PSYC2009 lec 6- intelligence and creativity

What are the two main topics covered in lecture?

Intelligence and creativity

What is the goal of psychometric approach to intelligence?

To identify and measure mental traits that characterize people to different extents

Define fluid intelligence

Raw information processing power, the ability to think abstractly, reason and solve problems. It is innate and declines with age

Define Crystallized intelligence

Knowledge gained from environment through schooling, culture and life experiences. It increases with age

Who devised the modern IQ test?

Binet and Simon

Formula of original IQ test?

(Mental age/ chronological age) x 100

What are the three main Wechsler intelligence scales and their age groups?

• WPPSI-IV: Preschoolers

• WISC-V: Children

• WAIS-5: Adults

What is a normed assessment?

A test using a large, representative sample to establish average scores and range of performance.

In a normal distribution of IQ scores (mean=100, SD=15), what % of people score between 85 and 115?

68%

In a normal distribution of IQ scores (mean=100, SD=15), what % of people score between 70 and 130?

95%

what two criteria are used to define intellectual disability?

An IQ score of approx 70 or below. Significant limitations in adaptive behaviour (e.g self scare, social skills)

How is giftedness recognised?

• IQ ≥ 130

• Often show early curiosity, advanced language skills, and high motivation.

What are the 4 levels of intellectual disability and their corresponding IQ ranges?

• Mild: 50-69

• Moderate: 35-49

• Severe: 20-34

• Profound: Below 20

What is the name of the hierarchical theory of intelligence that includes Stratum III (general), Stratum II (broad), and Stratum I (narrow) abilities?

Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) Theory.

What is Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences?

• Rejects a single IQ score

• Proposed at least 8 independent intelligences (linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalist)

According to Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, what 2 phenomena provide evidence against a single “g” factor?

Savant syndrome and prodigies

What is savant syndrome?

Exceptional talent in one area (e.g music, art, maths) despite general intellectual challenges

What are prodigies?

Children with adult level abilities in a specific domain

What are the 3 components of Sternberg’s triarchic theory of intelligence?

1. Analytic (Componential): Critical thinking, problem-solving, planning (similar to traditional IQ).

2. Creative (Experiential): Dealing with novel situations, innovation, automation.

3. Practical (Contextual): "Street smarts;" adapting to, selecting, and shaping real-world environments.

What is the 3 part definition of creativity?

The ability to produce work that is Novel, Appropriate (useful/task-appropriate), and Valued by others.

What is the key difference in thinking styles measured by IQ tests versus those required for creativity?

IQ tests measure Convergent Thinking (one correct answer). Creativity requires Divergent Thinking (generating many novel ideas).

According to Amabile's Componential Model, what three components are necessary for creativity?

1. Expertise: Domain-specific knowledge.

2. Creative-Thinking Skills: Flexible and imaginative problem-solving.

3. Motivation: Intrinsic motivation is more powerful than extrinsic.

What is the core idea of Sternberg's Investment Theory of creativity?

Creativity is a decision to “buy low, sell high”. in the world of ideas- to pursue unpopular ideas and then move onto the next

What six resources confluence in Sternberg's Investment Theory of creativity?

1. Intellectual Processes (Synthetic, Analytic, Practical)

2. Knowledge

3. Thinking Style (Legislative preferred)

4. Personality (Risk-taking, tolerance for ambiguity)

5. Motivation (Intrinsic, task-focused)

6. Supportive Environment

How is intelligence measured in infancy, and what is the score called?

using scales such as the Bayley scales of infant development. The score is called a development quotient (DQ)

Why is infant DQ a poor predictor of childhood IQ? What is a better predictor?

They tap different kinds of abilities. Information Processing measures (e.g., speed of habituation, attention) are better predictors.

At what age does IQ become fairly stable? 

Around age 4

What are 3 factors that can cause a child’s IQ score to fluctuate?

• Environment: Unstable homes lead to more fluctuation.

• Parental Influence: Gains linked to parents who talk, encourage, and expose children to a wide vocabulary.

• Poverty: Causes significant drops in IQ (10-20 points lower) due to the cumulative deficit hypothesis (negative effects of impoverished environments build up over time).

How is creativity in children?

Divergent thinking is high in pre schoolers, peaks around 3rd grade, then declines significantly after 5th/6th grade

What is the Flynn effect?

The phenomenon of average IQ scores increasing by about 3-4 points per decade throughout the 20th century.

What are 4 possible causes for the Flynn effect?

Better education, improved nutrition, better healthcare, and increased familiarity with testing.

What is the Reverse Flynn effect?

Recent observed decline in average IQ scores in some regions after decades of increase

What is the correlation between children’s IQ scores and their school achievement?

Between 0.50 and 0.86 (strong positive correlation)

: Does IQ predict college grades as well as it predicts earlier school achievement? Why or why not?

The role of motivation becomes more critical in college.

What happens to divergent thinking (a component of creativity) between 3rd grade and 6th grade?

It increases until 3rd grade, then declines significantly after 5th/6th grade.

What are two ways parents can help foster creativity in their children?

Give children freedom to explore and provide parental support

What are two ways schools can help foster creativity?

Encourage idea generation and multiple correct answers, and use flexible, open-ended activities.

In adulthood, which type of intelligence generally remains stable or increases, and which type declines?

Crystallized (Gc) remains stable/increases. Fluid (Gf) declines.

What is Terminal Drop?

A sharp decline in cognitive functioning in the last few years of life, linked to poor health.

What is the single strongest predictor of intelligence in old age?

Intelligence at a younger age.

How does IQ relate to occupational success?

Higher IQ is linked to more complex jobs, higher occupational prestige, and higher income.

What is the general trend for creative production across adulthood?

It increases from the 20s to early 40s, then gradually declines. (Peak times vary by field).

What is the approximate heritability of IQ scores?

About 0.50 (meaning roughly 50% of the variation in IQ is due to genetic factors)

 In which socioeconomic group does the environment play a stronger role in determining a child's IQ?

In lower-class or impoverished families.

What is Stereotype Threat?

A situational dilemma where an individual feels at risk of confirming negative stereotypes about their social group (e.g., regarding intelligence), which can negatively impact performance.

Besides test bias and genetics, what are two environmental explanations for group differences in average IQ scores?

Motivational factors and environmental differences (e.g., socioeconomic disparities, educational opportunities).