An investigation of some simple speed activities

Abstract

In order to determine the dependence upon the type of performance of the correlation between speed and higher mental ability, data were secured from 60 students in general psychology. Higher mental ability was measured by the Otis Self-Administering Tests of Mental Ability and a series of 24 analogies. Eight tests were used in which speed was prominent, such as cancellation, tallying, card sorting, vocal responses to different reading materials. Correlations between the speed tests and the higher mental ability scores varied from—.22 to + .34. Intercorrelations between the speed tests show a higher relationship to exist between those most similar in nature with respect to language or motor type of performance. The performances in which the motor element is prominent give slightly negative correlations with higher mental ability, never a high positive correlation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)