A Comparison of Mental Age Scores Obtained by Performance Tests and the Stanford Revision of the Binet-Simon Scale

This study reports a statistical evaluation of scores made by the same children both on performance scales and the Stanford revision of the Binet scale; the children being young enough to be given both tests in one laboratory period. Eighty-six children, boys and girls, some of foreign parentage but themselves New York City born, ranging from 3 to 9.8 years of age, were the subjects. Their average I.Q. on the Stanford revision was 114. A significant difference between the ratings on the two scales was found at all ages but four with indications for the greatest usefulness of performance tests at ages of six, seven, and eight years. Time is found a good measure with performance tests, up to a certain limit. The following tests proved themselves most adequate: Mare and Foal, Seguin, 5-Figure, 2-Figure, Casuist, Manikin, Ship, and Cubes; and next the Triangle and Diagonal. High Stanford scores indicate high performance ratings but the vice versa of this does not hold true. Other relations and correlations of interest are stated. The study indicates that a series of performance tests might be selected to give ratings comparable with intelligence quotients and that will show good age progression. From Psych Bulletin 20:06:00604.