intelligence & IQ testing

Intelligence

Complex + abstract construct: ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn fast, learn from experience

Wechsler's def:

Ability to act purposefully, think rationally, deal effectively with environment

IQ (intelligence quotient)

Standardized score measuring intellectual ability

Psychologists argue on this

One general intelligence V.s. Multiple intelligences

Francis Galton

Sensory abilities reflect intelligence → FALSE

Binet and Simon (1905)

1st modern intelligence test → higher order reasoning and abstract thinking

Spearman two factor theory

• General intelligence factor (g) → overlap w/ practical intel.

• Specific abilities (s) → performance of individual tasks

Cattlel

• Fluid intelligence (Gf) → solve new problems, use logic, identify patterns

• Crystallized intelligence (Gc) → accumulated knowledge, verbal skills, increases with experience

Thurstone 's primary mental abilities

Intelligence is made up of 7 individual abilities (superior performance in one ability does not predict strength in another)

1. Verbal comprehension

2. Reasoning

3. Spatial visualization

4. Numeric ability

5. Word fluency

6. Associative memory

7. Perceptual speed

Gardner

Multiple (8) intelligences

1. Linguistic

2. Logical-mathematical

3. Spatial

4. Musical

5. Bodily kinesthetic

6. Interpersonal

7. Intrapersonal

8. Naturalistic

9. Existential (added later on)

Sternberg Triarchic Theory

• Analytical intelligence (book smart)

• Practical intelligence (street smart)

• Creative intelligence (innovation and novelty)

Brain Volume

Modestly (r≈ .3-.4) correlated with IQ

Cerebral Cortex

Slower maturation for the gifted individuals

Reaction Time

Faster processing → higher IQ

Working Memory

Strong correlation with fluid intelligence

Prefrontal Cortex

Involved in problem solving → (g) loaded tasks

Self-report limitations

People often misjudge their own intelligence

• Rarely matched objective testing

Calculate IQ (old way)

Mental age / chronological age * 100

Modern IQ Tests

Use deviation IQ (compares scores to age group norm)

Historical misuse (not ethical)

Used to justify eugenics policies (holocaust), forced sterilization, and immigration restrictions in early 20th century