Creativity & Problem Solving
Explain Wallas’s illumination stage in your own words.
solution comes into consciousness as a result of subconscious processing, appears after periods of focused work and incubation (aha!)
Compare Spearman’s g with Cattell’s distinction between fluid and crystallized intelligence.
Spearman’s g refers to a single general intelligence factor underlying all cognitive tasks. Cattell split intelligence into fluid intelligence (problem-solving, reasoning, novel situations) and crystallized intelligence (knowledge, skills acquired through experience). g emphasizes one core ability, Cattell emphasizes different components.
Explain why reliability and validity are crucial in intelligence testing, and give an example where a test might be reliable but not valid.
Reliability ensures consistent results; validity ensures the test measures what it claims. Example: A memory test that is consistently repeated (reliable) might measure short-term memory but not general intelligence (invalid).
Describe the difference between divergent and convergent thinking
Divergent thinking involves creativity, accepting multiple solutions to a problem, convergent thinking is much more strict, and focuses on reaching one, well-defined solution to a problem.
How does Thurstone’s primary mental abilities model challenge the concept of a single general intelligence?
Thurstone proposed multiple independent abilities (e.g., verbal comprehension, numerical ability, spatial visualization), suggesting intelligence is multifaceted rather than a single g factor.
Describe one cultural bias that might appear in standardized IQ tests and suggest a way to minimize it
Vocabulary or culturally-specific knowledge may disadvantage non-native speakers. Minimize by using culture-fair tests, or adapting language/context.
Is creativity isolated to one brain region? Why or why not.
Traditionally, the right brain was seen as the epicentre for creativity - but current research shows that we use both parts of our brain during creative pursuits.
Hemispheric specialization: depending on what the task is regarding the dominance of our brain hemisphere (e.g. creative language - left hemisphere; emotional - right hemisphere; Hammond, 2022)
Explain how Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory integrates analytical, creative, and practical intelligence. Give a short example for each.
Analytical: Solving logic problems (school exams)
Creative: Inventing a novel solution to a new problem
Practical: Applying knowledge effectively in real-world tasks (fixing a broken appliance
Explain the Flynn effect and discuss one possible reason for its occurrence.
The Flynn effect is the generational increase in IQ scores over decades. Possible reasons: improved nutrition, education, and cognitive stimulation.
What are the 4 elements of divergent thinking? Define each.
Fluency: Amount of ideas that are generated numerically (e.g. List all possible uses for a brick) high amount=higher fluency
Flexibility: the variety of categories presented. High flexibility = thinking across diverse domains rather than repeating the same idea.-
Originality: how unique the responses are compared to typical responses: Using a brick as a musical instrument might be considered more original than using it as a paperweight.
Elaboration: How much detail or development is added to the idea: Not just “use a brick as a planter,” but “hollow out a brick, add drainage holes, and plant succulents inside.”
Critically evaluate Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory: what is one strength and one limitation?
Strength: Recognizes diverse human talents beyond traditional IQ
Limitation: Difficult to measure empirically; some argue evidence for truly independent intelligences is limited
Give an example of how language ability might mediate performance on certain IQ subtests.
Vocabulary or verbal comprehension subtests rely on language skill; students with limited language may score lower even if reasoning ability is high.
What is conceptual blending? Give an example of how it is used within research.
Involves blending or combining words/concepts/ideas from various forms of input to create new meanings.
example: using existing frameworks with novel populations.
How does Guilford’s divergent thinking concept connect intelligence and creativity?
Divergent thinking involves generating multiple solutions to a problem, linking cognitive flexibility to creative problem solving. High divergent thinking indicates creative intelligence beyond standard IQ measures.
Critically discuss whether intelligence tests can predict real-world success.
Intelligence tests can predict some outcomes (academic performance), but practical skills, creativity, and socio-emotional factors also influence real-world success, limiting predictive power.