Intelligence: Assessment and Theories

Introduction to Intelligence

• The chapter discusses intelligence in depth, including its assessment and history.

• Intelligence tests trace back to early 20th century, specifically during WWI.

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Assessing Intelligence

• Types of Tests:

• Intelligence tests: Measure overall mental aptitude.

• Achievement tests: Assess what individuals have learned.

• Aptitude tests: Predict future performance (e.g., SAT).

• Correlation between intelligence tests and academic success is noted, indicating a strong relationship with formal educational skills.

Key Figures in Intelligence Research

• Francis Galton:

• Related to Darwin; first to study intelligence through reaction times.

• Developed the correlation coefficient.

• Controversially linked to eugenics, advocating for reproductive policies based on intelligence scores.

• Alfred Binet:

• Created the first intelligence test for placing children in appropriate educational settings.

• Introduced the concept of mental age, determining placement based on cognitive performance rather than labeling intelligence.

• Lewis Terman:

• Developed the Stanford-Binet test, adapting Binet's work for an American audience and including adults.

• Used as a screening tool during WWI; led to some controversial implications regarding immigration and military service.

Understanding IQ

• Intelligence Quotient (IQ):

• Originally defined as mental age divided by chronological age multiplied by 100.

• Represents a ratio reflecting cognitive capability, although problematic in adulthood.

• Average IQ score historically set around 100, with a standard deviation of 15.

Common Intelligence Tests for Adults

• WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale):

• Most widely used adult intelligence test comprising four categories:

  • Verbal Comprehension: Assesses similarity, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.

  • Perceptual Reasoning: Evaluates spatial reasoning skills.

  • Working Memory: Measures memory through tasks like digit span and arithmetic.

  • Processing Speed: Assesses speed in tasks such as symbol searching.

Evaluating Intelligence Tests

• Three Criteria:

• Standardization: Ensures comparability across demographics.

• Reliability: Consistency of test results over time.

• Validity: Measures what it intends to measure, which remains debated among researchers.

Theories of Intelligence

• Definition of Intelligence: Ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and adapt using knowledge. A contested definition.

• General Intelligence (g): Proposed by Charles Spearman, suggesting a single underlying general intelligence influences various cognitive skills.

• Multiple Intelligences (Howard Gardner): Proposes eight distinct types:

• Naturalistic

• Spatial

• Linguistic

• Intrapersonal

• Interpersonal

• Kinesthetic

• Musical

• Logical/Mathematical

• Existential

• Triarchic Theory (Robert Sternberg): Identifies three types of intelligence:

• Analytical Intelligence (problem-solving and analysis)

• Creative Intelligence (innovative thinking)

• Practical Intelligence (application in real-world settings)

• Emotional Intelligence: Ability to understand and manage emotions; correlates poorly with traditional IQ measures.

Development and Aging of Intelligence

• Intelligence changes over the lifespan, with cross-sectional studies suggesting decline with age while longitudinal studies indicate stability or even improvement.

• Crystallized Intelligence: Knowledge acquired over time that tends to increase with age.

• Fluid Intelligence: Speed of processing and abstract reasoning that often declines with age.

Environmental Influences on Intelligence

• Environment plays a significant role, particularly in impoverished settings, where the development of intelligence can be adversely affected.

• Genetic influence on intelligence (heritability) is noted but emphasizes the necessity of a rich environment for genetic potentials to be realized.

Test Bias and Controversies

• Intelligence tests have been shown to exhibit bias against certain cultural and socioeconomic groups.

• The historical eugenics movement utilized biased tests to implement harmful reproductive policies.

• Ongoing debates about the implications and the necessity of reforming intelligence tests to be more culturally neutral.

Conclusion

• Intelligence is profoundly influenced by both genetics and environment, and understanding its assessment and theories remain crucial in psychology today.