Final answer:
To examine the correlation between intelligence tests and academic achievement, correlation analysis is used. This analysis is influenced by multiple factors including educational background and lurking variables. The validity of intelligence tests continues to be debated, especially in light of historical misuses and ethical concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statistical technique used to examine the relationship between intelligence tests and academic achievement is correlation analysis. This technique assesses the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two numeric variables. Factors that affect the relationship between intelligence tests and academic achievement include but are not limited to educational opportunities, socioeconomic status, motivation, and the presence of lurking variables, which are factors that could potentially influence the results but are not initially considered. For instance, influences such as the number of math or English classes taken, encouragement in certain academic areas, or societal biases could impact the observed academic outcomes.
Concerns have been raised about the validity of intelligence tests, particularly in terms of their ability to measure intelligence comprehensively and without bias. The development of intelligence tests, such as the WAIS-IV and WISC-V, are rooted in the work of pioneers like Binet and Wechsler. However, debates regarding the influence of genetics on intelligence, as evidenced by Arthur Jensen's controversial research, suggest that intelligence testing can be both useful and problematic. The infamous Buck v. Bell case, which legalized forced sterilizations based on IQ test results, illustrates the dark side of misusing intelligence tests.
Today's intelligence tests strive to be more inclusive by tapping into various competencies beyond verbal skills. However, the question of how well any test can measure individual intelligence remains open. Hence, while results of intelligence tests can provide valuable information for educational and psychological assessments, their use must be approached with ongoing scrutiny and ethical considerations.