Unit 7: Emotions & Intelligence

g theory

Proposes that a single general intelligence factor underlies specific mental abilities, indicating a common cognitive resource across various tasks.

IQ formula

Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is defined as the ratio of mental age to chronological age multiplied by 100.

Modern uses of IQ tests

Used to identify students needing special educational interventions by assessing cognitive abilities across different domains.

Factor Analysis

A statistical method for identifying underlying relationships between variables, often used in psychology.

Standardization

The process of administering and scoring a test under uniform conditions to ensure consistent results.

Validity

The degree to which a test measures what it claims to measure (construct validity) and predicts future performance (predictive validity).

Reliability

Consistency of a test's results; includes test-retest reliability and split-half reliability.

Stereotype threat

A situational predicament where individuals perform poorly due to fear of reinforcing negative stereotypes.

Stereotype lift

A phenomenon where individuals perform better when reminded of positive stereotypes associated with their social group.

Fluid intelligence

The capacity to think logically and solve new problems, independent of acquired knowledge.

Crystallized intelligence

Accumulation of knowledge and skills acquired through experience and education, typically increases with age.

Flynn Effect

The observed increase in IQ scores over time across populations.

Within-group variation

Differences in IQ scores within a specific group.

Between-group variation

Differences in IQ scores between distinct groups.

Discriminatory uses of intelligence testing

The unethical application of intelligence tests to disadvantage certain groups based on race or status.

Achievement tests

Tests that measure knowledge in specific subjects.

Aptitude tests

Tests that assess potential to learn new skills or knowledge.

Growth mindset

Embraces challenges and effort as the path to mastery.

Fixed mindset

Believes abilities are static and unchangeable.

Drive-reduction theory

A theory that posits behavior is motivated by biological drives that need to be reduced.

Homeostasis

The body's tendency to maintain a stable internal environment.

Arousal theory

Suggests individuals are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal.

Optimal arousal

The ideal level of arousal that leads to the best performance on tasks.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

States there is an optimal level of arousal for performance; performance improves with arousal to a point.

Self-determination theory

Emphasizes the role of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in behavior.

Incentive Theory

Proposes that behavior is motivated by external rewards.

Instincts

Innate behaviors automatically triggered in response to specific stimuli.

Lewin’s motivational conflicts

Conflicts arising from competing motivations, categorized into three types: approach-approach, approach-avoidance, and avoidance-avoidance.

Sensation-seeking theory

Suggests individuals have a biological predisposition to seek varied sensations and experiences.

Experience seeking

Pursuit of new and varied experiences for pleasure.

Thrill or adventure

Desire for excitement and risk-taking activities.

Disinhibition

Tendency to act in ways typically restrained, often in lax social settings.

Boredom susceptibility

Tendency to become quickly bored without stimulating activities.

Eating motivation

Biological and psychological drivers behind eating, influenced by hunger signals.

Ghrelin

A hormone that increases appetite, secreted by the stomach when empty.

Leptin

A hormone that regulates energy balance and inhibits hunger.

Hypothalamus and pituitary gland

Brain structures regulating hunger, thirst, and hormonal functions.

Hunger

Physiological need for food.

Satiety

Feeling of fullness and satisfaction after eating.

External factors

Environmental cues that trigger eating behaviors regardless of hunger.

Universality of emotional expression

Concept that certain emotions are expressed similarly across cultures.

Display rules

Cultural norms dictating appropriate emotional expressions.

Facial-feedback hypothesis

Theory proposing facial expressions can influence emotional experiences.

Broaden-and-build theory

Theory positing that positive emotions broaden attention and thought processes, building personal resources.