Chapter 12: intelligence

Question 1

First concept of IQ

Answer 1

Willian Stern said that IQ is a child’s mental age (measured via an intelligence test) divided by their calendar age and multiplied by 100.

Question 2

Spearman’s two-factor theory

Answer 2

Intelligence is made up of s-factors, which are individual task-specific processes, and the g-factor, the general mental ability.

Question 3

Fluid intelligence

Answer 3

The ability to reason logically, process information and solve problems in new or complex situations.

Question 4

Crystallized intelligence

Answer 4

The ability to use learned knowledge and experience to reason and supply information in familiar situations. This is sensitive to brain damage and increases throughout the lifetime (like general knowledge).

Question 5

Parietal-frontal integration theory

Answer 5

Intelligence is spread out throughout the brain, with a central function in the frontal and parietal lobes.

Question 6

Multiple demand network (MDN)

Answer 6

The area’s of the parieto-frontal integration theory form a network that is relatively the same a fluid intelligence. We need the MDN in new or complex situations, when you cannot rely on acquired knowledge and experience alone. The MDN is also very active when using executive functions, which is similar to fluid intelligence.

Question 7

Network neuroscience theory (NNT)

Answer 7

This theory assumes that the individual differences in intelligence are attributable to the flexible, dynamic functioning of the brain as a whole, rather than from structural of functional differences. The brain is a small-world network where new behaviour arises spontaneously from interactions between the networks, instead of the networks themselves that create certain behaviour. The brain has rigidity and flexibility, which means that a more rigid brain creates more of the same behaviour.

Question 8

The Flynn effect

Answer 8

The average IQ of the population rises over the years.