Intelligence and Ability Flashcards
What are the Models of Intelligence?
Structural:
- Spearman: General Intelligence ‘g’
- Thurstone: Primary Mental Abilities
Systems:
- Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences
- Emotional Intelligence
What is intelligence?
Intelligence has been a focal point of psychological study for a very long time, leading to many theories being created in an attempt to define and measure it.
What is the definition of Spearman’s ‘g’ or “GMA”?
A general mental capability that involves the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly and learn from experience.
What did Spearman propose regarding the ‘g’ factor?
Spearman proposed that the ‘g’ factor underlies specific cognitive abilities including verbal ability, numerical ability, spatial ability and problem solving (Spearman, 1904).
What does the ‘g’ factor account for?
The ‘g’ factor accounts for the correlations among different cognitive tasks.
What did Spearman observe?
He observed that those who perform well on one type of mental ability test, they tend to perform well in others.
How is Spearman’s ‘g’ tested?
It is tested using factor analysis, which involves analyzing these correlations for the extraction of one strong overall factor that underlies specific cognitive tasks.
What are the features of Spearman’s ‘g’? (to use in essay)
- GMA predicts training success and income
- Cognitive ability is applicable across many situations and occupations
- GMA -> job knowledge -> job performance
What is the definition of Thurstone’s PMA theory?
It proposes that intelligence is made up of seven primary mental abilities all relatively independent of one another (Thurstone’s, 1938). It produces intelligence profiles rather than a single IQ score.
What are Thurstone’s 7 PMAs?
- Verbal comprehension
- Word fluency
- Numerical ability
- Spatial visualisation
- Reasoning
- Perceptual speed
- Associative memory
What is the “maxmimum performance paradigm”? (for g and Thurstone)
It shows the best you can do under test conditions, rather than performance in everyday life.
What are the features of Thurstone’s PMA theory? (to use in essay)
- Performance in one ability area doesn’t necessarily predict performance in another
- Robust link between intelligence and success
- Specific cognitive abilities predict performance better when matched to the demands of the job
What is the definition of Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences?
Gardner suggested that intelligence is very diverse, consisting of seven independent types of intelligence. They each represent the different ways that individuals process information and solve problems.
What are Gardner’s MIs?
- Linguistic
- Spatial
- Logical-mathematical
- Musical
- Bodily Kinaesthetic
- Interpersonal
- Intrapersonal
What are the features of Gardner’s MIs? (to use in essay)
- Gardner didn’t develop a way to measure
- No systematic research by Gardner to test his theory
- Many of these intelligences empirically have intercorrelations and are therefore not independent
- Might be best to consider the MIs as talents or skills
- Presented by many textbooks as biased and too optimistic (Bartels, 2023).
What is the definition of emotional intelligence?
The ability to carry out accurate reasoning about emotions, and the ability to use emotions and emotional knowledge to enhance thought.
What does emotional intelligence do in comparison to other models of intelligence?
It extends traditional models of intelligence by addressing individuals’ ability to perceive, process and manage emotions and emotional information effectively.
How is emotional intelligence measured?
Performance-based measure, using the Multi-factor Emotional Intelligence Scale (MEIS)
What is self-reported emotional intelligence?
Self-reported emotional intelligence can be measured using the “Assessing Emotions Scale” (Schutte et al., 1998). It assesses how well individuals can identify and understand emotions in themselves and others. It relies on individuals rating themselves depending on how they perceive their abilities.
What are the features of emotional intelligence? (to use in essay)
- Important for jobs with emotional demands
- More difficult to measure than other models of intelligence
- The Assessing Emotions Scale can be problematic for selection as it can be influenced by candidates over-estimating themselves or lying about their abilities.
- Therapist is an example of a job where emotional intelligence is required, to comprehend what others are feeling and handle the tense situations.
- A manager is another example to be able to detect what your employees require depending on the person.
