Developing an Operational Definition or Understanding of Intelligence (Whole Group)

In order for you to understand the different concepts of intelligence, it is easier if you understand what your own definitions and conceptual ideas are about intelligence. This is a multi-part question that will take some thinking and pondering.

Directions:

1. Be sure that you have completed the assigned readings.
    
2. By Saturday, post your response to the exercise below in the whole group discussion forum titled, Week 7: Developing an Operational Definition or Understanding of Intelligence.
   
   Step 1: Write down five word or phrases (in a list) that are characteristics of adult intelligence for you.
   
   Step 2: Then, in the next list, write five words or phrases that are characteristics of adult unintelligence for you.
   
   Step 3: Now write (on the basis of the characteristics listed above) a paragraph or two setting forth what you conceive intelligence in adults to be.
   
   Step 4: Now that you have a basic definition of what you perceive intelligence to be, compare and contrast it with “intelligence” as it has been conceived of and defined by each of the following, and write a short response for each theorist listed below.
   
   Francis Galton
   Alfred Binet
   David Wechsler
    
3. Revisit the discussion forum multiple times throughout the week and contribute at least two additional substantive postings to two different students by Monday. Be sure that you are substantially discussing the information with your classmates, and not just agreeing or disagreeing with them. Short comments or acknowledgements will not earn the points desired for a passing grade.

Assessing Intellectual Ability using the WISC IV (Team)

Introduction:

Even though there are many, many intelligence tests on the market, Weschler’s scales are the most acceptable and widely reviewed intelligence tests available and used today.

Since their inception in 1939, they have undergone multiple revisions - even after the author’s death, and they are available for multiple age groups. Each of the tests yields a Full-Scale IQ and subtest scaled scores. Interpreting the scores on the Wechsler scales is very complicated and requires considerable education and training that goes beyond the scope of this course. It is necessary, however, for students to be able to understand a few of the basic interpretive steps. This material is covered in detail in your textbook, so be sure to read the chapter well before attempting to post your responses to the questions below. Be sure to understand the acronyms being uses – they are commonly referred to and you will need to know them.

Directions:

1. Be sure that you have completed the assigned readings.
    
2. The first person to visit your team forum on the Discussion tab should start a new thread called, Week 7: Assessing Intellectual Ability - Jackie.
    
3. By Saturday, each team member should read through the scenario below and post a response in your team discussion forum by responding to the prompt below. Please keep responses short and concise.  Use the WISC IV Activity Sheet.
    
4. Revisit the discussion forum multiple times throughout the week. Contribute at least two additional substantive postings by Monday.

SCENARIO

Jackie is a 10-year-old Caucasian female who was referred for an evaluation because of academic problems. She is currently in the fifth grade. According to her mother, Jackie has attended the same school since initial enrollment in school, including pre-kindergarten. She has an excellent attendance record, is extremely well-behaved in school, and has an exemplary conduct record in the past. Regarding her academic performance, Jackie is currently experiencing many academic difficulties and has had many academic difficulties in the past. Most recent standardized achievement test results show that she scored below average in Reading, Math, and Language.

Jackie arrived on time for the assessment and was accompanied by her mother. Jackie appeared alert and highly motivated, and appeared to put her best effort into the testing process.

1. Identify the descriptive classifications of the FSIQ, Index scores, and subtest scaled scores.
2. Interpret Jackie’s Index composite scores and describe what each Index measures. Use the following interpretation of the FSIQ as the format for your answers. It might be easiest to print out this table and write your responses in the gray boxes.
   
   The Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) is an estimate of global intellectual functioning. Jackie’s FSIQ is 97, which is within the average range of intellectual functioning. She scored at the 42nd percentile, which means that her score is equal to or exceeds approximately 42% of the national comparison group.

    

   • Verbal Comprehension Index
   • Perceptual Reasoning Index
   • Working Memory Index
   • Processing Speed Index
      
3. For your post to the class, responds to this question – “Based on her subtest scores, how would you describe any relative subtest strengths and weaknesses Jackie may have?”
   

Assignment: Weekly Quizzes (Individual)

Introduction:

There is a quiz each week that is taken directly from the textbook, and covers items you will need to know to prepare you for the NCE exam. The quiz contains all multiple choice questions, and they come directly from the text. These are open book, open note quizzes, and they must be completed by the end of each week.
 

Each quiz will reset on Sunday, for anyone who needs to retake it. You may retake it for more new questions, or you may retake it to increase your grade. In either case, when there are two grades, the highest grade will be used for your final grade. If there is one grade, that will be used. Taking it twice cannot harm your grade. Correct answers are posted after the quiz is no longer available for a grade; which is two weeks following the week it was made available.
 

Directions:

1. Review the directions and scoring tool for this assignment, located on the Syllabus page.
    
2. Be sure that you have completed the assigned readings and have your book with you when you take the quiz.
    
3. To take this week's quiz, click on Gradebook and then click on "Quiz 8."
    
4. Complete and submit the quiz by the end of this week.
    
5. If you need or wish to retake the quiz, click on "Gradebook" and then click on "Quiz 8 Retake."