PSY 4

Definition of intelligence

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

G factor

A general intelligence factor that underlies specific mental abilities, measured by every task on an intelligence test.

Mental set

A tendency to approach problems in a particular way, often based on past experience.

Fluid intelligence

The ability to reason and solve new problems independently of previously acquired knowledge.

Crystallized intelligence

The ability to use learned knowledge and experience.

Gardner’s eight intelligences

A theory proposing that individuals have multiple intelligences including linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic.

Steinberg’s three intelligences

Includes analytical intelligence (problem-solving abilities), creative intelligence (ability to deal with novel situations), and practical intelligence (street smarts or common sense).

Emotional intelligence (EQ)

The ability to perceive, understand, manage, and use emotions.

Perceiving (Emotional Intelligence)

The ability to recognize and interpret emotions in oneself and others.

Understanding (Emotional Intelligence)

The ability to comprehend emotional language and how emotions can influence motivation and behavior.

Managing (Emotional Intelligence)

The ability to regulate emotions in both ourselves and others.

Using (Emotional Intelligence)

The ability to harness emotions to facilitate various cognitive activities.

Intelligence vs. Aptitude vs. Achievement testing

Intelligence tests assess overall cognitive ability, aptitude tests predict future performance or ability, while achievement tests measure knowledge and skills acquired.

Binet and Simon and the first IQ test

Developed the first intelligence test to identify students who required special help in school.

Mental age

A measure of intelligence based on the age at which an average individual reaches a particular score.

Terman and the Stanford-Binet

An American revision of Binet’s original intelligence test to create the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale.

Defining the intelligence quotient (IQ)

IQ is defined as the mental age divided by chronological age, multiplied by 100.

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

An intelligence test designed specifically for adults that measures various aspects of intelligence.

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)

An intelligence test designed specifically for children that assesses cognitive ability.

Principles of test construction

Key elements for creating psychological tests, including standardization, reliability, and validity.

Standardization

Establishing norms and uniform procedures for administering and scoring a test.

Reliability

The consistency of a test in measuring what it is intended to measure.

Split-half reliability

A method of measuring internal consistency by dividing a test into two halves and comparing scores.

Test-retest reliability

A method of measuring consistency by administering the same test to the same individuals at different times.

Validity

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

Content validity

The extent to which a test measures the behavior or skill it is supposed to measure.

Predictive validity

The extent to which a test accurately predicts future performance or behavior.

Normal curve and interpretation of IQ scores

A bell-shaped curve where most scores cluster around the average, allowing for the interpretation of how an individual's score compares to the general population.

Age related changes in intelligence

Cognitive abilities can decline with age, affecting fluid intelligence more than crystallized intelligence.

Heritability of intelligence

The proportion of variance in intelligence among individuals that can be attributed to genetic differences.

Effects of extreme environments on intelligence

Adverse environments can negatively impact cognitive development.

Changes in heritability of intelligence with age

Heritability estimates tend to rise as individuals age due to environmental influences becoming less prominent.

Motivation

The process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors.

Instincts

Innate behaviors that are biologically programmed into an organism.

Drive reduction theory

The theory that motivation arises from the desire to reduce uncomfortable internal states, such as hunger or thirst.

Drives

An internal state of tension that motivates an organism to engage in activities to reduce that tension.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in a biological system.

Arousal theory

The theory that individuals are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal.

Yerkes-Dodson law

The principle that there is an optimal level of arousal for performance; too little or too much arousal can hinder performance.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

A motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels.

Physiology of hunger

The biological processes that regulate feelings of hunger and satiety.

Blood glucose regulation

The process of maintaining optimal blood sugar levels to control hunger and energy.

Stomach contractions and hunger

Physical sensations in the stomach that indicate the need for food.

Role of hypothalamus in hunger

This brain region regulates hunger and energy balance.

Set point

The hypothesized weight range that the body attempts to maintain.

Basal metabolic rate

The rate at which the body uses energy while at rest to maintain vital functions.

Appetite hormones

Hormones that regulate hunger and satiety, affecting appetite.

Ghrelin

A hormone that increases appetite and stimulates hunger.

Orexin

A hormone involved in regulating arousal and appetite.

Leptin

A hormone that signals satiety and reduces hunger.

PYY and GLP-1

Hormones produced by the intestines that help regulate appetite.

Situational influences on eating

Environmental factors that affect food intake and eating behaviors.

Serving size

The amount of food served, which influences how much people eat.

Food variety and food cues

Different types of food and sensory stimuli that can impact food choices and consumption.

Nudging nutrition

Strategies that encourage healthy food choices without restricting options.

Genetic influences on body weight

The impact of genetic predisposition on an individual's body weight.

Environmental influences on body weight

External factors that affect body weight, such as culture and access to food.

Sexuality and asexuality

Sexuality refers to sexual attraction, while asexuality refers to the lack of sexual attraction.

Sexual response cycle

The four stages of sexual responses: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

Excitement (Sexual response cycle)

The initial phase characterized by increased sexual arousal.

Plateau (Sexual response cycle)

The phase of high sexual excitement preceding orgasm.

Orgasm (Sexual response cycle)

The climax of sexual excitement characterized by intense pleasure.

Resolution and refractory period (Sexual response cycle)

The phase following orgasm when physiological arousal decreases, often accompanied by a recovery period.

Gender differences in sexuality

Variations in sexual behavior and attitudes that can differ between males and females.

Sexual scripts

Culturally based guidelines for how individuals should behave in sexual situations.

Sexual dysfunctions

A range of problems associated with sexual desire, arousal, or orgasm.

Gender differences in sexual dysfunctions

Differences in the prevalence and types of sexual dysfunction experienced by men and women.

Motives for sex

Reasons individuals engage in sexual activities, including physical, emotional, and social motivations.

Biopsychosocial influences on sexual motivation

The interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors influencing sexual desire.

Sexual orientation

A person's pattern of emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to others.

Factors not explaining same-sex sexual orientation

Various theories or factors that do not adequately account for why some individuals are attracted to the same sex.

Biological explanations for same-sex sexual orientation

Theories suggesting that biological factors, such as genetics and hormonal influences, contribute to sexual orientation.

Hypothalamus (Same-sex orientation)

This brain region has been studied for its role in regulating sexual behavior.

Prenatal exposure to testosterone (Same-sex orientation)

The theory suggesting that fetal exposure to hormones can influence sexual orientation.

Evidence for heritability (Same-sex orientation)

Studies indicating that genetic factors may play a role in determining sexual orientation.

Older-brother effect

The phenomenon suggesting that males with older brothers are more likely to be gay.

Need for affiliation

The desire to be associated with others, often linked to social interactions.

Benefits of need for affiliation

Increased social support, improved mood, and enhanced feelings of belonging.

Ostracism

The act of excluding or ignoring someone from a group.

Pain of social isolation

The emotional distress that results from being excluded or isolated from social connections.

Pros and cons of social networking

Social networking can enhance connectivity but also contribute to feelings of envy and anxiety.

Rise in depression among teens and young adults, links to screen time

Increased screen time has been associated with rising rates of depression and anxiety among youth.