Chapter_10_Intelligence

Intelligence

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

Factor Analysis

A statistical procedure that identifies clusters of related items on a test, used to identify different dimensions of performance that underlie a total score.

General Intelligence (g)

A factor believed to underlie specific mental abilities, measured by every task on an intelligence test.

Savant Syndrome

A condition in which a person has an exceptional specific skill despite being otherwise limited in mental ability.

Multiple Intelligences

Howard Gardner’s theory that suggests intelligence is comprised of multiple independent modalities, including linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, naturalist, and existential intelligence.

Triarchic Theory

Robert Sternberg’s theory that posits three distinct types of intelligence: analytical, creative, and practical.

Emotional Intelligence

The ability to perceive, express, understand, and regulate emotions.

Aptitude Test

A test designed to predict a person’s future performance.

Achievement Test

A test designed to assess what a person has learned.

Mental Age

A measure of intelligence test performance that corresponds to the chronological age that most typically corresponds to a given level of performance.

Stanford-Binet

The widely used American revision of Binet’s original intelligence test.

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

Originally defined as the ratio of mental age to chronological age multiplied by 100.

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

The most widely used intelligence test that includes subtests for verbal comprehension, perceptual organization, working memory, and processing speed.

Reliability

The extent to which a test yields consistent results.

Validity

The extent to which a test measures or predicts what it is supposed to.

Flynn Effect

The observed rise in intelligence test scores over time, attributed to various environmental factors.

Intellectual Disability

A condition of limited mental ability indicated by an intelligence score below 70.

Heritability

The proportion of variation among individuals that can be attributed to genes.

Stereotype Threat

A self-confirming concern that one will be evaluated based on a negative stereotype.