Tests used to estimate mental abilities (measures of intelligence, perceptual motor ability, and early identification of learning disabilities) are critically examined. (Author)

The authors respond to Brandt's critique (TM 508 782) of their work. They object to the unsupported criticism and indications that they "overgeneralize." They assert that cultural differences need not imply deficit. The needs of American Indian children demand the application of a variety of perspectives and interdisciplinary skills.…

A review of the literature regarding the utility of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) with learning disabled (LD) students was conducted. It is concluded that the WISC-R can be an adjunct to LD diagnosis and one step in educational planning for the LD student. (Author)

Review of the work of Goddard, Terman, and Thorndike and the role of eugenics and the intelligence quotient in testing points out dangers to be avoided in the current testing climate, such as use of the business model, single-number scores, and tracking. (Contains 42 references.) (SK)

The cultural test bias hypothesis represents the contention that all ethnic or racial group differences on mental tests are due to inherent, artifactual biases produced within the tests through flawed psychometric methodology. This address focuses on an empirical evaluation of the cultural test bias hypothesis, especially emphasizing the construct…

The first eight chapters of this book introduce the topic of test bias. The basic issues involved in criticisms of mental tests and arguments about test bias include: (1) variety of tests and test items; (2) scaling of scores and the form of the distribution of abilities in the population; (3) quantification of subpopulation differences; (4)…

Reviews the articles in this issue of "School Psychology Quarterly" and briefly compares their methods for identifying profile patterns. Argues that subtest profile patterns on the existing generation of intelligence tests have modest reliability and weak relationships with achievement and diagnostic categorizations. (Contains 13…

The classification of intelligence has been a prime interest to many for over three-quarters of a century. The Wechsler scales of intelligence and the development of factor analysis have both played major roles in the shaping of psychometric thought. An examination of this joint history by means of a review of the factor analytic studies of the…

Evaluates the utility of the Bannatyne recategorization of WISC-R subtest scores for diagnosing and prescribing instruction for reading/learning disabled children. Concludes that the use of such scores is not warranted. (FL)

Studies examining the performance of American Indian children on the Wechsler instruments are reviewed to provide the basis for an examination of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised research. Factors that potentially influence Indian performance on the Wechsler are presented. Suggestions for interpretation of the Wechsler Intelligence…

The authors believe the McShane and Plas literature review (TM 508 781) did not critically examine the methodological or theoretical problems in the cited studies. This uncritical examination resulted in a profile of Native American performance which did not control for English language fluency or for normal versus handicapped Indian populations.…

Use of the discrepancy approach in defining learning disabilities is challenged, as intelligence tests do not measure potential, are not independent from what is measured by achievement tests, and are not powerful predictors of low reading performance. Use of intelligence tests in analysis, identification, and definition of learning disabilities…

The paper examines the usefulness of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) subtest score pattern for distinguishing between groups of handicapped children, specifically learning disabled and emotionally disturbed students. The author asserts that no single clear cut pattern characteristic of either population is likely to…

This paper is intended to aid interpretation of intelligence tests in light of neurological findings and to suggest future test designs which would reflect cerebral hemisphere specialization. The need is emphasized for improved measures of right brain functioning, especially for Blacks, who exhibit some degree of right hemisphere preference. (SJL)

This response to a paper by Linda Siegel (EC221505) discusses research on the relationship between social skills and Intelligence Quotient or academic performance. The research indicates that it is erroneous to assume that Intelligence Quotient or academic achievement account for the social problems of children with learning disabilities. (JDD)