Intelligence Basics
What is intelligence?
The ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and adapt to new situations
Who proposed the idea of general intelligence; g factor?
Charles Spearman
What is the average IQ score on most modern intelligence tests?
100
The proportion of variation in a trait within a particular population that is associated with genetic differences
Maya learns new vocabulary quickly and performs well on verbal reasoning tasks. What kind of ability is she demonstrating?
Verbal intelligence/Verbal reasoning ability
What does IQ stand for?
Intelligence Quotient
What does Spearman's g represent?
A general mental ability that contributes to performance across different cognitive tasks
What is the name of the intelligence test commonly used with adults and older adolescents?
The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)
What are some environmental factors that can influence intellectual development?
Possible Answers: education, nutrition, stress, family environment, and access to learning opportunities
A test gives nearly identical results when a student takes it twice under similar conditions. What quality does this demonstrate?
Test-retest reliability
What is the difference between achievement tests and aptitude tests?
Achievement - measures what you've already learned
Aptitude - predict potential to learn or perform
Which psychologist proposed multiple intelligences, including musical, bodily-kinesthetic, and interpersonal intelligence?
Howard Gardner
What is a bell-shaped curve called when scores cluster around the average and fewer people score at the extremes?
A normal distribution
Why do psychologists study identical twins who grew up in different homes?
To investigate genetic and environmental contributions to traits like intelligence
A student knows how to solve a math problem but struggles to use that knowledge on a real-life budgeting task. Which type of intelligence in Sternberg's theory would help with the real-life task?
Practical intelligence
What does it mean if an intelligence test is standardized?
It is given and scored consistently, using established procedures and comparison norms
According to Robert Sternberg, what are the three types of intelligence in his triarchic theory?
Analytical, creative, and practical
What is the Flynn effect?
The historical rise in average intelligence test scores across generations in many populations
Does high heritability mean intelligence cannot be influenced by the environment?
No; heritability describes variation within a population, not whether a trait can change with environmental conditions
A test consistently measures reading ability, but a teacher uses it to claim it measures every aspect of intelligence. What is the main issue?
Limited validity for that broader claim. Consistency alone does not establish that a test measures all aspects of intelligence
What is the difference between a reliable test and a valid test?
Reliable - consistent results
Valid - the test measures what it is intended to measure
A student is great at solving logic puzzles, coming up with original ideas, and handling everyday issues. Which theory best explains these different abilities using three types of intelligence?
Why do psychologists use norms when interpreting intelligence test scores?
To compare an individual's score with the scores of a relevant standardized reference group
Two students have different learning opportunities and different genetic backgrounds. Why can't we assume that a difference in their IQ scores is caused by genetics alone?
Intelligence is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, which can interact with one another
A student scores at the 84th percentile on an intelligence test. What does that tell you about the student's performance compared with the norm group?
The student scored as high as or higher than about 84% of the norm group