How accurate is the Lorge-Thorndyke IQ test?

Answer 1

It is said that it isn't accurate because it only tests one "type" of intelligence. However it is my opinion that is accurate to a great degree.

[Spelvin adds] The Lorge-Thorndike is, as you may know, a group test, not a test that a skilled examiner gives to an individual. Its "accuracy" is a function of a testing authority's willingness to stay within the guidelines for interpreting and using such test results.

The "Examiner's Manual" for the Lorge-Thorndike Intelligence Test states:

"To evaluate the ... validity of an intelligence test one can examine the items to see if they require a pupil to make responses which one would call 'intelligent'. [Note: This is "face validity."] The items for the Lorge-Thorndike Intelligence Tests were selected so that, for the most part, they deal with relationships. In answering most of the items a pupil is required to find a principle and then apply it. The tests, then, have been designed to measure reasoning ability." [emphasis added]

One example of the limitations of the Lorge-Thorndike IQ test is the finding that in the few studies that have explored its effectiveness for evaluating children with learning disabilities, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (a test administered to individuals) has emerged as the preferred instrument for that purpose.

Before we agree that the test measures "intelligence" and that it is "accurate," we have a long row to hoe.