Performance Tests of Intelligence
A performance test is one in which the subject has to
perform certain standardized tasks or to manipulate some concrete materials
without the use of language. In these tests the items which require response in
terms of motor activities rather than to make verbal responses are included.
For example, the test includes items to solve a maze, to fit cutouts into
appropriate holes in a form board, to assemble a pattern of block etc. Performance
tests are non-verbal; but all non-verbal tests need not be performance type
Merits
1. Performance tests are most useful with persons
handicapped by language disabilities such as deaf, dumb, illiterate etc.
2. Persons who do not understand the language may be tested
with performance tests.
3. The results of these tests are less affected by schooling
than are the result of verbal tests.
Demerits
1. They are costly, unwieldy and thus their use is limited
to the laboratory.
2. Standardization of performance tests are difficult.
3. They are more susceptible to practice effects, and chance
successes are more frequent than in the case with verbal tests.
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