psy 263 chapter 13 intelligence

Intelligence

The capacity to understand the world, think rationally, and use resources effectively when faced with challenges.

Spearman’s g

Theory that intelligence is a single general ability that influences performance across all areas.

Crystallized intelligence

Knowledge, skills, and learned information; increases or stays stable with age.

Fluid intelligence

Problem-solving, reasoning ability, processing speed; declines with age.

Gardner’s multiple intelligences

Eight types

Sternberg’s intelligence theory

Practical, analytical, and creative intelligence (plus emotional intelligence).

Binet’s intelligence test

First modern IQ test measuring mental age vs chronological age.

IQ formula

(Mental age / chronological age) × 100.

Modern IQ mean

100.

Modern IQ standard deviation

15.

Normal IQ range

85–115 (68% of population).

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

Most common adult IQ test with verbal and performance subtests.

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)

Standard IQ test for children.

Intellectual disability

Deficits in IQ and adaptive functioning.

Mild intellectual disability

IQ 55–69.

Moderate intellectual disability

IQ 40–54.

Severe intellectual disability

IQ 25–39.

Profound intellectual disability

IQ < 25.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Genetic disorder where inability to metabolize phenylalanine leads to toxic buildup and intellectual disability unless diet-controlled.

Down syndrome

Trisomy 21; extra chromosome causes cognitive impairment and physical characteristics.

Heritability of intelligence

Intelligence has a genetic component; identical twins share the highest correlation.

Environmental impact on intelligence

Schooling, nutrition, stimulation, trauma, SES influence IQ.

Neural conduction velocity

Faster nerve conduction associated with higher intelligence.

Intelligence and aging

Fluid intelligence decreases; crystallized intelligence increases with age.

Autism core symptom – social behavior

Poor social interaction, lack of empathy, limited eye contact.

Autism communication deficits

Delayed speech, echolalia, difficulty with nonverbal communication.

Autism restricted behavior

Stereotyped movements, rigid routines, resistance to change.

Autism imagination deficits

Limited pretend play or role-playing.

Autism intellectual profile

~50% have intellectual disability; some have savant abilities.

Autism and cerebellum

Cerebellar abnormalities are common in autism.

Autism genetic evidence

High heritability

Autism shared genetics

Shares genetic overlap with OCD and Tourette’s.

Autism environmental factors

Birth complications, rubella, prenatal drug exposure.

Autism drug treatment – antipsychotics

Used to reduce irritability and aggression.

Autism drug treatment – SSRIs

Reduce compulsive or repetitive behaviors.

Autism treatment- behavioral therapy

Most effective long-term approach.