Question

Intelligence testing would prove to be one of the defining features of American psychology in the 20th century. Provide a brief discussion of two reasons for this fact.

Answer 1

Intelligence testing is Psychology's greatest success and a widely used invention. These were being criticized for categorizing people in terms of race, gender etc, minimizing the importance of creativity and emphasizing on born intelligence and linked success in later years. Intelligence researchers worked on them and minimized these biases. These tests are now more fair and valid.

Unlike traditional intelligence test, the modern tests not only determine the intelligent score but also provide holistic assesment of the person, and making recommendations. For children, these tests can be used to understand and develop teaching strategies.

The progress which this field has made in this area, is to an extent that, it has become one of the defining features of American psychology in 20th century.