Up Your Score: The Underground Guide to the SAT 2009-2010 Edition [Paperback]








Monday, March 19, 2012

How Accurate Are IQ Tests Standard?

How Accurate Are IQ Tests Standard?


It is very common for people to take IQ tests nowadays as a way to assess their intelligence. However, some people may be doubtful whether IQ tests give an accurate representation of a person's level of intelligence. In order for us to determine whether standard IQ tests are accurate, we can start by learning about the background of IQ tests.

How Accurate Are IQ Tests Standard?

How Accurate Are IQ Tests Standard?

How Accurate Are IQ Tests Standard?


How Accurate Are IQ Tests Standard?



How Accurate Are IQ Tests Standard?

Background of IQ Tests

Sir Frances Galton was one of the first scientists to introduce the Intelligence Quotient Test. This British scientist conducted research and made comparisons of different people according to their abilities to accomplish certain tasks. His study assured him that there must be a way to measure human intelligence. After Galton, a different kind of IQ test was developed by Alfred Binet, a French psychologist.Along with Theodore Simon, Binet developed tests for memory, vocabulary, practical knowledge, reasoning, and problem solving skills. In comparison to Galton's test, the Binet-Simon IQ test was more accurate in predicting academic success, and it is still the standard formula from which many of today's intelligence tests were derived. Alfred Binet's test was brought to the United States by Henry H. Goddard. There, the formula was revised by Lewis Terman, and a new scoring system was developed. With this scoring system, a person's IQ test score will be judged against the performance of people of the same age.

Accuracy of standard IQ Tests

Standard IQ tests Are really accurate? People often wonder why some people who are bright in class don't do so well in IQtests. On the other hand, those who don't do well in class may excel in IQ tests. This doesn't mean that IQ tests aren't accurate. It only means that some people are smarter when it comes to logic and reasoning, while others have better memory skills. Because school examinations cover such a wide array of topics, it is difficult to judge the overall intelligence of a person. Students may do well for one or two subjects that they are exceptionally good at scoring , while lower marks for subjects that they are not so interested in. There are people with low IQ test scores that do very well for their exams and the reason behind this may be just that they have studied harder than others. This has nothing to do with logic and reasoning skills; it is just a matter ofdetermination and hard work. Therefore, the definition of intelligence is a continuous debate.

IQ Tests for single and multiple abilities

People also wonder whether intelligence is just a measure for a single ability or several different abilities. Are you considered generally intelligent if you're only good at Mathematics? Or are you considered intelligent in Mathematics and just average in overall intelligence? It all depends on how you see it. Today's IQ tests are accurate as long as you take into consideration the aspects of intelligence they measure. Intelligence is still something that cannot be defined by a universal value. A genius may show exceptional intelligence in a certain field of study, but he can be quite slow-witted in other subjects. Is such a personconsidered intelligent?

Multiple IQ tests are generally more accurate, because they assess a person's intelligence in different fields of Mental abilities as well as give a more accurate account of a person's overall intelligence. Multiple IQ tests, In a person's scores from various standard IQ tests will be added up and then divided to produce an average. One good thing about taking multiple IQ tests is that you reduce the effects of certain variations in environMental factors, such as stress and mood.

How environMental factors can affect the accuracy of IQ tests?

How Accurate Are IQ Tests Standard?

Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Rise of High School Drug Testing

The Rise of High School Drug Testing


School districts, much like employers, have begun to impleMent drug-testing policies. Many school officials cite statistics relating to school performance and safety among drug users. Whether the test drug acts as a method of screening for students or as a method of deterrence from drug use, the popularity of this practice has increased significantly in many school systems.

The Rise of High School Drug Testing

The Rise of High School Drug Testing

The Rise of High School Drug Testing


The Rise of High School Drug Testing



The Rise of High School Drug Testing

Supporters of high school drug testing often cite governMental statistics. These numbers show a steadily growing number of teenage drug users each year. Those in favor of mandatory drug testing suggest that such measures may be effective in keeping teenagers from using drugs. Fear of facing expulsion from school or punishMent from their parents may be a good deterrent for high schoolstudents.

Although some officials would like to see a policy of mandatory testing of every student, most drug screenings require parental consent. Most schools require that there be probable cause or reasonable suspicion before requesting a drug test. If a teacher notices a student who appears aloof or has red and glassy eyes, he or she may request a drug test.

The Rise of High School Drug Testing