A Brief History of Educational and Psychological Assessment

Updated: November 16, 2024

Joelle Aud


Summary

The video explores the historical evolution of assessments from ancient China and Greece to modern standardized tests like the SAT and GRE. It discusses the contributions of key figures like Galton, Darwin, Binet, and Simon in developing intelligence tests. The advancements in assessment from the 20th century to the present day, specifically focusing on the use of technology to enhance test validity and reliability, are also highlighted. The video concludes by pointing towards the future trend of integrating biological and neuropsychological factors into assessments and expanding testing in multiple languages.


History of Assessment

Early civilizations like ancient China and Greece provided a rich history of assessment. Assessments have evolved over time to focus on intellectual, personality, and physical traits. The development of intelligence tests can be traced back to individual differences and Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Development of Intelligence Tests

Galton and Darwin's contributions led to the idea of intelligence tests. Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon created the Binet-Simon scale, the prototype for modern intelligence tests. The tests were further developed during the 20th century with notable advancements in World War I.

20th Century Assessment

Assessments expanded from 1920 to 1960, leading to various types of assessments like personality inventories and group-administered achievement tests. Standardized tests such as SAT and GRE emerged. Modern educational assessment focuses on standardized tests for college admissions and instruction quality measurement.

Future of Assessment

Advances in technology have improved test validity and reliability. Future assessments may record individual differences in a biological and neuropsychological context. Expectations for assessments in multiple languages like Spanish and Vietnamese are on the horizon.


FAQ

Q: What are the roots of intelligence tests development?

A: The roots of intelligence tests development can be traced back to individual differences and Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Q: Who created the prototype for modern intelligence tests?

A: Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon created the Binet-Simon scale, which became the prototype for modern intelligence tests.

Q: What notable advancements were made in intelligence tests during the 20th century?

A: Notable advancements in intelligence tests during the 20th century were made during World War I.

Q: How did assessments expand from 1920 to 1960?

A: Assessments expanded to include various types like personality inventories and group-administered achievement tests from 1920 to 1960.

Q: What standardized tests emerged in the modern era of educational assessment?

A: Standardized tests like SAT and GRE emerged in the modern era of educational assessment.

Q: What is the focus of modern educational assessment?

A: The focus of modern educational assessment is on standardized tests for college admissions and measurement of instruction quality.

Q: How have advances in technology impacted test validity and reliability?

A: Advances in technology have improved test validity and reliability in assessments.

Q: What may future assessments record in addition to intellectual traits?

A: Future assessments may record individual differences in a biological and neuropsychological context.

Q: What are the expectations for assessments in multiple languages?

A: Expectations for assessments in multiple languages like Spanish and Vietnamese are on the horizon.

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