Cognitive Testing vs. Achievement Testing
Beginning in elementary school, students may take several standardized tests each year. Most of these, achievement tests mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act, measure what a student has learned in school and how her knowledge compares to other students of the same age. Cognitive tests, conversely, are tests designed to measure a student's innate intelligence or ability to learn. Although they are less common in a classroom setting, some students may take cognitive tests as part of psychological testing.
Types of Knowledge
Achievement tests measure how much a student has learned, while cognitive tests measure a student's reasoning and learning abilities. An achievement test in math, for example, might test a student to see if she recalls formulas or knows basic math terminology. A cognitive test, by contrast, would test generalized math reasoning skills that a student does not have to be taught. Achievement test scores tend to show a much more significant improvement when a student has a good teacher than do cognitive test scores, according to the textbook "Educational Psychology."
Types of Questions
Achievement tests ask students to solve specific problems and provide fact-based information. A student might, for example, be asked about the 42nd President or be required to list the elements of the scientific method. Cognitive tests, by contrast, test a student's ability to solve more generalized problems. A student might be asked to complete a pattern or to find similarities between two images.
Examples of Tests
The SAT is a type of cognitive test commonly called an aptitude test, while the ACT is an achievement test that measures specific knowledge. IQ tests are also cognitive tests that don't require a student to be taught specific information. Psychological tests that measure symptoms of autism, personality disorders, depression and similar conditions are also cognitive tests, and may incorporate elements of IQ and other aptitude tests.
The Fuzzy Line
The line between cognitive and achievement tests is not always a clear one. "Educational Psychology" reports that students' scores on cognitive tests can improve with proper instruction, and a student who has received no instruction won't do well on a cognitive test. A child who, for example, was never taught to read won't be able to take a cognitive test. Consequently, cognitive tests do measure some degree of learned achievement, and not solely a student's ability to learn.
Van Thompson is an attorney and writer. A former martial arts instructor, he holds bachelor's degrees in music and computer science from Westchester University, and a juris doctor from Georgia State University. He is the recipient of numerous writing awards, including a 2009 CALI Legal Writing Award.