Class XII Psychology: Variations in Psychological Attributes

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the key terms and concepts from the first chapter of the Class XII Psychology textbook regarding individual differences and intelligence.

Individual Differences

Distinctiveness and variations among people's characteristics and behaviour patterns.

Situationism

The view that situations and circumstances in which one is placed influence one's behaviour more than personal traits.

Assessment

The measurement of psychological attributes of individuals and their evaluation using scientific procedures and standards of comparison.

Intelligence

The global capacity to understand the world, think rationally, and use available resources effectively when faced with challenges.

Aptitude

An individual's underlying potential for acquiring specific skills or knowledge after proper training.

Interest

An individual's preference for engaging in one or more specific activities relative to others.

Personality

Relatively enduring characteristics of a person that make her or him distinct from others.

Values

Enduring beliefs about an ideal mode of behaviour that serve as a standard for guiding actions and judging others.

Psychometric Approach

An approach to intelligence that considers it an aggregate of abilities and expresses performance in a single index of cognitive abilities.

Information-processing Approach

An approach that focuses on the processes used in intellectual reasoning and problem solving, rather than just the structure of intelligence.

Two-factor Theory

Spearman's theory stating intelligence consists of a general factor (g-factor) and specific factors (s-factors).

Primary Mental Abilities

Thurstone's theory that intelligence consists of seven independent abilities: verbal comprehension, numerical abilities, spatial relations, perceptual speed, word fluency, memory, and inductive reasoning.

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Sternberg's theory involving three types of intelligence: Componential (analytical), Experiential (creative), and Contextual (practical).

PASS Model

A model developed by Das, Naglieri, and Kirby stating intellectual activity involves Arousal/Attention, Simultaneous and Successive processing, and Planning.

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

A measure derived by dividing Mental Age (MA) by Chronological Age (CA) and multiplying by 100.

Intellectual Disability

Significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning (IQ below 70) with deficits in adaptive behaviour manifested during the developmental period.

Intellectual Giftedness

Exceptional general ability shown in superior performance in a wide variety of areas, typically defined by an IQ of 130 or above.

Emotional Intelligence

The ability to monitor one's own and others' emotions, to discriminate among them, and to use the information to guide thinking and actions.