Interpreting Cultural Variations in Cognitive Profiles

Abstract

(from the chapter) The prevailing view that Asian Americans are a "model minority" and a homogeneous group often obscures the reality of complex cultural variations in cognitive profiles of Asian Americans. In general, the research conducted on abilities primarily focuses on only a few Asian American subgroups (e.g., Japanese) to the exclusion of other subgroups. While studies indicate that Asian Americans as a group tend to score higher on quantitative measures in comparison to verbal measures on aptitude tests, there is also evidence that significant subgroup differences in performance exist. This chapter highlights the cognitive profiles of Asian Americans while attending to subgroup differences whenever possible. The following areas are discussed: (1) Asian American cognitive profiles on standardized measures; (2) issues of standardization, test reliability, and validity; (3) factors impacting performance on ability tests; (4) interpretive strategies for understanding profile differences; and (5) future directions in test research and test development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)