Intelligence Flashcards
Psychometric Approach
Intelligence is not defined but we try to understand it by studying patterns and linking test results
i.e. three tests are administered that supposedly test the same ability. It is hypothesized that someone will either do well on all or none of the tests
We assess variables and find links
Binet - Scale of Intelligence
30 different tasks, increasing difficulties
- Based on the belief that only a truly intelligent person can perform well across the board - eliminates chance and luck
Ratio: actual age : mental age
Criticism: worked better in children
WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
Similar to Binet - multiple tests
Used the same tests for all individuals (no differentiation between age groups)
Raven’s Progressive Matrices Test
Tests someone’s ability to analyze figures and detect patterns
Matrices - shapes with missing bits
Pro: does not discriminate between levels of education
General Intelligence (g)
A mental attribute that is supposedly used on any intellectual task. This explains why people do well or badly across the board on intelligence subtests
Factor analysis
A statistical method used to investigate the link between different tests and whether the same factor influences all of them. How the scores are related to each other
Uses the tests above and tries to find common factors. Uses them to measure the g factor (general intelligence)
Hierarchical Conception of Intelligence
Addition of specific intelligences
G is at the top but splits into other types which are necessary for completing tasks
Specific Intelligences (s)
We also use specialised abilities to perform in different tasks. G is the main determinant of performance but not the only one.
Caroll - Three Stratum Model
- Narrow stratum - narrow abilities (69 different groups)
- Broad stratum - broad general factors like crystalized and fluid etc. (8 groups)
- g
Fluid Intelligence (Cattel)
Used when dealing with new, unfamiliar problems. Deliberate and controlled mental operations to solve new problems.
Crystalized Intelligence (Cattel)
Prior knowledge is used to solve problems we are familiar with
Crystalized intelligence grows as fluid intelligence does, but not the other way around
When tired, or mentally impaired, crystalized intelligence will be relied upon
Gardner - Multiple Intelligence Theory
The mind is made up of at least 7 independent specific intelligences. Aspects of intelligence aside from g (split g up)
- Similar to Thurstone in splitting up g
Explains how people can have unique talents. You can be bad at school but have major talent in other areas
Evidence for Gardner - Multiple Intelligence Theory
Evidence:
- Savant syndrome - excelling in one area and being impaired in others
- Brain damage - some abilities are damaged while others remain
Intelligence
Definitions vary
Proposed definitions - our ability to problem solve, reason, acquire knowledge and our mental processing speed
Implicit Theories
Judgements on intelligence made by non-experts
Incremental theory & Entity theory are implicit
