Intelligence Theories and Psychometrics

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering the theories and concepts of intelligence, psychometrics, and the factors influencing IQ scores.

Intelligence

The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.

Spearman’s G Factor

The idea that one general intelligence influences all mental abilities.

Example: Someone good at math is often also good at reading and reasoning.

Crystalized Intelligence

Knowledge and skills gained from experience and education.

Example: Vocabulary words you learned in school.

Fluid Intelligence

The ability to solve new problems without using prior knowledge.

Example: Solving a puzzle you’ve never seen before.

Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences

The idea that intelligence comes in different forms, not just academic skills.

Example: A dancer (bodily-kinesthetic) or a therapist who understands others well (interpersonal).

Sternberg’s Three Factor Model

Analytical (problem-solving), Creative (new ideas), and Practical ("street smarts")

Binet's MA

A measure of intelligence based on the level of thinking typical for a certain age.

Example: A 10-year-old who thinks like an average 12-year-old has an MA of 12.

Terman's IQ

A score that compares a person’s intelligence to others their age.

Example: An IQ of 100 means average intelligence.

Psychometrics

The science of measuring mental abilities and traits.

Example: Designing and scoring intelligence or personality tests.

Standardization Norms

Rules that show how your score compares to others.

Example: Knowing your SAT score percentile.

Factor Analysis

A method used to find patterns in test results.

Example: Discovering that vocabulary and reading scores group together.

Reliability

How consistent a test’s results are.

Example: Getting similar scores every time you take the same test.

Test/Retest Reliability

How stable scores are over time.

Example: Taking the same IQ test months apart and getting similar scores.

Split-Half Reliability

How consistent different parts of a test are.

Example: Scoring similarly on the first half and second half of a test.

Validity

How well a test measures what it claims to measure.

Example: An IQ test actually measuring intelligence, not test-taking skills.

Construct Validity

How well a test measures an abstract idea.

Example: A creativity test actually measuring creativity.

Predictive Validity

How well a test predicts future performance.

Example: SAT scores predicting college success.

Socio-Cultural Issues

How background and culture affect test performance.

Example: A test using unfamiliar language for certain groups.

Group Difference

Score differences between demographic groups.

Example: Average score differences between age groups.

Stereotype Threat

Stress from fearing you’ll confirm a negative stereotype.

Example: A student doing worse because they worry about a stereotype.

IQ Distributions

The pattern of how IQ scores are spread in a population.

Example: Most people score near 100, fewer score very high or low.

Intellectual Disability

Significant limits in thinking skills and daily functioning.

Example: Needing support with schoolwork and daily tasks.

Savant Syndrome

Exceptional ability in one area despite overall developmental challenges.

Example: Someone with autism who can instantly calculate dates.

Systemic Issues

Large-scale problems that affect opportunities.

Example: Underfunded schools limiting educational access.

Flynn Effect

IQ scores increasing over generations.

Example: Modern generations scoring higher than earlier ones on old IQ tests.

Cultural Bias

When a test favors certain cultures.

Example: Questions based on experiences not shared by all groups.

Factors that Negatively Impact IQ Scores

Conditions that lower test performance.

Example: Poverty, poor nutrition, limited education.

Types of Tests

Different ways intelligence or skills are measured.

Example: Achievement vs. aptitude tests.

Achievement Test

Measures what you already know.

Example: A biology final exam.

Aptitude Test

Measures potential to learn.

Example: A test predicting success in a job.

Mindset Matters

Beliefs about intelligence affect performance.

Example: Trying harder when you believe improvement is possible.

Fixed Mindset

Belief that intelligence cannot change.

Example: “I’m just bad at math.”

Growth Mindset

Belief that intelligence can grow with effort.

Example: Studying more after a low test score.

One underlying intelligence explains ability in many areas

Spearman’s G Factor

Test meant to measure creativity actually measures memorization

Construct Validity

Different people excel in different types of intelligence (dance, social, music)

Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences

Child reasons like an older child for their age

Binet’s Mental Age (MA)

Exam measures what students already learned in class

Achievement Test

Vocabulary and reading scores rise and fall together

Factor Analysis

Test predicts how well someone will perform in a future job

Aptitude Test

Test predicts future success → name the TEST (not the validity)

Aptitude Test