A group of children are selected because they scored extremely high (over 145) on an IQ test. Psychologists test their performance again 4 years later only to find that most of them scored a bit lower the second time than the first time. Which of the following is the most likely (and the most parsimonious) explanation?

A) The children got overconfident and did not try as hard the second time.
B) The children must have had some sort of unpleasant experience in school that caused their intelligence to decrease over time.
C) Nothing unusual happened, because all people's IQ scores decline over time.
D) The drop represents a random fluctuation in data based on a test with less than perfect reliability.

Question

Desiree Ramirez · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  The most parsimonious explanation is that the drop in scores represents a random fluctuation in data based on a test with less than perfect reliability. IQ test scores can vary from one testing period to another, and no test is 100% reliable. Therefore, it is not uncommon for individuals' scores to fluctuate over time. Option A is a possibility, but without additional evidence, it is not the most likely explanation. Option B is an unfounded assumption, and option C is incorrect as IQ scores do not necessarily decline over time for all individuals.

Definitions

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Related questions