Intelligence

Compare and contrast various theories of intelligence

Spearman: intelligence is a single trait called g (general level of intelligence that affects all intellectual tasks) that is innate and genetic

Geary: two types of intelligence called fluid (novel problem-solving, working memory, cognitive flexibility, processing speed)) and crystallized intelligence (knowledge of factual information aka declarative memory)

Thurstone: categorizes fluid and crystallized intelligence as seven primary mental abilities

Carroll: an underlying g but there are numerous metal abilities to measure intelligence including fluid and crystallized intelligence and 6 others

What types of questions are asked on traditional IQ tests?

Stanford-Binet test and the WISC which measure verbal comprehension, visual-spatial processing, fluid reasoning, working memory and processing speed

How is IQ calculated?

IQ = mental age/chronological age X 100

What environmental factors have been shown to correlate with IQ/intelligence test scores?

SES is positively correlated with intelligence, family risk factors (absent, incarcerated or sick parent), home environment, education/schooling, and physical health/mortality

What leads to higher IQ/intelligence test scores? What leads to lower IQ/intelligence test scores?

Lead exposure reduces IQ, formal education improves IQ, early education intervention for low-income US families; Heritability of IQ increases with age

Describe the links between intelligence test performance and life outcomes

Higher IQs = healthier lives, higher SES, higher occupational, economic, and academic success; correlated with diverse aspects of life such as subjective well-being and quality of friendships

Describe the ways in which intelligence tests may be vulnerable to bias

Cultural bias - the content and language used on the test disproportionately favor individuals from a specific cultural background, typically White middle class groups, so they do better

What are the alternative views, their features, and their strengths and weaknesses?

Gardner’s Theory: multiple intelligence theory proposes that people possess at least 8 kinds of intelligence however there is less supporting evidence and predictive of academic or occupational success

Sternberg’s Theory: envisions intelligence as the ability to achieve success in life, given one’s personal standards, within one’s sociocultural context

Dweck’s achievement motivation: fixed mindset (intelligence/ability is predetermined) vs growth mindset (intelligence/ability can be developed and improved through effort and experiences)