Key+Terms+and+Definitions

(From the Myers textbook)
 * Key Terms and Definitions**


 * intelligence test**: a method for assessing an individual's mental aptitudes and comparing them with those of others, using numerical scores


 * mental age**: the chronological age that most typically corresponds to a given level of performance


 * Stanford-Binet test**: Terman's revised edition of Binet's test in order to make it more compatible with American students


 * IQ (intelligence quotient)**: the ratio of mental age to chronological age, multiplied by 100


 * intelligence**: a mental quality consisting of the abilities to learn from experience, solve problems, and adapt knowledge


 * factor-analysis**: a statistical procedure that identifies clusters of related items (factors) on a test; used to identify different dimensions of performance that underlie one's total score


 * general intelligence (g)**: from Spearman; an ability that underlies specific mental abilities; measured by every task on an intelligence test; the tendency for one to have many abilities


 * savant syndrome**: when a person limited in mental ability has a specific, exceptional skill


 * emotional intelligence**: the ability to perceive, express, understand, and regulate emotions


 * creativity**: the ability to produce novel, valuable ideas


 * aptitude test**: a test designed to predict a person's ability to learn


 * achievement test**: a test designed to assess what a person has learned


 * Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale**: the most widely-used intelligence test; has verbal and performance subtests


 * standardization**: a process of defining meaningful scores by comparing them with the performance of a pretested "standardization" group


 * normal curve**: a symmetrical, bell-shaped curve; describes the distribution of many physical and psychological attributes


 * reliability**: the extent to which a test yields consistent results; assessed by the consistency of scores on two halves of the test, on alternate forms, or by retesting


 * validity**: the extent to which a test measures or predicts what it is supposed to


 * content validity**: the extent to which a test samples the behavior that is of interest


 * criterion**: the behavior that a test is designed to predict; a measure used to define whether a test has validity


 * predictive validity**: success with which a test predicts the behavior that it is designed to predict


 * mental retardation**: a condition of limited mental ability; varies from mild to profound


 * down syndrome**: a condition caused by an extra chromosome in one's genetic makeup


 * tracking**: giving "gifted" kids more academic enrichment opportunities


 * stereotype threat**: a self-containing concern that one will be evaluated based on a negative stereotype

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