Analysis of the Iowa placement tests

Abstract

This article presents a detailed statistical analysis of the results secured by giving the Iowa Placement Tests (composed of an "aptitude" and a "training" test in English, Mathematics, and Chemistry) and the Minnesota Intelligence Tests to freshmen entering the College of Engineering and Architecture, University of Minnesota, in September, 1924. The method of partial correlation is used extensively. It is found that the tests under consideration do differentiate fairly well, except the Chemistry aptitude test. The results indicate that there is no real difference between "aptitude" and "training" in any of these particular subjects, aptitude being general intelligence plus training. The author concludes that the factors measured by these tests are: a. General intelligence, as measured by tests in current use; b. Training in particular subjects, especially Mathematics and Chemistry; and c. Mathematical aptitude (which may be termed intelligence plus training in Mathematics). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)