Underlying assumptions of intelligence tests Essay Example

Underlying assumptions of intelligence tests Essay How can intelligence be tested? Critically evaluate the underlying assumptions of intelligence tests. Intelligence is a very controversial. It is seen as an obsession in daily life and focuses on certain types of intelligence. Francis Galton was the first person to design a mental test. Galton believed that an individuals mental ability could be determined through the deviation of their performance on a simple test to the mean. He believed that the greater a persons sensory perception the more intelligence they had. However, Galton never produced a theory about intelligence testing, but paved the way for other psychologists to produce theories and tests.Spearmans (1904) theory suggested that intelligence was an innate, inherited quality. He suggested that there were two main factors that determined a persons intelligence; these were general intelligence, needed to perform all tasks and specific intelligence, which is needed to perform specific tasks .i.e., most people can drink out of some sort of cup, this needs general intelligence, however, not all people can sing in tune, this is specific intelligence.Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon (Simon and Binet, 1905) produced the first form of modern intelligence testing in 1905. We will write a custom essay sample on Underlying assumptions of intelligence tests specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Underlying assumptions of intelligence tests specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Underlying assumptions of intelligence tests specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The test had a practical purpose and was used to identify children who may need extra help with their school work. Due to the purpose of the test, the exercises Binet and Simon asked the children to complete were very similar to tasks the children completed within schools, i.e. measures of vocabulary, comprehension of facts and relationships and mathematical and verbal reasoning.The Binet Simon test was later modified and extended by Lewis Terman and his associates at Stanford University where it was translated for use in the United States (Terman 1916, Terman and Merrill, 1937). The test became known as the Stanford-Binet test and is still being used referred to as Intelligence Quotient; (I.Q). the I.Q. score was calculated by comparing the childs chronological age, (which means their age is years and months), with their mental age (which refers to the childs ability to solve problems of certain levels.) i.e if a child could answer questions designed for 8 year olds, but not them designed for 9 year olds, the child would have a mental age of 8.The I.Q test that is now most commonly used is know n as the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for children, or the WISC. The most frequently used test used by psychologists is the third revision of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales known as the WISC-III. David Wechsler originally developed the test, which was series of ten different problems that ranged from very easy to extremely difficult; these ten problems were also divided into two subgroups.The verbal scale that involved tasks measuring vocabulary, understanding of similarities between objects and general knowledge. The other subgroup was the performance scale, which involved non-verbal tasks such as arranging pictures in to orders, or copying patterns using coloured blocks. Many psychologists find that this definition of verbal and non-verbal tasks helpful as different between the two skills can identify particular kinds of learning difficulties, i.e. dyslexia.However, ever since the I.Q tests were introduced there have been criticisms about them. Before 1937, the mean score of wom en using the Stanford-Binet test was on average ten points lower than the average score for men. Although at first it was generally suggested that this was because women were not as intelligent as men, it was later suggested that the questions were more directed towards male dominated areas of questioning than women, for example relating questions in terms of cars, card games, mechanics, etc. which at the time was made oriented. Therefore, it was decided to eliminate this discrepancy by modifying the questions to ensure that both males and females would archive around the same average score.According to Heather, (1976) this makes the test less efficient because there may be a natural difference between the intelligence levels of men and women through out different points of history, however, by using the new these differences may not be picked up. For example if the I.Q scores were not created to produce approximately the same scores for both males and females we may be able to see why females are currently doing better academically than males.Therefore, this could limit the efficiency of I.Q testing through either historically suggesting that women were inferior to men through their lower I.Q. scores, or through influencing the tests to create equal results for both males and females. It is difficult to say whether the tests were gender bias or whether the psychologists behind the changes to the tests did this to provide unbiased results through positive discrimination towards women.Another criticism of the I.Q. tests that there is an average 10-15 point difference between the White European average and the Afro- Caribbean average, (Brody, (1992) Fagan Singer (1983) Peoples, Fagan Drotar, 1995); (Neisser et al 1996) Heather, (1976) suggests that this difference can be reduced through changing the questions to suit a more mixed ethnic group of participants. However, it was suggested that this would affect the tests Predictive Validity. By changing the tests to reduce the racial differences, but without changing the social inequalities within our society would only create a more ineffective test. In order to reduce the ethnic I.Q. score difference, society must first change their attitudes towards other cultures, especially within education/ training and jobs.How ever, Jensen, (1969) published an article called How much can we boost I.Q. and schooling achievement? within which he made a controversial suggestion that Genetic factors are strongly implicated in the average negro-white intelligence differences. The preponderance of the evidence is, in my opinion, less consistent with a strictly environmental hypothesis than with a genetic hypothesisOther psychologists including Eysenck (1971) and Herrnstein (1971) agree with Jensn. Jensen suggests that 80% of the difference between blacks and whites is due to the blacks genetic inferiority and 20% due to environmental factors. However, Jensen does not have the biological evidence to back up his claim; he also used a bias sample to carry out his study that was a mainly white population.

E.E. Cummings Essays - Guggenheim Fellows, La, E. E. Cummings

E.E. Cummings Essays - Guggenheim Fellows, La, E. E. Cummings E.E. Cummings The Poetry of E. E. Cummings E. E. Cummings, who was born in 1894 and died in 1962, wrote many poems with unconventional punctuation and capitalization, and unusual line, word, and even letter placements - namely, ideograms. Cummings' most difficult form of prose is probably the ideogram; it is extremely terse and it combines both visual and auditory elements. There may be sounds or characters on the page that cannot be verbalized or cannot convey the same message if pronounced and not read. Four of Cummings' poems - l(a, mortals), !blac, and swi( - illustrate the ideogram form quite well. Cummings utilizes unique syntax in these poems in order to convey messages visually as well as verbally. Although one may think of l(a as a poem of sadness and loneliness, Cummings probably did not intend that. This poem is about individuality - oneness (Kid 200-1). The theme of oneness can be derived from the numerous instances and forms of the number '1' throughout the poem. First, 'l(a' contains both the number 1 and the singular indefinite article, 'a'; the second line contains the French singular definite article, 'le'; 'll' on the fifth line represents two ones; 'one' on the 7th line spells the number out; the 8th line, 'l', isolates the number; and 'iness', the last line, can mean the state of being I - that is, individuality - or oneness, deriving the one from the lowercase roman numeral 'i' (200). Cummings could have simplified this poem drastically (a leaf falls:/loneliness), and still conveyed the same verbal message, but he has altered the normal syntax in order that each line should show a 'one' and highlight the theme of oneness. In fact, the whole poem is shaped like a '1' (200). The shape of the poem can also be seen as the path of a falling leaf; the poem drifts down, flipping and altering pairs of letters like a falling leaf gliding, back and forth, down to the ground. The beginning 'l(a' changes to 'le', and 'af' flips to 'fa'. 'll' indicates a quick drop of the leaf, which has slowed by a longer line, 'one'. Finally, the leaf falls into the pile of fallen leaves on the ground, represented by 'iness'. Cummings has written this poem so perfectly that every part of it conveys the message of oneness and individuality (200). In mortals), Cummings vitalizes a trapeze act on paper. Oddly enough, this poem, too, stresses the idea of individualism, or 'eachness', as it is stated on line four. Lines 2 and 4, 'climbi' and 'begi', both end leaving the letter 'i' exposed. This is a sign that Cummings is trying to emphasize the concept of self-importance (Tri 36). This poem is an amusing one, as it shows the effects of a trapeze act within the arrangement of the words. On line 10, the space in the word 'open ing' indicates the act beginning, and the empty, static moment before it has fully begun. 'of speeds of' and '&meet&', lines 8 and 12 respectively, show a sort of back-and-forth motion, much like that of the motion of a trapeze swinging. Lines 12 through 15 show the final jump off the trapeze, and 'a/n/d' on lines 17 through 19, represent the deserted trapeze, after the acrobats have dismounted. Finally, '(im' on the last line should bring the reader's eyes back to the top of the poem, where he finds 'mortals)'. Placing '(im' at the end of the poem shows that the performers attain a special type of immortality for risking their lives to create a show of beauty, they attain a special type of immortality (36-7). The circularity of the poem causes a feeling of wholeness or completeness, and may represent the Circle of Life, eternal motion (Fri 26). Cummings first tightly written ideogram was !blac, a very interesting poem. It starts with '!', which seems to be saying that something deserving that exclamation point occurred anterior to the poem, and the poem is trying objectively to describe certain feelings resulting from '!'. black against white is an example of such a description in the poem; the clashing colors create a feeling in sync with '!'. Also, why (whi) suggests amusement and wonder, another feeling resulting from '!'

Managing small and Medium Enterprises Year 3 Essay

Managing small and Medium Enterprises Year 3 - Essay Example ABC Toys is now penchant to expand business to four major Australian cities named Sydney (city of 4.6 million residents), Melbourne (city of 4 million residents), Perth (city of 1.7 million residents) and Adelaide (city of 1.2 million residents). The company knows that there are more than 2.9 million 65-years old and above citizens across Australia (CIA Fact Book, 2010), whereas the population of senior citizens is much higher if company includes citizens of 55-years and above. For instance, the individualistic cultural values in Australia have sidelined old citizens who are normally sent to old and elder care houses or community centres. Whereas, a large majority of those who live with their families do not receive sufficient attention due to busy working life of family members (BJ, 1993) ; (Parson, 1993) ; (McIntosh & Phillip, 2003). Therefore, there is immense potential in expanding business of senior citizens’ toys, instruments and games across Australia. Policy-makers have expressed the importance and benefits of market development, thereby forecasted first year sales (April 1, 2011 – March 31, 2012) from all operations will be between $0.3 million in Sydney, $0.3 million in Melbourne (April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013), $0.2 million in Perth (April 1, 2013 – March 31, 2014) and $0.2 million in Adelaide (April 1, 2013 – March 31, 2014). The company has planned to inaugurate 3 outlets (one after another) in Sydney followed by opening of 3 outlets (one-by-one) in Melbourne besides distribution operations; while 2 outlets will be opened in Perth and Adelaide each. However, the success of first outlet is a prerequisite for opening new stores in these new markets. ABC Toys (hypothetical), which was inaugurated in 2006 masters in production and selling of toys, activity games and instruments for infants (6 months – 3 years), tweens (3 - 12 years), teens (12 – 16 years) and senior citizens (65

Team Work Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 3

Team Work - Research Paper Example Individuals often come together to formulate groups of different types and sizes. However, these groups are not necessarily considered a team. A team includes a group of individuals working with each other in order to fulfill a common objective or goal (Carter, Bishop, and Kravits, 2012). In the current context, most activities are accomplished by teams. Large companies often formulate project teams, assigning these to different parts of the world. Smaller organizations also use teams in order to guarantee that their products as well as services are doing well competitively. Professors in universities develop curriculums as teams, working with not just other professors, but with counselors and administrators as well. The main advantage to teamwork is the fact that the skills, knowledge, resources, and abilities of various individuals can be combined in order to accomplish a task (Carter, et.al., 2012). Tasks often require the expertise or knowledge of various individuals in order to produce effective and quality results, teams can secure such quality. Collaboration is the primary element of teamwork. Even where project teams are not big enough, collaboration is still important. Collaboration is about working effectively alongside other individuals in order to secure common goals. It requires different variables, including trust, honesty, respect, and openness (Xiao, Parker, and Manser, 2013). This would mean that the members of the team are honest with each other, telling the truth even if such truths would not be favorable to the team. The members of the team would work with a high level of comfort with each other, allowing members to participate in the problem-solving activities and in managing obstacles (Xiao, et.al., 2013). Openness would also indicate that members of the team would be able to easily say what they want to say to the other

Operation management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Operation management - Essay Example Slack and Lewis (2008) identified three basic verticals for companies such as finance, marketing and operations while finance and marketing activities have close linkage to operation management Slack & Lewis (2008, p. 4) defined operation management as â€Å"it is the management of systems or processes that create goods and/or provide services.† Consideration of research works of Slack, Chambers & Johnston (2007) and Hsu & Tang (2010) reveals the fact that operation management has close linkage with supply chain activities. Slack, Chambers & Johnston (2007) defined supply chain management as the sequence of activities in order to supply resources throughout every phases of value chain. As part of synchronization of supply chain activities and operation management activities; facilities, functions and activities are being used. Facilities- warehouses, processing centres, offices, factories, distribution centres and retail outlets are the place where operations are took place (S lack, 2004). Functions and activities- operation management is collective act and not only operation manager but also supply chain partners and workers play vital role in performing activities like delivery of the resources or final output to facilities, inventory management, customer service, scheduling of operational activities, information management, forecasting of future demand, purchasing of material, designing new product, quality assurance testing etc (Slack, 2004). While describing nature of operation management in context to manufacturing sector, Slack (2004) and Slack & Lewis (2008) used the following model. Figure 1: Operation Model (Source: Slack & Lewis, 2008) According to the above model, operation management is backed by three strategic verticals such as resources, capabilities of the firm and process that will be deployed in manufacturing new product or processing a service. As part of resources; equipments, financial capital, staff, sourcing from suppliers and tech nologies is being used in operation management. As part of capabilities of the firm; application of state of art technology, quantitative formulation of process and process diagrams are being used by operation managers and respective staff members. As part of process; job design, movement of goods in the facilities, process design, new product concept design, new product development etc are being used as part of operation management. So, what is the role or types of activities that operations managers are involved in operation management? Answering the question is not simple because types of activities of operation manager differ significantly with the change in nature of business for organizations. For example, operational activities of operations managers in manufacturing plan cannot be same operational activities in bank. However, some basic activities of operations manager for manufacturing facilities can be identified as, 1- managing the resources that are being used in differe nt phases of manufacturing, 2- developing and adjusting production schedule, 3- monitoring and controlling quality in

P.E.S.T analysis of social media marketing

P.E.S.T analysis of social media marketing In order to analysis the macro environmental challenges that could influence social media marketing, the research conducted by keynote will be applied. Amongst the economic factors influencing social media marketing is the digitial economy act developed in 2010. This was designed as an attempt to control illegal sharing of files. Since, social networking sties easily enable users to share and broadcast content, many users have made attempts of claiming copyright. Regulations Last year, an amendment, covering every means of online marketing communications, was made in extension to the regulatory framework which already covers online advertisements. The intention behind this is to ensure Economic factors A number of factors have had an impact on the increased investment in social media in terms of marketing. One major factor consists of the economic crisis having decreased budget for traditional marketing channels. Another factor is comprised of increasing growth and popularity of social networking. This has led marketers to engage with their audience through social media. A further challenge is imposed by the excessive investment in social networking companies as dependence on advertising may be influenced by the current economic crisis. Social factors The social media being highly dependent on the existing trends in consumers preferences, there is a great risk of those users switching their preferences. An example of such is the change from MySpace to Facebook. Technological factors As social networking has become an integrated part of online experience in terms of search as well as integrated digital marketing with regards to advertising, users may seek solutions and assistance Task2. Media reporting -the influence of social media marketing The included reports shed light on the rapid growth and trends in social media marketing, and propose unprecedented ways whereby organizations can exploit the existing trends of social media and mark their presence. Marketers Mine Facebook, Twiiter Posts to Duck Brand Snafus The author suggest that rather than aiming to generate impressions amongst audience members, an organization should exert positive and convincing influence on social webs citizens. Subsequently, these users will spread the message to other people. This is also recognized as word of mouth marketing (Flinn, 2010). Conversely, the author further argues that poor management of online marketing can backfire and generate negative consequence which will spread online. Thus, it can be argued that importance of word of mouth and viral marketing are likely to increase which is why investment in these tools are necessarily. In particular, Word of Mouth management is needed in order to avoid negative referrals that could damage a given companies reputation or image. Additionally, it is suggested that an online presence can help companies avoid product disasters. Also, it is argued that Facebook, Twitter and blogs are adequate tools that can enable companies to get an insight in the consumers thi nking process. Social media are changing the rules for business This report suggests the increasing usage of social media marketing can assist companies to build their brand, expand their target reach and relationship to their customers. This report further argues that organizations reputations are being constantly formed and a company may risk losing their customer based on social network sites. Hence, it could be argued that Social Media Marketing should be integrated in the overall communication plan. Additionally, it is suggest that companies who do not adopt social media marketing and rely on traditional means of marketing may risk losing or damaging their image. Therefore, it is suggested that they might as well take part and make themselves visible. Furthermore, the report suggest that online media enables companies to involve their customers in creating new products or services through their feedback. Task 2. Personal SWOT analysis Task 4. Remaning flexible Dear Peter, Please find enclosed a proposal of my request for telecommute. As you may notice, this issue is of crucial importance for me. I hope you will welcome my ideas of establishing a balance between what could prove beneficiary for the department as well as enabling me to deal with my personal issues. I would request for a 60-day trial period, with the possibility of mid-way evaluation after the first month and at the end of the period to assess the functionality. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask me. Thank for taking my request into consideration. Work from Home Proposal I have been employed at FDM for 2 years and I am very devoted to the quality of my work. Lately, I have been finding it extremely difficult to cope with some family issues, which have been intensified as a result of my full-time work. In addition, my commute time of 90 minutes from Holbaek makes it difficult for me to address the needs of my family issues. Therefore, I would like to request for two days, where I can work from home. Having reviewed the other teams attendance in the department, Fridays and Mondays, would be appropriate. I believe that my productivity will increase, as I no longer have to commute, which will improve my performance. This will also mean that you do not need to pay for commuting expenses. In addition, this will contribute to my job satisfaction as I will find a balance between my job and family. I will have my laptop and phone nearby so I can be easily reached. I would like to discuss my proposal in further detail and address any potential concerns that you may have. I understand that due to your responsibility of the organization, you must determine whether or not this is appropriate in terms of achieving the goals for the office. As most of my responsibilities require working with online activities my telecommuting is less likely to make the quality of work suffer. The following represent potential impact of my telecommuting on the department and may entail the following: Issue: The departments development and implementation of communication strategy may require additional Solution: I will keep John updated with my suggestions and ask him to send me the brief of strategies that have been discussed in the department Issue: Management of social media communities Solution: This would require online presence, which is less likely to be an issue Issue: Producing reports on online activities; feedback, key issues, insights and trends Solution: I would like to ask Helen if she is willing to assist me with this while I do her parts of the online activities. Issue: Identify online threats and opportunities surrounding the brand Solution: I spent 20% of my time on assessing the threats and opportunities. If you decide that Helen would be an appropriate person to handle the feedbacks, I believe she would be capable of handling this in addition to her duties. Task. 5 Making a positive impression on potential employers Online Marketing Assistant Marketing Communications Assistant International Online Marketing Social Media Guru I am currently eligibile for the above listed positions, which can be attributed to the fact that I do not have adequate work experience within social media marketing, which is why I would be eligible for positions such as online and offline marketing assistant, Marketing Communications Assistant or International Online Marketing Social Media Guru. Social media manager-future goal In order to be qualified for the this position, an experience of 3-4 years is essential. I believe that the most adequate way of gaining the experience is through an apprenticeship which can give me an insight into how social media manager deals with various tasks and how they enable small business gain a competitive advantage by building their unique image through social media. While gaining the experience I aim to develop my skills in terms of developing and enhancing my network, management, . Help people promote themselves through varius social media plat forms such as: Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin. Gain competencies that can help me assist plans for small business and how they rather than investing in traditional means of promoting. In demand job due to the current credit crunch and the increasing popularity of social media. What I can contribute with is my experience and knowledge This can also be identified as marketing strategy that I blieve that building your career is a matter of timing and right now is the perfect timing for building a career within social media. I believe I can achieve this position not only on the basis of my degree in Marketing but also my bachelors degree in Internatinal communications. Moodboard description The moodboard represents how I perceive myself and my future goals. Firstly, I have used an eagle as to me it represents independency, determination and leadership. The clock resents my punctuality and the importance of timing. Flexibility is one of the key words which describe my personality. The fly on the bike: I believe almost any goal is achievable if one possess will power and determination. Teamwork: The golden guy represents teamwork and The woman running towards the arrows, represents my willingness of going against the odds. The house in the middle of the sea: represents doing what may appear impossible. The gold picture symbolizes my will to achieve the results by motivating others and being a teamplayers.

Plot Analysis Of Conspiracy Th :: essays research papers

The Conspiracy Theory is a movie that can wake you up to a very likely and harsh reality. Main character Jerry, author and sole producer of a monthly tabloid about theories on conspiracies soon begins to remember a hidden and forgotten past. The most captivating part of Conspiracy Theory is how the character’s past and present interact to contribute to the plot, and their futures.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The tragic pasts of the 3 main characters help define the plot. Jerry was once a test subject for governmental experiments. Jodas, head of these experiments, tried to learn how to turn an everyday person into a brutal killer. Jerry soon became Jodas’ personal tool of destruction, and Jerry was told to kill a judge who was sure to put Jodas in jail. Jerry was given a chance to kill him, but his human conscience proved to still live on, the judge soon took Jerry under his wing. That judge was later killed by another one of Jodas’ men. With the judge’s final words, he begged Jerry to protect his one and only daughter, Alice. Our three main characters are now destine for a major confrontation years later.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main plot is laid out by the events of the present. Several years later, Jerry drives his cab as he’s done every day since the shooting, until he zones out and has a flashback of his past. One soon finds out that Jerry is very paranoid about the government and he questions everything about it. Jodas catches up to Jerry and tries to imprison him. Alice then finds that Jodas is one of Jerry’s newsletter subscribers and has a meeting with him. Jodas then convinces Alice that Jerry killed her father; now Jerry is about to be set up.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The plot is concluded with a promise to the character’s futures. Jerry then asks Alice to meet him, and they return to the place where her father died. Jerry then confesses to Alice that he did not kill her father. After much deliberation, Alice believes Jerry; and just on time for Jodas’ return. Jodas captures Jerry and Alice barely gets away with the mere stroke of luck. Jerry is then imprisoned and injected with fluid that will convince his mind that he did everything. Plot Analysis Of Conspiracy Th :: essays research papers The Conspiracy Theory is a movie that can wake you up to a very likely and harsh reality. Main character Jerry, author and sole producer of a monthly tabloid about theories on conspiracies soon begins to remember a hidden and forgotten past. The most captivating part of Conspiracy Theory is how the character’s past and present interact to contribute to the plot, and their futures.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The tragic pasts of the 3 main characters help define the plot. Jerry was once a test subject for governmental experiments. Jodas, head of these experiments, tried to learn how to turn an everyday person into a brutal killer. Jerry soon became Jodas’ personal tool of destruction, and Jerry was told to kill a judge who was sure to put Jodas in jail. Jerry was given a chance to kill him, but his human conscience proved to still live on, the judge soon took Jerry under his wing. That judge was later killed by another one of Jodas’ men. With the judge’s final words, he begged Jerry to protect his one and only daughter, Alice. Our three main characters are now destine for a major confrontation years later.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main plot is laid out by the events of the present. Several years later, Jerry drives his cab as he’s done every day since the shooting, until he zones out and has a flashback of his past. One soon finds out that Jerry is very paranoid about the government and he questions everything about it. Jodas catches up to Jerry and tries to imprison him. Alice then finds that Jodas is one of Jerry’s newsletter subscribers and has a meeting with him. Jodas then convinces Alice that Jerry killed her father; now Jerry is about to be set up.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The plot is concluded with a promise to the character’s futures. Jerry then asks Alice to meet him, and they return to the place where her father died. Jerry then confesses to Alice that he did not kill her father. After much deliberation, Alice believes Jerry; and just on time for Jodas’ return. Jodas captures Jerry and Alice barely gets away with the mere stroke of luck. Jerry is then imprisoned and injected with fluid that will convince his mind that he did everything.