What is a problem with intelligence tests for Deaf or hard of hearing students?

What is a problem with intelligence tests for Deaf or hard of hearing students?

• A. They measure general cognitive abilities and processing
• B. They often underestimate the intelligence of Deaf or hard of hearing students when language is involved
• C. They are immune to language bias
• D. They always predict academic success accurately

Answer: (B)

Language demands in many intelligence tests can bias results for Deaf or hard of hearing students. These assessments often rely on spoken or written language to present items, follow instructions, and express answers, so limited language access can affect performance. When language is the bottleneck, a test may reflect language processing or exposure as much as true thinking ability, leading to scores that underestimate a student’s cognitive potential. For example, a student with strong visual-spatial skills may struggle on verbal items or with directions delivered orally, pulling down an overall score even though nonverbal reasoning is solid. This is why using nonverbal or linguistically accessible measures, or providing appropriate accommodations, helps reveal a more accurate picture of intelligence.

Language demands in many intelligence tests can bias results for Deaf or hard of hearing students. These assessments often rely on spoken or written language to present items, follow instructions, and express answers, so limited language access can affect performance. When language is the bottleneck, a test may reflect language processing or exposure as much as true thinking ability, leading to scores that underestimate a student’s cognitive potential. For example, a student with strong visual-spatial skills may struggle on verbal items or with directions delivered orally, pulling down an overall score even though nonverbal reasoning is solid. This is why using nonverbal or linguistically accessible measures, or providing appropriate accommodations, helps reveal a more accurate picture of intelligence.