Intelligence Testing

Intelligence testing in the field of psychology is utilized to measure and assess a client’s level of intelligence and their ability to perform certain functions. The ability to successfully gauge this information by a psychologist and/or researcher provides a valuable method analysis to best serve their clientele. Intelligence testing is generally administered individually, administrators of testing must have significant advanced training and this type of testing allows for immediate observation and assessment of the examinee. Intelligence tests have continued to be a lightening rod of controversy in regards to the fairness of its administration, which mainly focuses on validity of testing as well as any biases that may be presented against particular ethnic groups (Hogan, 2007). On the other side of the coin, intelligence testing serves as a reliable method that allows the administrator to address the needs of the client and once identified, design a course of action to better serve them.

Achieve tests cover an expansive range of classifications; they are used more prominently in education than psychology, although psychologists may play a significant role in the actual construction of the tests. Types of achievement test range from achievement test batteries to teacher-made tests. Testing validity comes into question in some arguments against the administration of achievement tests as it relates to an accurate measurement of a student’s actual ability (Hogan,2007). Achievement tests can be beneficial to gauge the degree of expertise or knowledge the examinee has acquired within their designated course of study.

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