IQ tests

                I was so happy when reading this article that while due credit was given to the Weschler for previously being the foremost used intelligence test- it is recognized that it is not the most suitable tool for assessing intelligence now. It boggles me a little that this test was used for so long, with so much invested in this test and its predictive results when the test itself was not developed with a clear understanding of what intelligence is. The validity issues that accompany that statement itself confirm my frustration with the “intelligence results” of the Weschler. It is a complete construct validity fail.  I personally have not had success with the Weschler as testing issues are not an uncommon thing for me. The Weschler is not able to adequately assess my intelligence and I have met the results with frustration for years. I have always known I am smarter than that test gave me credit for so finally- seeing research that supports my frustrations is a very rewarding thing. 

                I very much liked and supported the part of the article that said theory should drive test development but I’m a little confused. This article is under 20 years old but this is being presented as though it is a novel idea. Should we really be expecting to potentially walk into work positions where support team members/administrators believe something besides theory drives test development? The thought of this worries me immensely. I feel that I will be unprepared and unable to defend my stance enough to change years’ worth of mind sets that other things are suitable measures by which to develop tests for individuals. 

                As an individual with a verbal processing disorder- I am intensely interested in looking further into the Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test. I am very interested to see what types of intelligence results it would yield for me. It doesn’t sound like this test is very widely used in schools but I question why? If we know that the Weschler only have a predictive validity of X, or that there are serious issues with it not being designed with a clear understanding of what intelligence is…why are other measures not more widely used….I really wish the article would have gone deeper into explaining the reliability and validity issues with the UNVI.

Esters, I., & Ittenbach, R. (1999, June). Contemporary theories and assessments of intelligence: A primer.            Professional School Counseling, 2(5), 373. Retrieved April 3, 2009, from Academic Search        Complete database