CHP 10 Flashcards
What Is Intelligence?
Ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and adapt to new situations; varies by culture.
Spearman’s g Factor
One general intelligence (g) underlies all cognitive performance, found using factor analysis.
Thurstone’s Primary Mental Abilities
Seven separate abilities (e.g., word fluency) that still tend to correlate, implying an underlying g.
Thurstone vs. Spearman
Thurstone highlighted distinct abilities; still, their correlations supported a general factor.
Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence
Fluid (quick reasoning) vs. crystallized (accumulated knowledge); led to Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory.
Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) Theory
Combines a general intelligence factor with Gf, Gc, and other broad and narrow skills.
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences
Eight (or nine) independent intelligences, including beyond-academic talents like musical, spatial.
Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory
Three intelligences: analytical (academic), creative, and practical (everyday problem-solving).
Criticisms of Gardner & Sternberg
Some say “multiple intelligences” overlap, and a general intelligence factor still exists.
Emotional Intelligence (Four Components)
Perceiving, understanding, managing, and using emotions effectively.
Emotional Intelligence: Importance & Criticism
Predicts social success but some critics say it stretches “intelligence” too far.
Intelligence Tests: Purpose
Measure mental aptitudes numerically for comparison. Achievement = learned info; aptitude = capacity to learn.
Achievement vs. Aptitude
Achievement tests measure what you already know; aptitude predicts future performance.
Origins: Francis Galton
Tried to measure natural ability (reaction times, etc.); failed to find clear correlations.
Alfred Binet’s Contribution
Created “mental age” measure to identify children needing help; didn’t see it as inborn capacity.
Lewis Terman & Stanford-Binet
Revised Binet’s test in the U.S. Named it Stanford-Binet, used IQ formula (MA/CA × 100).
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)
Most used. Gives overall IQ plus subtests (e.g., verbal, working memory), aiding diagnosis of strengths/needs.
Normal Curve
Scores form a bell shape around an average (IQ ~100), with fewer at the extremes.
Standardization, Reliability, Validity
Standardization: Compare scores to a norm group.
Reliability: Consistency.
Validity: Measures what it claims.
Flynn Effect
Rising average IQ scores over time, possibly from better nutrition, education, etc.
Reliability & Validity Checks
High reliability = consistent scores. Validity = correctness of measuring or predicting. Predictive power weakens with narrow populations.
Low Extreme (Intellectual Disability)
IQ below ~70 and difficulty adapting. May reflect genetic or environmental causes.
High Extreme (Giftedness)
IQ ~130+. “Termites” study found many gifted kids become successful; concern over labeling.
Gifted Education & Tracking
Provides enrichment but risks labeling “ungifted” and creating social inequalities.
