Moses and Arianne are doing research on mental abilities that contribute to successful performance on intelligence tests. Which of the following approaches should they use?
A) Use a correlational procedure of factor analysis.
B) Compare a test-taker's score with older children's scores.
C) Calculate the amount of error associated with a test-taker's score.
D) Use simple measures of sensory responsiveness and reaction time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Factor analysis would allow for the identification of underlying mental abilities that contribute to intelligence test performance. A correlational procedure using factor analysis can help Moses and Arianne determine whether certain abilities, such as working memory or processing speed, are strongly related to intelligence test scores. In contrast, option B, comparing a test-taker's score to older children's scores, only provides limited information about a single score, and option C, calculating the amount of error associated with a test-taker's score, is important but does not directly relate to mental abilities. Option D, using simple measures of sensory responsiveness and reaction time, may offer some insights into basic cognitive processes, but these measures are not necessarily indicative of the complex thought processes required to perform well on intelligence tests.

Moses and Arianne Are Doing Research on Mental Abilities That