Theories of Intelligence Flashcards
What are some important elements that combine to define intelligence?
- Abstract thinking or reasoning
- Adaptation to one’s environment
- Capacity to acquire knowledge
- Memory
- Problem-solving
What kind of technique is factor-analysis?
Data reduction technique.
What aspects of intelligence did the symposium of 1986 place more emphasis on than later symposiums?
- Metacognition (thinking about thinking/what you know)
- Executive processes (skills you need to accomplish a goal, i.e. focusing attention)
- Knowledge
- Cultural emphasis
What aspects of intelligence were highlighted during BOTH the symposium of 1896 and 1921?
Both emphasized adaptation to the environment, basic mental processes, higher-order thinking (reasoning, problem solving, and decision making) .
What are some characteristics of a psychological trait?
- Traits are inferred based on observable behavior or test scores
- Traits reside within the individual
- Traits are relatively stable, otherwise they could not be measured.
What is factor loading?
Factor loading describes how highly each variable correlates with a specific factor.
What is the “positive manifold”?
The tendency for all intelligence test to be highly correlated.
Describe Spearman’s two factor theory.
Intelligence is made up of two factors. g: the general factor, and s: specific factors. g is higher up than s in the hierarchy.
Describe Thurstone’s theory of intelligence.
Thurstone used factor analysis to disprove the existence of g. He argued that intelligence was made up of non-hierarchical primary mental abilities that were distinct, but related. He later walked back this theory and proposed that there were second order factors related to g.
Describe Catell’s theory of intelligence.
Intelligence made up of crystallized intelligence (Gc) and fluid intelligence (Gf). Gc is made up of acquired knowledge and abilities. Gf is made up of reasoning and problem solving abilities that depend minimally on culture.
Describe Carroll’s theory of intelligence.
Carroll introduced a three factor theory of intelligence. Stratum 3 is g. Stratum 2 is made up of broad abilities. Originally there were 8, but that number has expanded. Stratum 1 has 69 narrow abilities.
Describe Horn’s theory of Intelligence
Horn expanded Catell’s theory into an 8 factor model, which served as the basis for the Woodcock Johnson.
What is the difference between Carroll’s theory and Horn-Catell with respect to g?
Carroll includes g. Horn-Catell does not.
What is the difference between Carroll’s theory and Horn-Catell with respect to qualitative abilities?
Carroll: qualitative abilities fall under gf
Horn-Catell: Qualitative abilities are a separate construct, gq
What is the difference between Carroll’s theory and Horn-Catell with respect to reading and writing abilities?
Carroll: reading/writing ability falls under gc
Horn-Catell: separate construct
