Non-human animals and language
Some animals show language-like communication: dogs (barks with tone), bees (waggle dance), ants (chemical trails), dolphins & whales (vocalizations), birds (songs + dialects).
Their communication is less complex than human language.
Unique features of human language
Writing systems: built on language, not universal historically.
Multiple dialects/languages often block communication (also in birds).
Ability for abstract talk and use of tone to change meaning.
Use of gestures extensively.
Generativity: create new sentences.
Arbitrary symbols: words have no direct link to meaning (e.g., “cat”).
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Non-human animals and language
Some animals show language-like communication: dogs (barks with tone), bees (waggle dance), ants (chemical trails), dolphins & whales (vocalizations), birds (songs + dialects).
Their communication is less complex than human language.
Unique features of human language
Writing systems: built on language, not universal historically.
Multiple dialects/languages often block communication (also in birds).
Ability for abstract talk and use of tone to change meaning.
Use of gestures extensively.
Generativity: create new sentences.
Arbitrary symbols: words have no direct link to meaning (e.g., “cat”).
Parts of language
Phonemes: smallest speech sounds (e.g., “c” in cat).
Morphemes: smallest meaningful units (e.g., “ing”, “s”).
Syntax: grammar rules for word order.
Semantics: word meanings.
Pragmatics: context and tone effects.
Metalinguistics: language about language
Bilingualism
Types: Simultaneous, Sequential, Heritage, Adult second-language.
Code switching: switching languages by context.
Bilinguals may start with smaller vocab but usually catch up.
Often better at rule-switching tasks
Definitions and models of intelligence
General intelligence (g): overall ability.
Crystallized: facts & knowledge.
Fluid: problem-solving & adaptability.
Intelligence includes memory and learning ability
Measuring intelligence and Binet’s contributions
IQ tests measure correlated abilities, not intelligence directly.
Binet-Simon IQ test (1904): first IQ test (puzzles, naming, counting).
Scores: mean 100, SD 15, vary by age & culture
Importance and predictors of intelligence
intelligence predicts academic, economic, occupational success.
Effects are self-reinforcing via opportunities.
Education has a stronger effect on income than IQ alone.
Sources influencing intelligence
Genetics: identical twins ~90% IQ correlation.
Environment: involved parents and stimulation help; low SES hurts.
Education: boosts IQ scores (practice effect).
IQ tests miss emotional intelligence and creativit
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory
Eight intelligences: Linguistic, Logical-math, Spatial, Body-kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Naturalistic, Intrapersonal.
Emotional intelligence = interpersonal + intrapersonal.
Intelligences are independent and develop at different speeds
Early measures of intelligence and IQ tests
Sir Francis Galton:
-intelligence normally distributed (mean, median, mode).
Binet & Simon (1904):
-1st standardized IQ test for schooling; measured direction, adaptation, criticism; concept of mental age.
Stanford-Binet test:
-American adaptation; IQ = (mental age / chronological age) × 100 (problem: mental age stagnation).
Wechsler tests:
-use deviation IQ (mean=100, SD=15), most popular today, includes performance IQ.
Measuring intelligence and Binet’s contributions
Deviation IQ: fixes mental age problem, used by Wechsler.
Modern IQ tests assess multiple cognitive areas (e.g., printed language, spatial skills).
Carroll’s Three-Stratum Model:
Stratum III = General intelligence (g)
Stratum II = Broad intelligence (e.g., fluid)
Stratum I = Narrow abilities(e.g., verbal reasoning)
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory
Musical – music smart
Bodily-Kinesthetic – body smart
Interpersonal – people smart
Verbal-Linguistic – word smart
Logical-Mathematical – logic smart
Naturalistic – nature smart
Intrapersonal – self smart
Visual-Spatial – picture smart
Alfred Binet & Theodore Simon
Created first standardized intelligence test in 1904 for the French government.
Tested behavioral tasks like:
Puzzles
Object naming
Counting
Binet’s 3 Test Abilities
Direction – knowing what to do
Adaptation – adjusting to problem-solving
Criticism – evaluating correctness
spearman’s Two-Factor Theory
g = general intelligence across domains
s = specific skills (e.g., math, verbal)
Emotional Intelligence (EI)
Ability to perceive, understand, manage, and use emotions
Not captured by traditional IQ tests
High EI = more efficient emotion-related brain processing
memeory
Episodic memory is the ability to remember past events. -
Semantic memory is the ability to remember general information