Cognition, Language, and Intelligence Overview

Cognition

Mental activities for acquiring and using knowledge.

Cognitive Abilities

Skills for analyzing, solving, and decision-making.

Thinking

Manipulating mental representations to draw conclusions.

Mental Image

Mental representation of objects not physically present.

Concept

Mental category of similar objects or events.

Formal Concepts

Defined by specific rules or features.

Natural Concepts

Formed from everyday experiences with fuzzy boundaries.

Prototype

Most typical instance of a particular concept.

Exemplars

Stored memories of individual instances of concepts.

Problem Solving

Thinking directed toward achieving a difficult goal.

Trial and Error

Method of solving problems through repeated attempts.

Algorithms

Step-by-step procedures for solving problems.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts for problem-solving strategies.

Functional Fixedness

Viewing objects only in their usual functions.

Mental Sets

Persisting with past problem-solving methods.

Break Set

Approaching problems in novel, creative ways.

Single-Feature Model

Decision-making based on one important attribute.

Additive Model

Evaluating multiple attributes to make decisions.

Elimination by Aspects

Removing options based on specific criteria.

Availability Heuristic

Estimating likelihood based on recent examples.

Representativeness Heuristic

Judging based on how closely something matches a prototype.

Belief-Bias Effect

Accepting evidence that conforms to existing beliefs.

Confirmation Bias

Searching for information that supports one's beliefs.

Fallacy of Positive Instances

Remembering confirming events, forgetting disconfirming ones.

Overestimation Effect

Overestimating the rarity of certain events.

Language

System for combining symbols into meaningful statements.

Syntax

Rules for combining words in a language.

Displacement

Ability to discuss absent ideas or objects.

Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis

Language differences influence thought processes.

Bilingualism

Fluency in two or more languages.

Cognitive Reserve

Brain function preservation through bilingualism.

Animal Cognition

Study of animal communication and intelligence.

Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale

Test measuring general mental abilities.

Mental Age

Individual's mental level compared to age group.

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

Score derived from mental age divided by chronological age.

Army Alpha Test

Written intelligence test for military recruits during WWI.

Army Beta Test

Oral intelligence test for illiterate military recruits.

Terman's Longitudinal Study

Research on 1,500 gifted children's life outcomes.

Giftedness

Exceptional abilities in intelligence-related areas.

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

Intelligence test designed specifically for adults.

WAIS-IV

Fourth edition of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale.

Subtests

Individual tests measuring different mental abilities.

Standardization

Ensuring consistent test administration and scoring.

Reliability

Consistency of test results over time.

Validity

Accuracy of a test in measuring what it claims.

General Intelligence (g factor)

Overall mental ability across various tests.

Multiple Intelligences

Gardner's theory of eight independent intelligences.

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Sternberg's model emphasizing analytical, creative, practical abilities.

Successful Intelligence

Sternberg's concept involving adaptability in environments.

Carroll Three-Stratum Model

Intelligence model with three layers of abilities.

Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) Model

Intelligence model combining general and multiple intelligences.

Intellectual Disability

Disorder with IQ below 70 affecting daily functioning.

Levels of Impairment

Varied impact of intellectual disability on individuals.

Heritability

Percentage of variation in intelligence due to genetics.

Twin Studies

Research comparing IQ of genetically related individuals.

Identical Twins

Twins sharing 100% of their genes.

Fraternal Twins

Twins sharing about 50% of their genes.

Environmental Factors

External influences affecting gene expression and intelligence.

Genetic Potential

Inherited range of possible intelligence outcomes.

Heritability Estimate

50% of IQ score differences due to genetics.

Differences Within Groups

Heredity's impact on specific group IQ differences.

Differences Between Groups

Heredity's effect on IQ differences is unmeasurable.

Flynn Effect

Generational IQ score increases due to environmental changes.

Stereotype Threat

Fear of negative evaluation reduces performance.

Cultural Bias in IQ Tests

Standard tests reflect white, middle-class values.

Black Intelligence Test of Cultural Homogeneity

Test designed to reflect Black community knowledge.

Fluid Intelligence

Ability to reason and solve new problems.

Crystallized Intelligence

Accumulated knowledge and skills from experience.

Cattell-Horn Theory

Intelligence comprises fluid and crystallized abilities.

Creative Processes

Cognitive methods to generate original solutions.

Cross-Cultural Studies

Research on discrimination's impact on IQ scores.

Burakumin of Japan

Discriminated group with lower IQ scores in Japan.

Test Administrator Influence

Test framing affects stereotype threat outcomes.

Cultural Test-Taking Behavior

Cultural factors influencing test performance.

Motivation in Testing

Attitudes toward tests affecting performance.

Problem Finding

Identifying issues as a part of creativity.

Effort and Setbacks

Expect challenges while pursuing creative goals.

Peak of Fluid Intelligence

Occurs around age 20, then declines.

Peak of Crystallized Intelligence

Continues to increase until after age 65.

Stereotype Impact

Negative stereotypes can hinder test performance.

Cognitive Flexibility

Ability to adapt thinking to new situations.

Knowledge Accumulation

Building knowledge through education and experience.

Test Fairness

Tests should be unbiased across cultures.

Cognitive Processes

Mental activities involved in creativity and intelligence.

Cultural Knowledge

Understanding specific cultural references in tests.