LPI Topic 2 Flashcards
Intelligence
- No single agreed definition.
- Generally refers to cognitive abilities such as reasoning, problem-solving, learning, and adaptability.
Spearman’s ‘g’ (General Intelligence)
- Intelligence is a single underlying factor affecting all cognitive abilities.
- Supported by correlations in different cognitive tasks.
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences
Intelligence is multifaceted, including:
-Linguistic
-Logical-mathematical
-Spatial
-Musical
-Bodily-kinaesthetic
-Interpersonal
-Intrapersonal
-Naturalistic
Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory
Three types of intelligence:
- Analytical (problem-solving)
- Creative (innovation)
- Practical (adaptability)
Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) Theory
- Fluid intelligence: Problem-solving, pattern recognition, independent of knowledge.
- Crystallised intelligence: Knowledge gained from experience.
Functional Fixedness
- A cognitive bias preventing people from using objects in novel ways.
- Example: Duncker’s Candle Problem (1945).
Francis Galton (1860s)
First attempted to measure intelligence using sensory abilities.
Alfred Binet (1905)
Created the first intelligence test for school children.
Lewis Terman (1916)
- Developed the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale.
- Introduced IQ (Intelligence Quotient) formula:
- (Mental Age / Chronological Age) × 100.
Wechsler Intelligence Scales (1955)
- Designed for adults (WAIS) and children (WISC).
- Introduced deviation IQ based on normal distribution.
Raven’s Progressive Matrices (1938)
- Non-verbal test measuring abstract reasoning.
- Designed to be culturally neutral.
Historical Issues with IQ Testing
- Used for eugenics and discrimination.
- Larry P. Law (California, 1970s): IQ tests banned for Black students due to racial bias.
- Needleman (1979): Showed lead exposure negatively affects IQ.
Stanford-Binet Test
Measures:
- Fluid reasoning
- Knowledge
- Quantitative reasoning
- Visual-spatial processing
- Working memory
Wechsler Intelligence Scales (WAIS/WISC)
- WAIS: For adults.
- WISC: For children.
- Includes verbal and performance IQ.
- Uses normal distribution (mean IQ = 100, SD = 15).
Raven’s Progressive Matrices
- Non-verbal test measuring fluid intelligence.
- Less culturally biased than other IQ tests.
Single Intelligence (‘g’ Theory)
- Intelligence is a general cognitive ability.
- Supported by correlations between different intelligence tests.
Multiple Intelligences Theory
- Intelligence consists of independent abilities (Gardner’s theory).
- Includes creative, practical, and analytic intelligence (Sternberg’s theory).
Fluid vs. Crystallised Intelligence
- Fluid Intelligence: Problem-solving, abstract thinking, declines with age.
- Crystallised Intelligence: Knowledge, vocabulary, improves with age.
Debate: ‘g’ vs. Multiple Intelligences
- Critics argue ‘g’ oversimplifies intelligence.
- Multiple intelligence theories lack empirical support.
Predictive Limitations
- IQ correlates moderately with academic and job success.
- Motivation, self-discipline, and grit often predict success better than IQ.
Environmental Influences
- Socioeconomic status (SES) affects IQ scores.
- Lead exposure, malnutrition, and stress impact cognitive development.
Reliability Issues
IQ scores fluctuate by up to 15 points over time.
Validity Issues
- Face validity: Does the test appear to measure intelligence?
- Construct validity: Does it truly measure intelligence?
- Predictive validity: Can it predict future performance?
Cultural Bias in IQ Tests
- Wechsler tests include general knowledge that may be culturally biased.
- Raven’s Matrices claim to be free of language bias but still rely on test familiarity.
Alternatives to IQ for Measuring Success
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Social skills, self-awareness.
- Creativity & Divergent Thinking: IQ tests do not measure these well.
