THE NATURE OF THE TEST-TAKING SITUATION - INFORMATIONAL AND AFFECTIVEINFLUENCES ON INTELLIGENCE-TEST PERFORMANCE

The present study extends the theory of uncertainty orientation (Sorre ntino & Short 1986) to the context of intelligence test performance. T he theory assumes that Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test scores will var y as a function of personality and situational determinants. Following a previous assessment of individual differences in uncertainty orient ation (an informational variable), and achievement-related motives (an affective variable), subjects (n = 156) were given a shortened versio n of the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery intelligence test (Jackson 1984). The test was presented as an intelligence test (diagnostic cond ition) 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 uncertain ty orientation achievement-related motives combinations performed bett er where the task was perceived as diagnostic, others performed better where the task was perceived as nondiagnostic. Implications of this p ersonality x situation interaction are discussed.