Defining Intelligence

1. Recall Chapter 2 and some of the problems or distractions (e.g., test error, test
administrator error, test-taker error or distraction) that may occur during a test. Then, list five
problems or distractions that you can imagine negatively affecting a student while taking an
intelligence or ability test.

Some distractions or problems that could negatively affect a student during an intelligence or
ability test could be the environment of the test, if the testing room is too warm or too cold;
other students could cause distractions such as sneezing, tapping pencils, flipping papers
loudly; low blood sugar caused by the longevity of the test and no access to snacks; limited
access and permission to use the restroom during testing when anxiety could cause bladder
issues; lack of energy and attentiveness could also be an issue if the test is long and the child
is tired or bored. Intelligence and ability tests are notoriously long and it’s a lot to ask of a
child to stay focused, not get hungry, and not have bathroom breaks for the time period these
tests require.

2. How might intelligence testing positively impact a child?

A child may experience increased self-esteem when they receive higher intelligence test
results. They may also be placed into a classroom that is more challenging and meets their
academic needs if they test out of their normal grade level. This finding could provide them
with more opportunity and allow them to try for things they wouldn’t have originally thought
of. Even receiving low scores could positively impact a child; they could be provided with a
learning level more appropriate for their needs, get appropriate help, if necessary, and their
needs could be exposed through intelligence testing such as tutoring or help with test anxiety.

3. How might intelligence testing negatively impact a child?

Intelligence testing may negatively impact a child if they get low scores back; this could
result in low self-esteem, issues with peers, and decreased academic effort due to apathy.
Also, if a child scores high on their intelligence test there could be negative impacts such as
isolation from peers for being “different”; changes to their schooling could be made to
accommodate for higher scores and separate them from their established support group.

4. How might ability testing positively impact a high school student hoping to attend
college?

Ability testing may positively impact a high school student that’s hoping to attend college by
giving them a test result that gets them into their dream school. If a student doesn’t have a
GPA that is required to get into a specific school, they may increase their chances with
ability testing such as getting a high score on the SAT. In this example, ability testing would
give the student increased self-esteem and hope that they can get into college.

5. How might ability testing negatively impact a high school student hoping to attend
college?
For a high school student hoping to attend college ability testing could negatively impact
their self-esteem. If a student experiences test anxiety or any other issues that may happen
during testing, they may score lower on ability testing. With this, they could lower their
chances of acceptance into college even if they have excelled in other areas and as a result
become apathetic towards academia.