IQ Testing 101 (Psych 101)

While the use of intelligence tests is widespread, they are not without controversy. IQ supporters see IQ measures as valid predictors of academic success, capable of proving real differences in intellectual abilities and influencing educational policy. IQ critics such as Robert Sternberg and Howard Gardner believe that IQ is a limited measure of intelligence and that a truer picture should incorporate more cultural and contextual factors. Alan Kaufman, a fellow of four divisions of the American Psychological Association, is a centrist in this debate. As a prot?g? of David Wechsler, Kaufman is a firmer believer in the goal of IQ tests, but believes that the system of IQ testing needs serious improvements. This provocative and controversial book tracks both sides of this ongoing debate. Kaufman provides a historical overview of IQ testing, and approaches both sides of the debate with critical questions, including: How do heredity and our cultural environment influence our intelligence? How does aging affect intelligence? Are IQ tests irrelevant for Learning Disability Assessment? What Will IQ Tests Be Like in 2030? The Psych 101 Series Short, reader-friendly introductions to cutting-edge topics in psychology. With key concepts, controversial topics, and fascinating accounts of up-to-the-minute research, The Psych 101 Series is a valuable resource for all students of psychology and anyone interested in the field. REVIEWS: "In IQ Testing 101, Alan Kaufman gives a well thought out, articulate account of the historical development of intelligent IQ testing. It provides non-expert readers, like me, with a better understanding of IQ and its important clinical ramifications. Kaufman's engaging style of presentation makes you feel as if you are in the thick of this important field of inquiry..." --Jeffrey W. Kirsch, PhDExecutive DirectorReuben H. Fleet Science Center "This impressive book is replete with meaningful material, wonderful anecdotes, excellent examples, profound truths, and solid empiricism, backed an abundance of clinical experience....This volume provides an outstanding introduction and a great refresher for readers interested in the topic of intelligence and its assessment." --Bruce A. Bracken, PhDThe College of William & Mary "Professor Kaufman has made this remarkably accessible for all readers by using a personal journey of discovery style. So, whether you are a clinical psychologist or an interested lay person, 101 will tell you everything you wanted to know about IQ testing; don't be afraid to read it." --Thomas Dillon, PhDGroup Senior Vice President retiredScience Applications International Corporation "Dr. Kaufman's superb writing makes one feel he is in the room talking to you....Psychologists, parents, educators and research scientists could all profit from reading this most important work by a master writer and thinker." --Sara S. Sparrow, PhDYale University Child Study Center "Kaufman provides an outstanding look at the field of intelligence and intelligence testing in a manner that is understandable and at the same time very sophisticated....with a marvelous mixture of science, good sense, his own experience as a test developer, and a dose of humor."--Jack A. Naglieri, PhDSenior Research ScientistDevereux Center for Resilient Children "IQ Testing 101 is a must read for anyone (including IQ test administrators) looking for a clear, erudite, thought provoking, even entertaining introduction to the important issues surrounding IQ including the definitions, measurements, and development of human intelligence. So much is at stake with IQ testing and these ideas cannot be ignored. " --Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD (unrelated)Yale University, Dept of PsychologyCo-Editor of The Cambridge Handbook of Intelligence (with Robert J. Sternberg) "[T]his book will find its way into many college syllabi, not only because of the depth and breath of its coverage, but because of the wonderful way in which Dr Kaufman is able to make a difficult, often misunderstood topic so clear and thoroughly enjoyable." --Ron Dumont, EdD, NCSPDirector of the Masters and Doctoral Programs in School PsychologyFairleigh-Dickinson University (20090701)