Kabar Kabar

HISTORY OF INTELLECTUAL ASSESSMENT We begin our discussion of intellectual assessment with a review of historical perspectives. This vantage point is critical because little can be understood devoid of knowledge of its history. Speculations into the nature of human intelligence can be traced back to the Greek philosopher Plato (ca. 428/427–348/347 B.C.E.) who referred to reason as the highest functioning part of the soul. Since that time, philosophers and scientists have engaged in dialogue pertaining to the nature of cognitive processing and intelligent behavior. Beginning in the sixteenth century, attempts were made to differentiate mental deficiencies from mental illness. Prominent philosophers and psychologists involved in this work include Jean Esquirol, Sir Francis Galton, Alfred Binet, and James Cattell. More

Intellectual Assessment Lloyd A. Taylor, Cara B. Reeves and Erin Jeffords The practice of estimating intellectual abilities dates back to the beginnings of scientific thought. Greek philosophers and modern-day psychologists alike have attempted to understand the nature of human intelligence and to devise methods by which to measure intellectual capabilities. These intellectual assessments often play important roles in diagnoses of learning disabilities, academic placement, occupational selection, and medical treatment plans. Additionally, intellectual assessments routinely have a significant role in the conceptualization of neurocognitive sequelae following traumatic injuries. Thus, the methods by which we estimate intellectual functioning, and the scientific integrity of these assessment tools, are critical to our practice as psychologists. The goals of this chapter are to provide an overview of the history of intellectual assessment and common definitions of intelligence. We addit...