Influence of Historical Events Discussion
In the late 19th century, psychology emerged as a discipline distinct from philosophy, accompanied by increased efforts to measure and classify human behavior. Psychological testing is one way to measure psychological constructs and behavior. The creation of psychological tests has been fueled by the need for mental health diagnosis and for occupational, educational, and military selection. The invention of new statistical techniques, such as factor analysis and item response theory, has led to improvements in the structure and utility of tests.
To prepare for this Discussion, select two events from the timeline of tests and measurement history. Research the events you selected and consider how they influenced the development of tests and measurement.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post by Day 3 a brief description of the two historical events you chose. Explain how these historical events influenced the development of tests and measurement. Then, choose one of the two events and describe a historical example of test misuse and the consequences related to the event.
Answer:
The two historical events I chose are the development of Binet-Simon intelligence test in 1905 and the establishment of the Army Alpha and Beta tests during World War I. The Binet-Simon test, created by Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon, was designed to measure intelligence in children and identify those who needed special education. The Army Alpha and Beta tests were used to measure the cognitive abilities of recruits and to classify them for military assignments.
The development of the Binet-Simon test marked a significant step in the history of psychological testing, as it paved the way for the creation of many intelligence tests that followed. It introduced the concept of mental age, which is still used in modern intelligence tests, and demonstrated the practical application of psychological testing in identifying individuals with special needs.
The Army Alpha and Beta tests were a response to the need for an efficient and standardized way to measure cognitive abilities in large groups of people. The tests were used to classify soldiers based on their abilities and assign them to appropriate roles in the military. The success of these tests in achieving their intended purposes led to their widespread adoption in civilian settings, such as schools and businesses.
An example of historical test misuse is the use of the Army Alpha and Beta tests to classify and discriminate against African American soldiers during World War I. The tests were administered to soldiers who were not fluent in English, and they were subsequently classified as having lower intelligence. This classification resulted in their exclusion from many military roles and opportunities for advancement, which had serious consequences for their military careers and futures. This is an example of how a well-intentioned test can be misused and lead to harmful outcomes when it is not appropriately designed and administered.
Answer:
The two historical events I chose are the development of Binet-Simon intelligence test in 1905 and the establishment of the Army Alpha and Beta tests during World War I. The Binet-Simon test, created by Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon, was designed to measure intelligence in children and identify those who needed special education. The Army Alpha and Beta tests were used to measure the cognitive abilities of recruits and to classify them for military assignments.
The development of the Binet-Simon test marked a significant step in the history of psychological testing, as it paved the way for the creation of many intelligence tests that followed. It introduced the concept of mental age, which is still used in modern intelligence tests, and demonstrated the practical application of psychological testing in identifying individuals with special needs.
The Army Alpha and Beta tests were a response to the need for an efficient and standardized way to measure cognitive abilities in large groups of people. The tests were used to classify soldiers based on their abilities and assign them to appropriate roles in the military. The success of these tests in achieving their intended purposes led to their widespread adoption in civilian settings, such as schools and businesses.
An example of historical test misuse is the use of the Army Alpha and Beta tests to classify and discriminate against African American soldiers during World War I. The tests were administered to soldiers who were not fluent in English, and they were subsequently classified as having lower intelligence. This classification resulted in their exclusion from many military roles and opportunities for advancement, which had serious consequences for their military careers and futures. This is an example of how a well-intentioned test can be misused and lead to harmful outcomes when it is not appropriately designed and administered.
