Using IQ tests in other cultures

• External validity

  The extent to which we can generalise the results of a research study to people, settings, times, measures, and characteristics other than those used in the study
• Face validity


  Whether a test or measure looks as though it measures what it is supposed to.
• Construct validity

  Whether a test or measure is valid by seeing how it matches up with theoretical ideas about what it is supposed to be measuring
• How often are these tests used around the world?

  Saklofske and colleagues (2015): Looked at the top ten tests that were used with children and youth among the 77 reporting countries in 2012

  • #1 Wechsler intelligence scales (children)
  • #2 Raven’s Progressive Matrices
• Should they be? Thinking about what we know already…

  Stanford-Binet Scale:

  • Adapted from French test and validated in American sample
  • Not enough

  Wechsler tests of intelligence

  • The Wechsler scales have been translated and renormed in ‘several’ countries
  • But still based on western conceptions of intelligence.

  Raven’s Progressive Matrices:

  • Argued to be ‘free from cultural influence’
  • But still based on western conceptions of intelligence.
• Review of the use of the Wechsler IQ tests in other countries/cultures.

  • Factor structure is similar across cultures (i.e., test itself can be used across cultures).
  • Norms are not similar (i.e., standardised scores must be made against culturally relevant norms)
  • BUT → How best to create these norms?
  • Focusing on South Africa → Population based norms are not meaningful for subgroups in a population
• Looked at 206 children (aged 6-14) from Mali attending French language private schools.

  • Assessed intelligence using Raven’s Progressive Matrices
  • Children had lower standardised scores on the Raven’s Progressive Matrices BUT this was not associated with lower academic performance or adaptive living skills.
  • I.e., IQ test not showing concurrent/predictive validity → Not a good measure
  • Children in these cultures be simply be less familiar with the types of tasks and questions used in these types of IQ tests.