Question

Answer of the following question in 150 to 200 words:

Explain the types of intelligence tests with disadvantages.

Answer 1

Today psychologists use a variety of intelligence tests to measure intelligence. All these tests are classified into the following main categories:

1. Individual tests of intelligence: Intelligence tests that can be administered to a single individual at a time are called individual tests of intelligence. Binet’s Scale of Intelligence, Wechsler Scale of Intelligence, Dr. Bhatia’s Performance Test of Intelligence, Arthur Point Scale, Koh’s Block Design, etc. are some of the examples of individual tests of intelligence.
   Disadvantages of individual tests of intelligence:
   1. Individual tests are time-consuming and costly to administer.
   2. Individual tests require a trained and skillful examiner to administer, score and interpret them.
2. Group tests of intelligence: Intelligence tests that can be administered to more than one person at a time are called group tests of intelligence. Group tests of intelligence were devised to recruit a large number of soldiers in the army during the First World War. Group tests are useful mainly for mass testing. Army Alpha Test , Army General Classification Test, Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices, etc. are some of the examples of group tests of intelligence.
   Disadvantages of group tests of intelligence:
   1. The test administrator has much less opportunity to establish rapport, obtain cooperation and maintain the interest of the clients.
   2. Compared to individual tests, group tests are less capable of measuring creative aspects of intelligence.
3. Verbal tests of intelligence: Intelligence tests that use language (words or numbers) for measuring intelligence are called verbal tests of intelligence. In these tests, subjects are required to respond verbally to test items. Army Alpha Test, Wechsler’s Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), etc. are some of the examples of verbal tests of intelligence.
   Disadvantages of verbal tests of intelligence:
   1. These tests cannot be given to people with different linguistic backgrounds, illiterate people or small children.
   2. These tests are culture-bound and therefore cannot be used in other cultures.
4. Non-verbal test of intelligence: Intelligence tests that use pictures, designs, material objects, etc. to measure intelligence are called non-verbal tests of intelligence. In these tests, language is not used to measure intelligence. In these tests, subjects are not required to respond verbally to test items. Non-verbal tests are of two types, viz., (1) Performance tests and (2) Paper-pencil tests.
   Disadvantages of non-verbal tests of intelligence:
   1. Non-verbal tests of intelligence are less suitable to measure higher and more subtle mental abilities.
   2. Non-verbal tests of intelligence are less suitable to differentiate between people having average intelligence and people having above average intelligence.