The nature of the test taking situation: Informational and affective influences on intelligence test performance

Abstract

The present study extends the theory of uncertainty orientation (Sorrentino & Short 1986) to the context of intelligence test performance. The theory assumes that Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test scores will vary as a function of personality and situational determinants. Following a previous assessment of individual differences in uncertainty orientation (an informational variable), and achievement-related motives (an affective variable), subjects (n = 156) were given a shortened version of the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery intelligence test (Jackson 1984). The test was presented as an intelligence test (diagnostic condition) or as exploratory (nondiagnostic condition). Results supported the general hypothesis that IQ scores would differ significantly as a function of subjects' uncertainty orientation and achievement-related motives by interacting with task diagnosticity. Whereas some uncertainty orientation achievement-related motives combinations performed better where the task was perceived as diagnostic, others performed better where the task was perceived as nondiagnostic. Implications of this personality × situation interaction are discussed.