AP Psychology - Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence

Study Notes

Intelligence

Intelligence encompasses the ability to learn, reason, and adapt knowledge to navigate life effectively, beyond mere memorization of facts.

Raymond Cattell

Introduced fluid and crystallized intelligence concepts in the early 1970s, laying the groundwork for future theories on intelligence.

John Horn

Expanded upon Cattell's concepts and contributed further development of fluid and crystallized intelligence, emphasizing their interplay.

Cattell-Horn Theory

Proposes that intelligence consists of various abilities that collaborate to yield overall cognitive performance, influenced by Spearman's g factor concept.

Fluid Intelligence

Represents the capacity for reasoning, logic, and flexible thinking without reliance on prior knowledge.
Involves learning new skills, abstract thought, and problem-solving capabilities.
Peaks around age 20, then gradually declines over time.

Fluid Intelligence Example

In unfamiliar situations, individuals utilize fluid intelligence to address novel problems, such as painting without prior experience or solving a new puzzle.

Crystallized Intelligence

Represents the accumulation of knowledge, skills, and experiences gained over a lifetime, including educational background.
Continues to develop throughout adulthood and begins to decline after age 65, with individual differences in peak levels.

Crystallized Intelligence Example

Tasks such as taking a vocabulary exam or comprehending a reading passage demonstrate crystallized intelligence, relying on previously acquired knowledge.

Interconnection of Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence

Both types of intelligence are intertwined; for instance, diagnosing a client requires fluid intelligence for flexible problem-solving and crystallized intelligence for applying knowledge of mental illnesses.
This combination enhances the effectiveness of treatment planning in psychiatric practice.

Description

Explore the key concepts of fluid and crystallized intelligence as proposed by Raymond Cattell and further developed by John Horn. This quiz will enhance your understanding of intelligence as an ability beyond just knowledge. Perfect for AP Psychology students.