wide Range Intelligence Test
- Woodcock Johnson Test of Cognitive Skills
Reliability and Validity Factors
The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale-5th Edition (SB5) is a comprehensive test of intelligence and cognitive abilities that can be applied to people 2 years and above. There are several key features of this 5th edition, including the ability to adjust items to the cognitive level of participants which enhances precision. In addition, five factors apart from overall intelligence, verbal intelligence, and performance intelligence are measured: fluid reasoning, knowledge, quantitative reasoning, visual-spatial processing, and working memory. Alongside this feature, these five factors is available in a nonverbal mode. The overall reliability for all factors exceeds .90 as estimated from the split-half method.
The Reynolds Intellectual Screening Test (RIST) actually has two subtests: verbal and nonverbal. The internal consistency is approximately .95 and the test-retest reliability exceeds .84. This shows that in comparison to the SB5, RIST may not be as reliable. The RIST is consistent, though, as shown above it is about .95.
Where to Obtain and Cost
If I wanted to take the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales for Early Childhood (Early SB5), it is available for purchase at this site: <http://www.proedinc.com/customer/productView.aspx?ID=4606>. The complete test kit costs $405.00, but there are various ordering options: The Record Forms for $74.00; a Canvas Carrying Case for $68.00; the Complete Test Kit and ScoringPro Software COMBO $529.00; the Examiner's Manual for $68.00; the Item Book 1 and 2 for $195.00 each; and the ScoringPro Software for $154.00.
Administration and Interpretation
The Early SB5 is more affordable than the SB5 and includes child-friendly toys, manipulatives, and brightly colored illustrations that help engage younger clients. It also includes a non-verbal (or low-verbal) section so that children who have a limited ability to speak, are deaf or hard of hearing, and/or otherwise have difficulty using language can still use this tool. As a Test Observation Checklist is included, behavior can be documented during testing so that the administrator can organize notes effectively. In addition, there is a Parent Report which helps facilitate communication with the child's parent, guardian, or caregiver. The Item Books are designed as easels which have one side showing the child the illustrations and stimuli and the other side having directions, facing the examiner.
The Early SB5 can be hand-scored or scored using the ScoringPro software. There are various scores available, too, including the 10 subtest scores, broad ability and IQ composite scores, percentile, optional change-sensitive scores, and age-equivalents. The availability of online scoring does make it easier for the administrator, as it can be done quickly and automatically. In addition, the Test Observation Checklist identifies behaviors that can affect the client's performance on the test and his/her adaptation outside the testing situation. These behaviors should be followed up through additional assessment including observation, interview, or contact with the child's parent(s), guardians, or caregivers. This option allows the test to be more personal and accurate, although it may take more time and effort.
Article
Coolican, J., Bryson, S. E., & Zwaigenbaum, L. (2008). Brief report: Data on the stanford-binet intelligence scales (5th ed.) in children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(1), 190-7. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10803-007-03682
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The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales for Early Childhood
References
Cherry, K. History of intelligence testing: The history and development of modern IQ testing. Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologicaltesting/a/int-history.htm
Moss, S. (2008). Common intelligence tests. Retrieved from http://www.psych-it.com.au/Psychlopedia/article.asp?id=226
Pro-Ed, Incorporated. (2012). Intelligence and aptitude. Retrieved from http://www.proedinc.com/customer/productView.aspx?ID=4606
