Testing intelligence measures one’s capacity to learn (inborn), whereas testing for knowledge measures the facts or learning that one has acquired.

In the course “Testing for Inequalities” lecture, Dr. Bill Cope explains that intelligence tests are still valuable for determining issues with cognitive development or functioning. But it is inappropriate to use intelligence testing to characterize one’s capacity to learn or how “smart” they are, mainly because intelligence tests are rooted in cultural bias. Only those who live in environments that provide the requisite cultural capital to answer in alignment with the test writer’s thinking will exceed the average score. But the learner could perform at a higher level with equal exposure to those norms.

Dr. Cope explained that the Flynn Effect shows that people are getting increasingly smarter over time when comparing the performance of intelligence tests used for the last century. Information is far more accessible than years ago, which could explain this phenomenon. Nevertheless, the social environment in which we exist still manifests significant inequities in resources among communities of marginalized identities. Therefore, we must remain vigilant about how such assessments are used in decision-making to avoid further widening the achievement gap.

The Wechsler Intelligence Scales are a famous example of an intelligence test used to measure children’s cognitive understanding of their world by measuring verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed (O’Connor & Ammen, 2013). This measurement tool is thought to help measure neurological function (cognitive development) related to processing social information and developing social skills. However, the assessment has been called out for being culturally biased and low scores in communities lacking cultural exposure (Bisconer & Suttie, 1998).

References:

O’Connor, K.J. & Ammen, S. (2013). Play therapy treatment planning and interventions: The ecosystemic model and workbook (2nd Ed.). Elsevier Inc.

Bisconer, S.W. & Suttie, J.N. (1998). Applications in diverse populations. In A.S. Bellack & M. Hersen (Eds.) Comprehensive Clinical Psychology. Elsevier Science Ltd.