Chapter 8 - What is Intelligence, Measuring Intelligence, IQ Scores as Predictors of Important Questions

Intelligence Levels of Analysis

- Intelligence is a single trait
- intelligence is a few basic traits
- intelligence is numerous, cognitive, distinct processes

"Intelligence is a single trait"

We all possess a certain amount of g or general intelligence which influences our ability to think and learn on all intellectual tasks

"Intelligence is a few basic abilities"

Two types of intelligence: Fluid and Crystalized

Fluid Intelligence

ability to think on the spot to solve novel problem

Crystalized Intelligence

factual knowledge about the world

"Intelligence is numerous, cognitive, distinct processes"

- Word fluency
- Verbal meaning
- Reasoning
- Spatial visualization
- Numbering
- Rote memory
- Perceptual speed
- Three stratum theory

Rote Memory

learning technique where students repeat certain. facts or figures until it is instilled in their memory bank

Examples: alphabet; numbers; times tables

Three Stratum Theory

John Carroll's model which places: g on top of intelligence hierarchy; 8 moderately general abilities in the middle; many specific processes at the bottom

measuring intelligence

done by observing people's actions on tasks that require...
- Problem solving
- Memory
- Language comprehension
- Spatial reasoning

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)

Test designed to measure the intelligence on children 6 yrs+
- most widely used intelligence testing instrument for children 6 yrs and older
- The test results in an overall score, plus separate scores on four moderately general abilities

Verbal Comprehension Assessments

Vocabulary
- Example: "what is a helicopter"

Similarities
- Example: "how are mountains and rivers alike?"

Visual-Spatial Processing Assessments

Block design
- Example: given an image and some blocks; asked to put the blocks together so that they look like the image

Fluid Reasoning Assessments

Picture concepts
- Example: multiple groups of objects; asked to pick an object from each group to create new groups of objects that go together

Working Memory Assessment

Digit Span
- Example: experimenter says a sequence of number; repeat a sequence of numbers; repeat a sequence of numbers backwards

Letter-Number Sequencing
- Example: experimenter says a sequence of numbers and letters; repeat the numbers from smallest to biggest and then the letters from earliest to latest in the alphabet

Processing Speed Assessment

Coding
- Example: shown a series of shapes; under each square put a "+"; under each circle put a "-"; under each triangle put an "x"

Symbol Search
- Example: shown one symbol and then a sequence of symbols; asked yes or no question about the location of that symbol in the sequence

The Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

quantitative measure of a child's intelligence relative to that of other children of the same age
- IQ=mental age/chronological age x 100

Continuity of IQ Scores

Longitudinal studies show consistency of IQ scores from age 5 onward when...
- IQ tests given closer in time
- Factors implicated for inconsistent scores: alertness and mood, family factors, changes in environment

IQ scores are strong predictors of...

- Academic achievement (school grades and achievement test scores)
- Economic success
- Occupational success

Effects of IQ scores and education on income

intelligence influences income, but so do other factors, such as education

Other predictors of success/intelligence

- Motivation
- Conscientiousness
- Social skills
- Physical and mental health
- Intellectual curiosity
- Creativity
- Self-discipline

self-discipline

the ability to inhibit actions, follow rules, and avoid impulsive reactions