New directions in intelligence tests: The dynamic measures

A new direction in dynamic assessment is to use flexible access to information and transfer as an index of plasticity and modifiability. As a consequence indexes of dynamic assessment can measure cognitive processes in the learning phase (when the subject faces new problem solving) and in the transfer phase (when the subject generalises what he has learnt in the learning phase to new, more complex problem solving). This type of measure consists of submitting the learners to more difficult problem solving (over their basic ability) in supplying them with gradual and balanced assistance, progressively disclosing the solution of the problem submitted and determining the aid level adopted by the learner in solving the problem. The aid level is inversely proportional to the modifiability index. The modifiability index is dynamic and is better related to the definitions of intelligence. A misdirection in the use of dynamic assessment is the target group. In a recent review Elliot (2003) listed in a appendix the major approaches of different authors that in different Countries use dynamic assessment. Only four of them (17) use dynamic assessment to measure normally developing people. The mainly use dynamic assessment for low achieving children, children with learning difficulties and children that come from different countries. In relation to the rationale of dynamic assessment above mentioned, the target group can be also the normal subjects. A second misdirection is related the type of assistance provided. Since the amount of assistance provided is inversely related to the testee’s modifiability, it is important to measure exactily it. So, the critical factor is a precise, balanced standardization of the step-by-step aids supplied to the testee for problem solving. It will be hopeful that all the researchers that work with dynamic measures work togheter to create and standardize a general normative system to measure intelligence. The area which need to be explored is also the relationship between evoked potential and behavioural propensity to change. Since evoked response is an electrical potential recorded following presentation of a stimulus, may be that the electrical potential is linked to the general propensity to change, even if the latter is a more complex process.