Week 6: Day 1

What are the three main ways researchers define intelligence?

1) As a single trait (general intelligence “g”)
2) As a few basic abilities (fluid + crystallized intelligence)
3) As many specific cognitive processes (like memory, attention, problem solving)

What is general intelligence (g)?

A single trait that influences performance on all intellectual tasks; if you're good at one, you're likely good at others.

What is fluid intelligence?

The ability to think on the spot and solve new problems; peaks around age 20; linked to the prefrontal cortex

What is crystallized intelligence?

Accumulated knowledge of the world (e.g., vocab, facts); increases with age; less prefrontal involvement.

What does Carroll’s three-stratum theory propose?

Intelligence has three levels:

1. g (general intelligence)

2. Broad abilities (e.g., reasoning, memory)

3. Specific processes (e.g., digit span, visual rotation)

What is Intelligence as many process

Breaks intelligence into tiny brain function like: Remembering, Perceiving, Planning, Reading, solving problem

What is the WISC-V and who is it for?

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – most common IQ test for children age 6+; based on Carroll’s theory

What scores does the WISC-V provide?

One full-scale IQ score + four separate scores for verbal comprehension, visual-spatial skills, working memory, and processing speed.

What is a normal distribution of IQ scores?

A bell-shaped curve with a mean of 100 and standard deviation of 15; most people score between 85–115.

How stable are IQ scores over time?

Fairly stable from age 5 onward, especially if tests are close together in time — but can change due to health, mood, or environment.

What does IQ predict?

Academic performance, standardized test scores, job success, and income level

Why is IQ controversial? But also supportive?

• Critics (Ceci & others): IQ test are culturally biased, too narrow, and miss broder intelligence

• Supporter (Horn & other): Still the best predictor of outcomes like school success and jobs

What non-IQ traits also predict success?

Motivation, curiosity, creativity, social skills, self-discipline, conscientiousness, physical and mental health.

What does Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model say about intelligence?

Intelligence develops through interactions between genes, environment, culture, economic system, and personal experience.

What role do genes play in intelligence?

Intelligence is highly heritable, influenced by many genes (not just one), and genetic effects become stronger with age.

What are the 3 types of gene x environment interactions?

1) Passive – parents provide enriched environments
2) Evocative – children’s traits elicit responses
3) Active – children seek environments that fit their abilities

What does the HOME inventory measure?

Quality of the home environment: books, parent involvement, safety, emotional support — higher scores = higher IQ.

How does school affect IQ?

School raises IQ 1–5 points per year. During breaks, low-SES kids tend to fall behind (summer slide).

What is the Flynn Effect?(Society Role)

Average IQ scores have risen ~10 points over the last 80 years due to better education, nutrition, and stimulation.

How does poverty impact IQ?

It reduces IQ through stress, poor diet, less access to healthcare, and limited stimulation or support.

What is the Environmental Risk Scale?

A scale of risk factors (e.g., low parent education, many siblings, single parenting); more risks = lower IQ. (Boost IQ short term 2 yr), but lead to better graduation rate and less ed

Do early intervention programs help?

Yes! Programs like Head Start boost IQ short-term and improve long-term outcomes like graduation and reduced special ed placement.

What did Wong et al. (2022) find about charter schools?

High-performing charter schools reduced alcohol use and improved health in boys, but worsened physical health in girls.