Perception and Intelligence Vocab

AP Psych

selective attention

Definition: The ability to focus on one stimulus among all sensory input

Characteristics/Facts:

• prioritize some sensory inputs over others

• filtering out unnecessary information

• directing focus

Examples: Cocktail party effect

Non-Example: Hearing bits and pieces of multiple conversations going on around you

schema

Definition: concept or framework that organizes and interprets information

Characteristics/Facts:

• bring similar thoughts and behaviors together

• mental blueprint

Examples: The way of ordering at a restaurant (like PTs)

Non-Example: not learning from past behaviors

aptitude test

Definition: A test designed to predict an individual’s future performance

Characteristics/Facts: measures-

• talent

• ability

• potential

• capacity to learn

Examples: SAT

Non-Example: AP exam or EOC

achievement test

Definition: a test designed to assess what an individual has learned

Characteristics/Facts: measures-

• current knowledge

• skills

• information acquired by instruction

Examples: AP test and EOC

Non-Example: SAT

standardization

Definition: Comparing scores with the performance of other groups to define the scores

Characteristics/Facts:

• same conditions

• accurate comparison

Examples: EOC (questions and conditions are the same)

Non-Example: When a teacher gives out two different tests to prevent cheating

normal curve

Definition: A bell-shaped curve that determines the average of something

Characteristics/Facts:

• most scores fall in the middle

• symetrical

Examples: IQ scores

Non-Example:

reliability

Definition: The extent to which a test yields consistent results

Characteristics/Facts:

• stability

• trustworthy

Examples: when you get the same results every time, thus proving it is reliable

Non-Example: when after testing it yields multiple different results

validity

Definition: The extent to which a test measures or predicts what it is supposed to occur

Characteristics/Facts:

• researchers can confidently draw conclusions from the data collected

Examples: A driving test has a practical driving portion and not just a theoretical test.

Non-Example: If a math test is used to determine a kid’s reading comprehension skills.

crystallized intelligence

Definition: Individuals accumulated knowledge and verbal skills

Characteristics/Facts:

• using previously learned knowledge

• using previous experience

Examples: knowing geographical locations

Non-Example: fluid intelligence

fluid intelligence

Definition: Individuals ability to reason speedily and abstractly

Characteristics/Facts:

• adapt

• learning

• reason

• logic

Examples: solving a 1000 piece puzzle quickly

Non-Example: crystalized intelligence