610. Beyond IQ: Unlocking the Drivers of Real-World Learning w/ Dr. Kevin McGrew

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. Today, I have the honor of speaking with Dr. Kevin McGrew, lead author of the Woodcock-Johnson battery and a leading expert on intelligence theory, to re-examine how we understand and evaluate human intelligence. We discuss his career journey from practicing school psychologist to educational researcher. Dr. McGrew breaks down the mathematical limitations of relying solely on IQ scores to predict academic performance. We unpack his CAMML model (Cognitive Affective Motivation Model of Learning) to evaluate how motivation, self-beliefs, and self-regulated learning drive real-world achievement. Finally, we discuss why general intelligence (g) may be better understood as an emergent property rather than a biological entity in the brain, alongside emerging digital innovations and psychometric network models shaping the future of assessment. Main Topics Discussed 00:52: Early experiences in school psychology and developing a foundational interest in individual differences 04:08: Alan Kaufman’s intelligent testing framework and early clinical adoption of the Woodcock-Johnson 17:50: The historical 1986 meeting bringing together John Horn and John Carroll to form CHC theory 20:49: The Forrest Gump presentation and the mathematical reality of standard errors of estimate 30:14: Introducing the CAMEL model for evaluating non-cognitive drivers of learning 42:25: Addressing structural gaps in graduate training regarding motivation and individual differences 53:01: Re-evaluating general intelligence (g) as an emergent property akin to engine horsepower 01:06:33: Future frontiers in assessment including psychometric network models, meta-SEMs, and millisecond digital timing Resources Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb : the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Mind Hub (Dr. Kevin McGrew’s official research site): https://www.iitemindhub.com Canadian Journal of School Psychology (McGrew 2022 CAMEL Model Paper): https://journals.sagepub.com/home/cjs Journal of Intelligence (McGrew 2023 Network Analysis Paper): https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jintelligence Marker Learning Research and Test Blueprint: https://www.markerlearning.com National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO): https://nceo.info Cross-Battery Assessment (XBA) 4th Edition by Dawn P. Flanagan et al.: https://www.wiley.com Dr. McGrew’s Handout Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therap