PSY313 unit test 1 (4) Flashcards
What is the classic pattern of cognitive decline in higher cognitive functions?
The typical developmental pattern for cognition involves an increase in cognitive abilities, a plateau phase, and then a decline. This decline becomes more apparent and impactful as individuals age, particularly after the age of 75.
At what age do declines in cognitive function typically begin to impact everyday functioning?
While cognitive decline starts earlier, it generally does not impact everyday functioning significantly until individuals reach 75 years or older, at which point the effects on daily activities become more noticeable.
How do older adults compensate for declines in cognitive functions?
Older adults may use various strategies to compensate for cognitive declines, including relying more on routine and familiar tasks. However, there is a question about whether they are genuinely compensating by using different cognitive strategies or simply avoiding tasks that have become more challenging.
Why is intelligence difficult to define?
Intelligence is challenging to define because it is a complex construct that researchers often interpret differently. There is no consensus on a single definition, leading to diverse operational definitions like those used in IQ tests.
How do IQ tests contribute to the understanding of intelligence?
IQ tests are commonly used to index intelligence. They capture a specific view of intelligence, focusing on quantifiable aspects that can be systematically assessed, though they do not encompass all aspects of intelligence.
What is the historical significance of Francis Galton in the field of intelligence testing?
Francis Galton, motivated by comparison and measurement and influenced by Darwin, his cousin, pioneered the psychometric approach to studying intelligence. He attempted to measure human characteristics, initially physical ones, believing they related to intelligence.
What did Galton mean by “eminence” in relation to intelligence?
Galton equated intelligence with ‘eminence’, which he believed was an inherited trait observable in certain families. He aimed to study its inheritance pattern, leading to the development of comparative intelligence tests.
How did intelligence testing lead to unethical practices?
Galton’s focus on improving the “stock of England” through comparative measurement contributed to the eugenics movement. This movement, based on his ideas, led to forced sterilizations, particularly targeting non-wealthy, non-white populations in the US, Canada, and elsewhere.
What aspect of Galton’s work on intelligence testing remains today?
While Galton’s specific theories on intelligence are no longer accepted, the concept of standardized testing and the method of using comparative scales in psychometrics are his lasting contributions to the field.
How did Alfred Binet contribute to the development of intelligence testing?
Alfred Binet, originally a lawyer interested in cognitive development, was tasked with creating a test to identify children suited for public school. His approach set the foundation for modern IQ tests by assessing the abilities and knowledge typical for children at various ages.
What is the Stanford-Binet test and its typical application?
The Stanford-Binet test is an IQ assessment tool based on Binet’s early tests. It is commonly used for individuals aged 64 and younger but is not usually applied in research or with older adults.
What distinguishes the WAIS-IV in intelligence testing?
The WAIS-IV is resource-intensive, requiring one-on-one administration by a trained professional and 3-6 hours for a thorough assessment. It assesses intelligence similarly to Binet’s approach but focuses on what is necessary for academic success.
Why is the Primary Mental Abilities Test (PMAT) preferred over WAIS-IV in research?
For research purposes, the PMAT is more practical than the WAIS-IV as it requires less time (about an hour), can be administered via paper and pencil, and does not need a detailed individual profile, making it suitable for larger studies.
What role does factor analysis play in understanding intelligence test scores?
Factor analysis is a statistical technique used to identify correlations among various subtests in an IQ test, aiming to simplify and explain these correlations with as few variables as possible. It helped identify “general intelligence” or “g factor,” which Spearman proposed as the single underlying factor of intelligence scores.
What is the g factor in the context of intelligence testing?
The g factor, or general intelligence, is a theoretical construct believed to explain the common skills and abilities that underlie performance on different cognitive tasks in IQ tests, as revealed by factor analysis.
