Tests of Intelligence

Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale

This intelligence test is a standard tool of many school psychologists. This test has been fairly recently revised and now provides multiple I.Q. scores (called S.A.S.'s) instead of a single I.Q. score, as before. In addition to being able to measure the verbal and nonverbal areas of a child's development, the Binet also provides a quantitative score, measuring the child's mathematical reasoning, and a memory score, measuring the child's short term memory. While the Wechsler scales also have subtests which measure these areas, they do not provide I.Q. scores isolating these abilities.

The materials in this test are very appealing to children. The child has little chance to become bored with this test since the activities are changed frequently. The test is somewhat cumbersome for the psychologist to administer. For that reason, many psychologists prefer the Wechsler scales. However, there are instances where it is very helpful to have another highly standardized and reliable tool to measure a child's intelligence. The Binet fills this need very well.

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – III  

This intelligence test is the universal standard most often used by School Psychologists. This version of the Wechsler is standardized for children from age 6 to 16.

The test is divided into two main sections. The Verbal Scale measures how well children are able to express themselves verbally and how well they are able to understand what is being said to them. The Performance Scale measures the nonverbal areas of being able to perceive spatial relationships, such as putting puzzles together and being able to transfer visual information rapidly.

Using test interpretation, the three I.Q. scores and the specific pattern of strengths and weaknesses indicate how well the child is able to learn and whether there are any specific learning disabilities. This information is then used to predict at what academic level the child should be functioning. In this way, diagnoses of learning impairments are possible. 

This intelligence test is the universal standard that School Psychologists use most often. This version of the Wechsler is standardized for children ages 6 to 16.

The test is divided into two main sections: verbal and performance scales. The Verbal Scale measures how well children are able to express themselves verbally and how well they are able to understand what is being said to them. The Performance Scale measures the nonverbal areas of being able to perceive spatial relationships, such as in putting puzzles together and being able to transfer visual information rapidly.

Using test interpretation, the three I.Q. scores and the specific pattern of strengths and weaknesses indicate how well the child is able to learn and whether there are any specific learning disabilities. This information is then used to predict at what academic level the child should be functioning. In this way, diagnoses of learning impairments are possible.

Verbal subtests are those with semantic items and performance subtests are those with pictorial items. All verbal subtests require that the child interpret meaning from the English language in some way. Performance subtests could be given and responded to without using language at all, merely by pointing at examples and available materials, for example.

Source: Text taken largely from Hoagie's Gifted Education Page. Other appropriate credits to be provided.

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