Unit 4: Get Smart - Issues w Intelligence

Question 1

intelligence

Answer 1

Intelligence is the ability to understand and adapt to the environment by using a combination of inherited abilities and learning experiences.

Question 2

Aptitude tests

Answer 2

Aptitude tests: designed to predict a person’s ability in a particular area or line of work. High school students must take the SAT or ACT to get into college.

Question 3

Achievement Tests

Answer 3

Achievement tests: designed to determine a person’s level of knowledge in a given subject area. Lawyers have to pass the bar exam (achievement test)

Question 4

Savant Syndrome

Answer 4

Person with below average intelligence who has an exceptional ability in one specific area.

Question 5

Alfred Binet

Answer 5

(1905) developed the first tests: Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
1. Used by French schools to identify and help less able children, not to stigmatize them but to help them
2. Tests developed a score (quotient) which summarized abilities
3. Measures Mental Age: Level of intelligence functioning in years
Compare mental age to their birth age

Question 6

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

Answer 6

IQ is determined by the person’s performance at a given chronological age.
IQ: Intelligence Quotient
Measure of intelligence by comparing mental age with physical age
Basically, IQ score is Mental age divided by actual birth age multiplied by 100

Question 7

Mensa

Answer 7

Mensa: Society for people with high IQ, top 2% in the world (1 in 50).
Goal to promote the understanding of intelligence
To provide a social environment for its members

Question 8

Mental Age

Answer 8

Level of intelligence functioning in years

Question 9

Identify and explain the diff types of intelligence

Answer 9

Street smarts (not scientifically proven)
Book smarts
Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligence
Talents/abilities
Components which would describe us as intelligent

Question 10

What are problems w intelligence tests?

Answer 10

Validity/Bias: Can you believe these tests?
What is intelligence?
Is one type superior to another?
Who defines intelligence?
Educational issues: Do some deserve more resources/attention? Some less?
Social issues: segregation, labeling…

Question 11

Binet’s 4 elements of intelligence?

Answer 11

Direction
Set up a goal and work towards it
Adaptability
When faced with a problem, make the adjustments needed to solve it
Comprehension
Basic understanding of exactly what the problem is
Self Evaluation
Person working on the problem should have some idea of whether he/she have been able to solve it correctly

Question 12

controversies surrounding the giving of IQ tests?

Answer 12

Remember Binet wanted to be able to help students learn!

Some schools have used IQ to justify giving more to some students and less to others

Racial issues: 1969 study by Arthur Jensen found African Americans scored “about 15 IQ points below the average white population.”  In 1981, cultural differences were found to confirm it.   Some believe IQ is fixed and therefore it is wasteful focus on the below average people.

Some believe environment can change and improve IQ, so we need to focus on those less fortunate.

Question 13

Explain the relationship between low IQ and mental retardation

Answer 13

5% of people have an IQ under 70
This is generally considered as the benchmark for “mental retardation”: Condition of limited mental ability in that it produces difficulty in adapting to the demands of life.
About 5 million in US alone
Includes both social and learning disabilities

Question 14

explain the 4 levels of mental retardation

Answer 14

IQ 50-70: Mild mental retardation (85%)
Legally retarded 
Require help in school
Can function on their own, often marry
Usually need supervision on the job
Problems with reasoning & problem solving

IQ 35-50: Moderate mental retardation (10%)
Often have physical problems
Need supervision in everyday life
Usually develop to a mental age of 4-7 yrs

IQ 20-35 : Severe mental retardation (4%)
Require constant supervision
Most have physical problems
Usually do not benefit regular schooling; need to focus on life skills education

IQ < 20: Profound mental retardation (1%)
Usually don’t live very long
Need assistance in all aspects of life

Question 15

what can cause mental retardation?

Answer 15

Physical factors
Injury, disease, inherited from parent

Environmental factors
Malnutrition
Drug use (personal & prenatal)
Lack of stimulation
Exposure to toxins (lead)