Scattering on the Binet scales does not support the claim that unequal development is the specific characteristic of the feeble-minded; normal pupils scatter most and imbeciles least¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · associational r1 · q2
Currency · newest study 1921 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q2 i? A five-fold analysis of 2206 Binet records found little support for the view that want of equilibrium differentiates defective children. → Wallin 1921 q2 i? Across the analyses, normal pupils scatter most and imbeciles least, the opposite of the pathognomonic-sign hypothesis. → Wallin 1921

Evidence¶

Wallin 1921¶

Wallin, J. E. W. (1921). Intelligence Irregularity as Measured by Scattering in the Binet Scale. The Journal of Educational Psychology. https://psycnet.apa.org/journal/edu

q2 · i? · associational · r1

Descriptive group-comparison analysis of 2206 Binet records from clinic and institutional populations, classified by diagnostic category. The author reports finding "little, if anything, in support of the above conclusions" that scattering marks defectives, and concludes normal pupils scatter most and imbeciles least.

"We have made a five-fold analysis of our data on scattering in relation to grade of intelligence, based on 2206 Binet records, and find little, if anything, in support of the above conclusions."

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• Neurotic, psychopathic and delinquent groups show no consistent excess of scattering, and great scattering cannot be elevated to a pathognomonic sign of psychopathy — related
• Scattering is considerably greater on the Stanford-Binet than on the earlier Binet-Simon scales, so conclusions about scattering differ according to the scale used — related
• The amount of advance credit earned on the Binet scale depends on the extent of testing, not the grade of intelligence of the pupils — related
• Sex differences in scattering reverse across scales: girls scatter more on the 1908 scale, boys on the 1911 and Stanford scales — related
• Scattering varies with intelligence-age level: smallest at the lowest mental ages and possibly largest in the middle range, with age-level differences exceeding diagnostic-category differences — related
• Because many delinquent girls learned quickly and accurately, the article concludes moral defects must be partially explained on grounds other than inferior mentality — related
• The author predicts the six elemental tests will not vary with age in children old enough to apply themselves, roughly five to ten years — related
• The Binet-Simon scale is a valuable diagnostic tool for classifying defective children when used by a trained examiner but dangerous in untrained hands — related
• In Goddard's Vineland examination of 1547 pupils, only about half of mentally over-age and under-age pupils show corresponding advancement or retardation in school grading — related
• Grouping pupils by mental age is not a reliable means of ensuring proper educational treatment — related