“AP Psychology Unit 2 – Intelligence (Modules 60–64)”

Term

Definition

Intelligence

The ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and use knowledge to adapt to new situations.

Intelligence Test

A method for assessing an individual’s mental aptitudes and comparing them with others using numerical scores.

General Intelligence (g)

Charles Spearman’s theory that a single general factor underlies all mental abilities.

Factor Analysis

A statistical method used to identify clusters of related items on a test that reveal underlying dimensions of performance.

Thurstone’s Primary Mental Abilities

L. L. Thurstone proposed seven distinct cognitive abilities: verbal comprehension, word fluency, number facility, spatial visualization, associative memory, reasoning, and perceptual speed.

Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences

Howard Gardner’s theory of eight independent intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and naturalistic.

Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory

Robert Sternberg’s model of three interacting intelligences: analytical (problem-solving), creative (novel ideas), and practical (real-world application).

Emotional Intelligence (EI)

The ability to perceive, understand, manage, and use emotions effectively (Salovey, Mayer, Goleman).

Savant Syndrome

A condition in which a person with limited mental ability demonstrates exceptional skill in a specific area.

Grit

Passion and perseverance toward long-term goals (Angela Duckworth).

Mental Age

The level of performance typically associated with a certain chronological age (Alfred Binet).

Stanford–Binet Test

Lewis Terman’s American revision of Binet’s intelligence test; introduced the IQ formula.

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

A score originally calculated as (Mental Age ÷ Chronological Age) × 100; now based on standardized comparison to age peers.

Achievement Test

A test designed to measure what a person has already learned.

Aptitude Test

A test designed to predict a person’s future performance or ability to learn new skills.

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

David Wechsler’s intelligence test with separate verbal and performance subtests.

Standardization

Defining meaningful scores by comparing performance to a pretested group.

Normal Curve

A symmetrical, bell-shaped distribution of scores with most near the average.

Reliability

The consistency of test results over time or across different versions.

Validity

The extent to which a test measures or predicts what it claims to measure.

Content Validity

The extent to which a test measures the behavior it intends to measure.

Predictive Validity

How well a test predicts future performance.

Cohort

A group of people sharing a common characteristic, such as birth year.

Crystallized Intelligence

Accumulated knowledge and verbal skills that generally increase with age.

Fluid Intelligence

The ability to reason speedily and abstractly; tends to decrease in late adulthood.

Intellectual Disability

Limited mental ability with an IQ ≤ 70 and difficulty adapting to life’s demands.

Down Syndrome

A condition of intellectual disability caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.

Heritability

The proportion of variation in intelligence among individuals attributable to genetic factors.

Twin and Adoption Studies

Research comparing twins and adopted children to determine genetic and environmental influences.

Environmental Influences

Life experiences, including nutrition, education, and stimulation, that affect cognitive development.

Flynn Effect

The observed rise in average IQ scores over generations (James Flynn).

Growth Mindset

The belief that intelligence can be developed through effort and persistence (Carol Dweck).

Stereotype Threat

A self-confirming concern that one will be evaluated based on negative stereotypes (Claude Steele).

Test Bias

A test that detects not only innate intelligence but also cultural or experiential differences.

Cultural Fairness in Testing

Designing intelligence tests to minimize the influence of language and culture.

Gender Similarities and Differences

Males and females have similar average intelligence, though each gender may excel in different skills.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Intelligence

Average differences are largely explained by environmental and social factors rather than genetics.

Spearman

Proposed general intelligence (g) and used factor analysis to support his theory.

Thurstone

Developed the Primary Mental Abilities theory with seven independent cognitive skills.

Gardner

Proposed Multiple Intelligences, highlighting eight independent types of intelligence. (imagine a garden with 8 different flowers) 

Sternberg

Developed the Triarchic Theory with analytical, creative, and practical intelligence. think of ACP, “all clever people”

Goleman

Popularized emotional intelligence, focusing on understanding and managing emotions.

Binet

Created the first intelligence test to identify children needing additional academic support.

Terman

Adapted Binet’s test into the Stanford–Binet and introduced the IQ formula.

Wechsler

Created WAIS and WISC intelligence scales still widely used today.

Dweck

Introduced growth mindset, emphasizing that intelligence can improve with effort.

Flynn

Identified the Flynn Effect, the generational rise in IQ scores.

Steele

Studied stereotype threat and its impact on test performance.

Duckworth

Researched grit as a predictor of long-term achievement and perseverance.