Thought and Language - Lecture Eight Flashcards
Theories of Intelligence
The correlation coefficient, r
Measures the magnitude of strength of the relation between two variables and ranges from -1.00 to +1.00
What is the correlation (r) if two variables are unrelated?
0
Positive correlation
As one variable increases, the other will also increase, it will be greater than 0
Negative correlation
As one variable increases, the other will decrease, it will be less than 0
Spearman’s two-factor theory
Intelligence consists of a g (general) factor and s (specific) factors
Fluid intelligence
Ability to learn, perceive relationships and deal with new problems, this stops increasing and begins to decline after adolescence
Crystallised intelligence
Acquired knowledge from culture i.e. vocabulary size, this is improved through learning therefore continues to increase with age
Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence
People seek to achieve goals to gain what they want from life
People use strengths to minimise effect of weaknesses
People adapt to environment through; creative, analytic, practical and wisdom-based skills
Sternberg’s list of intelligences
Analytic, creative and practical
Analytic intelligence
Typically a measure on IQ tests
Practical intelligence
Common sense, street smart and what we do in our own environment, these are things that are not taught at school
Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences
No such things as single, unified intelligence
Some people may be high in some areas but low in others
Gardner’s list of intelligences
Linguistic, musical, logical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, and interpersonal and intra-personal
Linguistic intelligence
Poetry, rhetoric, explanation, writing, i.e. ability to use words
Musical intelligence
Composition, performance, appreciation i.e. ability to express music
Logical intelligence
Mathematical - logical reasoning, solving math problems
Spatial intelligence
Manipulating images, reading a map
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence
Fine control over motor behaviour e.g. dancing, netball
Interpersonal and intra-personal intelligence
Ability to read people
What Gardner believes the intelligences are associated with (one or more)
Localised area of the brain
Distinctive pattern of development
Evidence from exceptional individuals
Talking vs Listening
Talking is valued in Western societies, whereas, listening is valued in African and Maori cultures
Cultural variation in the definition of intelligence
Different societies, different cultures meet different demands to operate appropriately in the environment
What is intelligence?
Set of mental abilities
Acquire and use knowledge
Plan and solve problems by taking thought
Adapt effectively with the environment and learn (quickly) from experience
