Final answer:
IQ tests have been criticized for being biased in terms of cultural knowledge and socioeconomic status, which can influence test scores. Efforts are being made to create more accurate and equitable testing.
Step-by-step explanation:
IQ tests have been criticized for being biased in terms of cultural knowledge rather than actual intelligence. For example, test items may ask about cultural concepts that are more familiar to affluent individuals who have greater exposure to certain music genres or instruments. This cultural bias has been a point of contention among conflict theorists who argue that it perpetuates existing power dynamics in education.
Another factor that can bias intelligence test scores is the influence of socioeconomic status. Children living in poverty may experience chronic stress that affects their brain functioning, leading to lower IQ scores. Research has shown that these stressors can impact prefrontal brain functioning, similar to the effects of damage to the prefrontal cortex.
Overall, these biases and lurking variables can affect the validity and fairness of IQ tests, and efforts are being made to develop more accurate and equitable testing programs.