How can you differentiate between verbal and performance tests of intelligence?

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> [!TLDR]
> Verbal tests need **word (spoken/written) responses** and can be given **only to literate people**; performance tests need the **manipulation of objects**, require no written language, and can be administered easily **across cultures**.

**Basis of the distinction**

Intelligence tests can be classified by the **nature of the items used** as verbal, non-verbal or performance tests. A single test may be fully verbal, fully non-verbal, fully performance-based, or a mixture.

**Verbal tests**

- Require subjects to give **verbal responses**, either **orally or in written form**.
- Because they depend on language, verbal tests can be administered **only to literate people**.

**Performance tests**

- Require subjects to **manipulate objects and other materials** to perform a task.
- **Written language is not necessary** for answering the items.
- A major advantage is that they can be **easily administered to persons from different cultures**, reducing the cultural and language bias associated with verbal tests.
- **Examples:** the **Kohs' Block Design Test** (the subject arranges wooden blocks within a time limit to reproduce a given design) and **Bhatia's Battery of Performance Tests** (an Indian test).

**A note on non-verbal tests** …

Q.How can you differentiate between verbal and performance tests of intelligence?

Concept understanding — Verbal Performance Distinction

The Verbal Performance Distinction

The Intuition

The Precise Statement

Why It Matters

Q.How can you differentiate between verbal and performance tests of intelligence?

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