Question

Distinguish between the constructs of intelligence and achievement in terms of how they are defined and how they are measured. In what ways could these constructs be used to create a theoretical framework for research? Support your answer.

Answer 1

Construct of general intelligence- The construct of general intelligence is discussed in a number of different context. The fundamental empirical basis for it is the positive trend among the smallest co relations among cognitive measures. Differences among factor models which recognize this in different ways are discussed. Evidence for the general factor in intelligence is also found in the difficulty in finding evidence for differential validity of tests from one criterion to another. Performance on Piagetian task reflects mainly general intelligence.

The construction of intelligence is not only depends on one or two factors, it related and reflected by many factors includes biological and psychological. The heredity also play important role in the construction of general intelligence while effects of environment also support the development of intelligence.

Measurement of Intelligence- The measurement of intelligence in scientific and logical ways started in 1905 by the work of Binet and Simon, in the year of 1916, American psychologist Stern developed a scale to measure IQ. The Stanford Binet scale was very popular to measure the IQ and general intelligence. During the world War, army alpha and beta tests developed for verbal and performance intelligence. The testing of intelligence is important for research purpose because it elaborate the working capacity of brain and psychological skills.

Achievement- The achievement can be defined as the social need which belong to individual’s personal traits as well as social. According to the theory of William McDougall, the achievement is related to fundamental instinct of human being, Abraham Maslow described it as the social or high level need, in current scenario of social and cognitive psychology, the achievement is a kind of process which combine learning and social connection to fulfil desires by the help of understanding and goal finding.

Measurement of Achievement- Measuring achievement is not a current concept, people are using achievement test directly and indirectly by the various methods since early time. Current symbol of achievement can be categorized by the social perspective rather than individual perspective. Achievement tests made to get the score and find the level of learned and experienced things. We use non-standard achievement test in the classrooms and in general purpose, the indirect achievement can be described by the social success, money and other things which build social status. Direct achievement uses in schools, classes and work places.

Theoretical framework of research- The research proposed to find some kind of knowledge, information, tools and methods. We can use the intelligence and achievement test to construct the research framework. Intelligence test and achievement test can configure the purpose of general as well as specific or action research.