Research Findings

Abstract

Intelligence test research serves the practicing psychologist in many ways. Research has shown, for example, that children with intelligence test scores below 55 do not respond as well to psychostimulant therapy (e.g., Ritalin) (Brown, Dreelin, & Dingle, 1997). In addition, while clinical depression does have adverse affects on cognition these effects are not as pervasive or debilitating as is revealed by research indicating that clinical depression does not lower composite intelligence test scores (Grossman, Kaufman, Mednitsky, Scharff, & Dennis, 1994). It is also interesting to note that children with higher intelligence test scores are.at less risk for engaging in criminal behavior (Neisser, et al., 1996); These are among many of the compelling findings yielded in the last century of a vigorous research effort, where intelligence tests have served a critical role in advancing knowledge.