Question

Those using an IQ-achievement discrepancy approach to identifying learning disabilities typically use a difference of ________ between IQ and achievement to identify a learning disability.

a) Standard deviations
b) Percentages
c) Ratios
d) Fractions

Answer 1

In the identification of learning disabilities, the IQ-achievement discrepancy approach uses a difference of standard deviations between an individual's IQ score and their level of achievement.

Step-by-step explanation:

Those using an IQ-achievement discrepancy approach to identifying learning disabilities typically use a difference of standard deviations between IQ and achievement to identify a learning disability. The term standard deviations is important in understanding this approach, as it describes how data are dispersed in a population and gives context to large data sets. On most IQ tests, a score of 85 is described as "one standard deviation below the mean" of 100, and a score of 115 is "one standard deviation above the mean". Therefore, a significant discrepancy between a person's IQ score and their achievement levels might indicate the presence of a learning disability if the achievement is substantially below what would be expected given the individual's IQ.