Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale 5th Edition, Assessment Example

Abstract

The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, Fifth Edition (SB5) provides an excellent assessment tool to determine the intelligence and cognitive functioning of individuals at virtually any age, from 2 years old to 85 years old. The tool provides a validated, reliable measurement of cognitive abilities that can be used in clinical situations for identification or diagnosis of exceptional individuals. The SR5 provides a mechanism for adapting to multiple cognitive levels by varying the “level” of the test where the administration begins. The SB5 is based on Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) cognitive functioning theory. It has been validated and demonstrated as highly reliable.

Description of Test

The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, Fifth Edition (SB5) is one of the fundamental assessment tools for determining intelligence for individuals of any age, from 2 to 85 years. It is administered individually . The SB5 is norm-referenced and comprehensive test of intelligence and cognitive abilities (Johnson & D’Amato, 2003). It is typically used for diagnostic purposes and in identifying exceptional individuals as well as those with developmental disabilities at any age.

The result of the SB5 is a Full Scale IQ, two domain scores in nonverbal IQ and verbal IQ, plus five smaller scales of fluid reasoning, knowledge, quantitative reasoning, visual-spatial processing, and working memory (Johnson & D’Amato, 2003). The test administration begins with two “routing” subtests which are designed to identify an appropriate starting point for the main test; as a result of the individual’s performance on the routing subtests, the administrator is directed to start the main test at any of five levels. Depending on the choice of scales, the SB5 can take as little as 15 minutes to administer, or as long as 75 minutes Johnson & D’Amato, 2003). Although it is possible to hand-score the SB5, it is preferable to use a computer program provided by the publisher to do scoring in a simpler way (Johnson & D’Amato, 2003).

Development of Test

The SB5 is based on the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) cognitive functioning theory and includes five facotrs derived from CHC theory including fluid reasoning, knowledge, quantiative reasoning, visual-spatial processing, and working memory (Johnson & D’Amato, 2003). Studies have shown that the SB5 is a strong measure of intelligence in children and teens, (Canivez, 2008) Canivez (2008) recommends, in fact, that clinicians should focus on the overall IQ score even in children as young as 2 years old.

In a comparison study with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-III), Garred and Gilmore (2009) noted that in a comparison of a small group of preschoolers, though the two measures correlated to a significant degree, many children in the study. The children did exhibit a preference for the SB5 over the WPPSI-III) (Garred & Gilmore, 2009).

Assessment of Test

The SB5 is a reliable measurement of cognitive abilities of all ages from about 2 to 85 years old. It is not, however, a particularly rapid test to administer, taking up to an hour or more for many administrations. It provides reliable results that can be used for diagnosis and discrimination of learning abilities. While not particularly easy to administrate, it can be used in a clinical environment to assist in diagnosis.

References

Canivez, G. L. (2008). Orthogonal higher order factor structure of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales-fifth edition for children and adolescents. School Psychology Quarterly, 23 (4), 533-541.

Garred, M., Gilmore, L. (2009). To WPPSI or to Binet, that is the question: A comparison of the WPPSI and SB5 with typically developing preschoolers. Australian Journal of Guidance and Counseling, 19 (2), 104-115.

Johnson, J. A., D’Amato, R. C. (2003). Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, Fifth Edition. Mental Measurements Yearbook. University of Nebraska.