The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales are a set of individually administered intelligence tests used to assess cognitive abilities in individuals from early childhood to adulthood. We use the Stanford-Binet to measure intelligence and cognitive abilities across various domains, including verbal reasoning, abstract/visual reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and short-term memory.
Originally developed by French psychologist Alfred Binet in the early 20th century, the test involves a series of tasks and questions of increasing difficulty. The results help in educational placement, identifying learning disabilities or giftedness, and understanding cognitive development.
We provide the Stanford-Binet in our practice for children, adolescents, and adults and for a variety of presenting concerns and questions. The following is a description of the testing process.
How the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales Were Built
It is helpful to understand how any test was designed when you are assessing whether it would be a good fit for you or your child. Here is how the Stanford-Binet came to be and how it has changed over the years.
The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales were developed by Alfred Binet, a French psychologist, in the early 20th century. The original version was created in 1905 to measure and assess children’s intelligence. Binet collaborated with his colleague, Theodore Simon, to refine and expand the scale over subsequent years. Binet’s primary goal was to create a test to identify children needing extra help in school. He aimed to measure intelligence by assessing a child’s mental age compared to their chronological age. The test consisted of various tasks and questions of increasing difficulty, covering areas such as memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and comprehension.
As it came to be known, the Stanford-Binet test underwent significant revisions and adaptations. Lewis Terman, a psychologist at Stanford University, played a crucial role in adapting and standardizing Binet’s test for an American audience in 1916. Terman’s version, known as the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, introduced new elements and norms specific to American children.
Over time, the Stanford-Binet test has undergone multiple revisions and updates to enhance its reliability, validity, and cultural relevance. The modern versions include various subtests designed to measure different cognitive abilities across different age groups, and they are regularly re-normed to ensure accuracy in assessing intelligence.
Theories Behind the Standford Binet
The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales are built upon the theoretical intelligence foundation as conceptualized by Binet and later expanded upon by Terman and others. Here are some key theoretical underpinnings:
- Binet’s Concept of Intelligence: Alfred Binet viewed intelligence as a multifaceted construct involving various mental abilities. He proposed that intelligence is not a single, fixed entity but rather a collection of different cognitive skills that can be developed and improved over time. Thus, the test measures various abilities, including verbal reasoning, abstract/visual reasoning, working memory, and quantitative reasoning.
- Mental Age: One of the foundational concepts in the original Binet scale was the idea of mental age. Binet aimed to measure a child’s mental age—the level of cognitive functioning or abilities typical of a child of a certain chronological age. This comparison allowed for assessing a child’s intelligence relative to their peers. They introduced the formula for calculating IQ: the ratio of mental age to chronological age multiplied by 100. This formula provided a standardized way to compare individuals’ intelligence across different ages.
These two theoretical foundations have evolved over time, influencing the development and refinement of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales.
Uses for the Stanford-Binet
We are asked to do the Stanford-Binet for five common reasons: 
The Stanford-Binet and Educational Placement
These tests help identify a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, aiding educators in determining appropriate educational placements or specialized programs tailored to individual needs. This test can guide specific accommodations and interventions and then be given again several years later to determine if that plan works. While most school systems use the WISC Test or Most commonly used WISC for this purpose, the Stanford Binet is chosen when there is reason to believe it is a better fit for the student.
Identification of Intellectual Disabilities or Giftedness
The Stanford-Binet can be used to assess intellectual functioning and identify potential learning disabilities or giftedness. It assists in understanding an individual’s intellectual capacity compared to others of the same age. Then, it can be compared to achievement tests and other data to determine if something is getting in the way of expressing their innate skills and abilities. We use the Stanford-Binet to evaluate cognitive abilities in adults as well, where it can be used to determine whether the person has a learning disorder that requires accommodations for work or school.
Forensic and Legal Contexts
In some cases, the Stanford-BInet can be used in legal settings, such as determining an individual’s competency to stand trial or when a lawyer wants to understand how their client will do if testifying fully.
Therapy Planning Using the Stanford-Binet
Results from the Stanford-Binet tests can guide therapy treatment plans for individuals with suspected cognitive challenges or learning differences. In these cases, the Stanford-Binet becomes a part of therapy designed to help people tap into their strengths and overcome challenges and also to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with both.
Parental and Teacher Insights
Even when there is no specific learning difference, the Stanford-Binet can be used to provide parents and teachers with valuable insights into a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, allowing for tailored support and guidance.
These applications showcase the versatility of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales in understanding and assessing cognitive abilities across various age groups and contexts.
Administration of the Stanford-Binet
Administration of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales involves several steps:
Preparation for the Stanford-Binet
We start by ensuring that the person being tested and their parent, if applicable, understand what the testing is for, how it will be administered, and what the results could reveal. We ensure that our space will be quiet, comfortable, and free from distractions.
Stanford-Binet Testing
Each task on the Stanford Binet starts with initial items to gauge the individual’s abilities before moving to more complex items. This helps in determining the appropriate starting point for the test. We always explain that extremely few people make it through all items as they get harder.
We administer the test items according to the specific age or ability level of the individual being tested. The test covers various domains, such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, abstract/visual reasoning, and short-term memory. Throughout the test, we observe the individual’s behavior, approach to problem-solving, and any notable reactions.
Post-Test Steps
Scores are calculated based on the individual’s responses, and norms or standardized scoring guides are used to interpret the results accurately. They are arranged in ways that measure specific skills and sets of skills, and these can all be compared and contrasted. Then, we prepare a comprehensive report summarizing the test results, observations, and recommendations, if required.
If applicable, we always provide feedback or information about the test results to the individual or their guardian. We can also contact school systems or therapists with your permission if this would be helpful.
Conclusions and Our Services
While intelligence tests like the Stanford-Binet can offer valuable insights, they are just one measure of cognitive abilities and don’t encapsulate the entirety of a person’s skills or potential. We often provide adjunctive services in addition to the Stanford-Binet, such as tests to determine whether anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, depression, or other factors interfere with the person’s ability to express their intellectual skills.
We would be happy to discuss whether the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales are the most appropriate choice for your intelligence testing needs and what the services would entail. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
