PSYC 307: chapter 8.1-8.6 intelligence

intelligence

notoriously difficult to define, can reasonably be described at three levels of analysis: as one thing, as a few things, or as many things

intelligence as a single trait

some researchers view intelligence as a single trait that influences all aspects of cognitive functioning, believe that we all possess a certain amount of g, or general intelligence

general intelligence (g)

the idea that one general factor underlies intelligence, this influences our ability to think and learn on all intellectual tasks (positively correlated), unclear about effects of environment

intelligence as a few basic abilities

view in which belief that there are two types of intelligence: fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence

another view believes that intellect is composed of seven

primary mental abilities

fluid intelligence

our ability to think on the spot to solve problems, what you can do in the moment, ex: answering riddles, choosing the number that comes next in sequence, etc.

crystallized intelligence

our accumulated knowledge and verbal skills; tends to increase with age, reflects long-term memory, ex: word meanings, state capitals, etc.

primary mental abilities

word fluency, verbal meaning, reasoning, spatial visualization, numbering, rote memory, and perceptual

speed, this belief has evidence that scores on various tests of a single ability tend to correlate more strongly with one another than do scores on tests of different abilities

intelligence as numerous cognitive processes

view that intelligence is comprised of numerous, distinct processes, viewing intelligence as "many processes" allows yet more precise specification of the mechanisms involved in intelligent behavior

proposed resolution

John Carroll proposed a three-stratum theory of intelligence, a model that has:

-g at the top

-general abilities in the middle

-more specific processes at the bottom

measuring intelligence

measures of intelligence must be based on observable

behavior (problem solving, memory, language comprehension, spatial reasoning, etc.), intelligence tests measure somewhat different aspects of intelligence in children of different ages

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)

the most widely used intelligence testing instrument for

children 6 years and older, the test results in an overall score, plus separate scores on four moderately general abilities, conception of intelligence underlying WISC-V is consistent with Carroll's three-stratum framework

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

the WAIS is the most widely used intelligence test; contains verbal and performance (nonverbal) subtests ADULT INTELLIGENCE

normal distribution

pattern of data in which scores fall symmetrically around a mean value, with most scores falling close to the mean and fewer and fewer scores farther from it

standard deviation

measure of the variability of scores within a distribution

IQ (intelligence quotient)

quantitative measure, typically with a mean of 100 and

a standard deviation of 15, used to indicate a child's intelligence relative to that of other children of the same age

IQ scores

strong predictors of academic achievement (grades), economic success, and occupational success, can also predict income but other factors do play a role

measuring intelligence controversy

critics (Ceci and others): cultural biases, simplistic, ethically questionable, required much broader range of assessed abilities

advocates (Horn and others): better than any other alternative outcomes prediction method, valuable for making decisions about alternative methods

continuity of IQ scores

longitudinal studies show consistency of IQ scores from age

5 onward when: factors implicated include IQ tests given closer in time and IQ scores close, though rarely similar

factors implicated for inconsistent scores include child's alertness and mood on test days, family factors, changes in environment

factors that have an influence on intelligence

motivation, conscientiousness, social skills, physical and mental health, intellectual curiosity, creativity

self discipline

the ability to inhibit actions, follow rules, and avoid impulsive reactions

flynn effect

consistent rise in average IQ scores over the past 80

years in many countries even though the gene pool has not changed appreciably over this period, intelligence changes due to societal changes

reverse-flynn effect

decreases in IQ scores consistent across age groups, education levels, and gender

effect of poverty

the effects of poverty on children's IQ scores are indisputable, the adequacy of family income for meeting family needs is related to children's IQ scores

possible explanations

poverty increases the likelihood for adverse influences

-inadequate diet in early life

-reduced access to health services

-emotional conflicts in the home

-limited intellectual stimulation

alternative perspectives on intelligence

modern theorists argue that many intellectual aspects are

not measured by intelligence tests, tests do not measure parts of intelligence such as: creativity, social understanding, own strengths and weaknesses, etc.

Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences

based on the view that people possess at least eight

types of intelligence: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, naturalistic, bodily-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal

Gardner's evidence and influence

evidence to prove this theory include deficits shown by people with brain damage, existence of prodigies, however less evidence than traditional theories

he left an optimistic message for parents and large influence on education

Sternberg's theory of successful intelligence

based on the view that intelligence is the ability to achieve success in life (goals and aspirations), success in life is based on three types of abilities:

-analytic (linguistics, mathematical, and spatial skills)

-practical abilities (reasoning about everyday problems,

such as resolving conflicts with other people)

-creative abilities (intellectual flexibility and innovation that allow adaptation to novel circumstances)