https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atkins_v._Virginia
This details the basic events that occurred when Daryl Atkins committed a crime and then the persuing court saga of how to try/sentence him. There are certainly other links you may want to visit in gaining more information about this particular case. You may simply “google” Atkins vs. State of Virgina and you will certainly find several more links to explore.
After reading, come back here to this discussion forum and tackle these questions (there are three sets of questions, so please label your lab response as Part I/Part II/Part III – each part is worth 10 points):
a. How does this court case relate to our topic this week, INTELLIGENCE? Include as much detail as you can apply from the reading. b. Why should we consider this trial case and other similar cases in considering how we define intelligence?
a. What is your opinion of society’s application of IQ testing to assist in determining criminal sentences, such as in this case? b. Was the usage of the WAIS in determining Atkins’ fate appropriate? c. List two different instances of how you think our society should use intelligence tests. d. Use both terms VALIDITY and RELIABILITY in your discussion of the WAIS and IQ testing. Demonstrate you know the difference between these two terms as they relate to assessment.
a. Given the variety of ways we can define intelligence (as supported by the various theorists presented in your text – from Spearman to Thurstone to Gardner to Sternberg), how might you propose we go about measuring intelligence? b. Correctly apply the terms VALIDITY and RELIABILITY to your analysis of your proposed measurement. As in the case of Mr. Atkins, who took the WAIS-R, would you be satisfied using your measurement in a court of law to determine sentencing? Why or why not?
There are obviously several questions to reflect upon and answer in this week’s lab. Please organize your answers into three distinct paragraphs, each paragraph addressing the above three categories of questions. Each paragraph is worth 10 points and should be a minimum of 7-sentences per paragraph. Thank you.
