Psy 03.31.25

Overview of Intelligence and Its Measurement

• Core Concept of Intelligence

  • Intelligence involves problem-solving and the application of concepts to direct actions.

  • Raises the question: Is intelligence a single entity ("g") or multiple aspects?

• Understanding "g" (General Intelligence)

  • Predicts a variety of critical outcomes in life.

  • Measurement methods include Wexler and Multi-Pocal scales.

  • Genetic influence is estimated to control 50-80% of intelligence variability.

    • This indicates that intelligence is significantly influenced by genetics.

• Environmental Influence

  • The environment accounts for 20-50% of intelligence variability.

  • Research shows that children’s IQ scores relate to parental resources:

    • Access to nutrition, healthcare, educational materials (e.g., number of books).

  • Schooling increases learnability and cognitive aptitude.

  • The Flynn Effect: Rising IQ scores in America throughout the 20th century, likely due to increased investment in education and poverty alleviation.

Transition to Motivation

• Motivation Defined

  • Focuses on actions driven by problem-solving needs.

  • Motivation can be influenced by:

    • Reflexes: Automatic responses to stimuli (e.g., blink reflex).

      • Basic behaviors are reflexive and do not involve higher cognitive processes.

• Instincts vs. Reflexes

  • Complex behaviors (e.g., animal instincts) vs. simple reflexes in humans.

  • Humans are viewed as lacking instinctual behaviors; they learn and adapt instead.

• Types of Motivation

  • Drives: Fundamental reasons for behavior based on physical impulses.

    • Examples: Hunger, thirst, sex drive.

    • Drives create tension that individuals feel compelled to address through action.

  • Needs: Fundamental requirements for human survival and functioning (e.g., food, water).

    • Not all human behavior stems from physical needs; social and psychological needs also play a crucial role.

    • Need to Belong: Importance of social connections for psychological health, proposed by Baumeister and Leary.

The Need Hierarchy

• Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

  • Basic needs must be satisfied before higher-level psychological needs can be pursued.

    • Physical needs (food, water) prioritized over psychological needs (belonging, meaning).

  • While intuitive and partially supported by research, the hierarchy is not rigidly applicable; people may prioritize higher-level needs over lower ones.

Goals and Motivation

• Goal-Directed Behavior

  • Goals represent desired outcomes and are a central aspect of motivation.

  • Distinction between:

    • Concrete goals (e.g., ordering food)

    • Implicit goals (e.g., seeking social approval).

  • Value and Expectancy:

    • Value: Importance of a goal.

    • Expectancy: Likelihood that pursuing the goal will yield desired outcomes.

• Goal Evaluation

  • Understanding of individual goals can help explain inaction on certain goals despite their importance (e.g., wanting to alleviate suffering but prioritizing personal needs).