Lee A. Arthur
American Public University Systems
PSYC 502
Dr. Wright
July 4, 2021
, IQ tests are used for several reasons. In the scenario a child’s IQ was tested for placement
in a new school. This paper outlines factors that affect performance on IQ tests, validity and
reliability concerns of the IQ test presented in the scenario, and ethical concerns for IQ tests.
The immediate reaction to the scenario for me was this is an efficient way to ensure
students are placed in an environment which is suitable for them. I know of a child in my
neighborhood who was held back 3 times before the school realized the child was suppose to
receive special education, in the form of modified school work. Modified work would include
multiple choice tests which only have 2 answer options, instead of the A-D options. I believe the
school and his parents failed him tremendously. Once the school realized a mistake was made
with his transfer paperwork, he received modified work, and passed to the next grade level.
Programs such as IQ testing, as described in the scenario would ensure students are given the
appropriate work. Most schools have final exams or other standardized tests, but if a new student
spent the whole year in the wrong grade level, they would have to repeat it the next year after
failing the final exam. This could also have psychological consequences for the children and
parents as well.
The details that stood out immediately was the change in the IQ score within 2 months.
This raises a question about the validity and reliability of the IQ tests. It also raises a question of
whether the student was tired, discouraged, or where there other environmental factors that
impacted one test. Test anxiety is one of the first variables that comes to mind. This was a life-
altering test which would determine placement in a new school.
One factor that can affect performance on IQ tests, according to the U.S. Department of
Health & Human Services (2011) is the motivation of the test taker. The agency claims that when
incentives are offered, the scores increase. Individuals who take IQ tests have individual levels of
American Public University Systems
PSYC 502
Dr. Wright
July 4, 2021
, IQ tests are used for several reasons. In the scenario a child’s IQ was tested for placement
in a new school. This paper outlines factors that affect performance on IQ tests, validity and
reliability concerns of the IQ test presented in the scenario, and ethical concerns for IQ tests.
The immediate reaction to the scenario for me was this is an efficient way to ensure
students are placed in an environment which is suitable for them. I know of a child in my
neighborhood who was held back 3 times before the school realized the child was suppose to
receive special education, in the form of modified school work. Modified work would include
multiple choice tests which only have 2 answer options, instead of the A-D options. I believe the
school and his parents failed him tremendously. Once the school realized a mistake was made
with his transfer paperwork, he received modified work, and passed to the next grade level.
Programs such as IQ testing, as described in the scenario would ensure students are given the
appropriate work. Most schools have final exams or other standardized tests, but if a new student
spent the whole year in the wrong grade level, they would have to repeat it the next year after
failing the final exam. This could also have psychological consequences for the children and
parents as well.
The details that stood out immediately was the change in the IQ score within 2 months.
This raises a question about the validity and reliability of the IQ tests. It also raises a question of
whether the student was tired, discouraged, or where there other environmental factors that
impacted one test. Test anxiety is one of the first variables that comes to mind. This was a life-
altering test which would determine placement in a new school.
One factor that can affect performance on IQ tests, according to the U.S. Department of
Health & Human Services (2011) is the motivation of the test taker. The agency claims that when
incentives are offered, the scores increase. Individuals who take IQ tests have individual levels of
