Lecture 7 - Human Intelligence Flashcards
What is Spearman’s model of intelligence
- 2 factor theory
- used factor analysis & found pps who did well on a given test did well on other tests too
first factor is general intelligence
second is specific intelligence
- Explains the correlation between different intelligence scores by this underlying general intelligence factor playing a part in it too
What is Thurstone’s model of intelligence
Thurstone’s Primary Mental Abilities (1938)
Intelligence is made up of group of 7 mental abilities
* Verbal comprehension
* Verbal fluency
* Number
* Spatial ability
* Memory
* Perceptual speed
* Inductive reasoning
This model doesn’t hold up
What is Cattell’s model of intelligence
Multi-factor model (1943)
Crystallised and fluid model of intelligence
What is Crystallised intelligence
Cattel (1943)
- Increases throughout life
- Reflects our cumulative learning experiences & knowledge
E.g., Verbal WAIS
What is Fluid Intelligence
Cattel (1943)
- Reasoning based
- Stabilises in adulthood
- E.g., Raven’s Matrices
How does Cattell’s model of intelligence differ to other models
Crystal intelligence increases over lifespan
Fluid intelligence increases but then falls from the age 30 onwards
How can psychologists test if intelligence can improve with training
Working memory training
- Limitations in WM ability might account for reading impairments or other language abilities
-eg math abilities
(Adams & Gathercole, 2000)
How does working memory link with intelligence
possible link w/ fluid intelligence &
WM ability
(Engle, 2002)
what is the difference in near transfer effects and far transfer effects in intelligence testing
- Near transfer effect = improvements in similar task
- Far transfer effects = improvements in diff tasks
Does WM training result in improved intelligence
WM training results in NO significant change in FAR transfer effects but YES for NEAR
meta-analysis of 87 publications
Melby-Lervåg et al (2016)
What is the Flynn Effect
continued year-on-year rise of intelligence test scores in all parts of the world
When comparing old & new test versions, the same group of test- takers would find the old version easier
(newer & younger generations are smarter than older ones)
How is the Flynn effect measured
USA Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) scores in 1947/1948 vs. 1972
- Group that averaged 100 on the 1972 version, got 108 on 1947 version
These samples were setting higher standards for IQ testing
- Thus iot get an average 100 in 1972, you needed to be more intelligent
- Thus Americans have gained 8 IQ points in 24 years.
What is the main study Flynn conducted to test for the Flynn effect
Flynn looked at 73 studies
(7,500 US pps) ages 2-48
- Stanford-Binet test, 1932-1978
- IQ scores had raised by 14 points
What was the initial explanation for the Flynn effect
Schooling in the US has just improved
- Increased access
- Modernisation of curriculum
- Increased federal investment
- Greater integration following civil rights movement
- Increased enrolment (compulsory)
What did Flynn find within cultures outside USA
Flynn (1987; 1994) seminal papers in the literature
- Across several nations and different intelligence tests, there are increases in IQ points over time
How does Flynn explain the Flynn effect
IQ tests are flawed and don’t test intelligence but rather something highly correlated with it
perhaps IQ tests test problem solving and abstract reasoning
What evidence supports Flynn’s explanation of IQ tests being flawed
Fluid intelligence increases rather than crystallised intelligence
Why can we assume IQ DOESN’T increase over generations, when faced with the Flynn effect
- No increases in ppl with exceptionally high IQ
- Results just show an increase in average IQ
What are the 5 main explanations for the Flynn effect
- Schooling
- Test-taking sophistication
- Parenting style
- Technology
- Nutrition
What evidence is there that the betterment of schooling is a cause of the Flynn effect
Cahan and Cohen (1989)
Cahan and Cohen (1989)
What did Cahan & Cohen (1989) find
Schooling as an explanation for the Flynn effect
- Verbal tests - length of schooling was a stronger predictor than age
- Non verbal tests - length of schooling was a smaller predictor
What is a weakness of Cahan & Cohen (1989)
Schooling as an explanation for the Flynn effect
Schooling only explains rise in verbal/knowledge based intelligence testing
-Rather than non-verbal tests
How is test-taking sophistication an explanation for the Flynn effect
We know more about tests than before
- E.g., online IQ tests are widespread
-wasn’t the case in 1950s! - Tests are carefully explained to any pp & done in regulated environment
How is parenting style an explanation for the Flynn effect
Greater focus on children’s intelligence today than before
• Palmer (2003) - Sesame street
- Parents nurture intelligence in modern society
-where intelligence is a prerequisite to a stable career path
-compared to just working in a factory at age 12
