MEPX
Chapter 10 of 10All chapters
  1. 1The method
  2. 2Common relationships
  3. 3Traps
  4. 4When you do not know a word
  5. 5Why analogies matter
  6. 6Worked examples
  7. 7Degree and intensity
  8. 8Function and use
  9. 9Question formats
  10. 10Criticism of analogy tests

Chapter 10 of 10

Criticism of analogy tests

Worth knowing.

Cultural loading

Analogy items depend on vocabulary and shared reference, which vary by background and language. Several major tests dropped them for this reason.

  • Performance measures exposure as well as reasoning.
  • Practice narrows the gap, which is itself evidence of the effect.

Using them well

As a puzzle and a vocabulary exercise they are useful. As a measure of general ability they carry the same caveats as any test that assumes a shared background.