Intelligence Theories Overview

Intelligence

• Intelligence is the ability to learn, solve problems, and adapt.
• General Intelligence (g) is a general factor underlying all mental abilities.
• Factor analysis supports the concept of g.

Theories of Intelligence

• Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory: intelligence comprises general intelligence (g), specific abilities, fluid intelligence (Gf), and crystallized intelligence (Gc).
• Fluid intelligence (Gf) is the ability to solve novel problems.
• Crystallized intelligence (Gc) is accumulated knowledge and skills.
• Multiple Intelligences theory (Gardner): intelligence isn't solely academic; proposes 8 relatively independent intelligences.
• Sternberg's Triarchic Theory: intelligence has three aspects: analytical, creative, and practical.
• Analytical intelligence is the ability to analyze and evaluate information.
• Creative intelligence is the ability to deal with novel situations and generate innovative ideas.
• Practical intelligence is the ability to adapt to the environment and manage everyday tasks.
• Emotional intelligence (EQ): the ability to recognize and manage one's own and others' emotions.

Measuring Intelligence

• Intelligence tests measure cognitive abilities & potential.
• Psychometric psychologists specialize in measuring cognitive traits.
• Achievement tests measure learned knowledge.
• Aptitude tests measure potential for learning.
• Mental age is a measure based on intellectual performance compared to others.
• Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test is a widely used test, calculating IQ.
• IQ = (Mental Age / Chronological Age) x 100.
• Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) is a common adult intelligence test.
• Standardization ensures tests are administered and scored consistently.
• Uniform procedures maintain consistent test conditions.
• Normal curve: bell-shaped distribution of test scores.
• Restandardization updates a test's standardization sample to maintain a mean score of 100.

Reliability and Validity

• Reliability: Consistency of test results.
• Test-retest and split-half reliability assess consistency.
• Validity: The accuracy of a test's measurement.
• Predictive validity shows how well a test predicts future performance.
• Construct validity measures if the test accurately measures the intended concept.

Intelligence and Aging

• Fluid intelligence tends to decrease with age.
• Crystallized intelligence generally increases or remains stable.
• Social reasoning often improves with age.

Research Methods

• Cross-sectional studies compare different age groups at one time.
• Cohort effects influence scores due to generational factors.
• Longitudinal studies track the same individuals over time.
• Mortality effects involve participant loss in longitudinal studies.
• Testing effects are the impact of repeated testing on scores.

Intelligence and Heritability

• Heritability of intelligence ranges from 50% to 80%, representing genetic influence.
• Environmental factors, like nutrition and education, impact cognitive development.
• Twin studies support a genetic component in intelligence.

Group Differences and Bias

• Group differences in intelligence test scores exist, but not necessarily due to genetics.
• Culturally-biased test items can disadvantage individuals from other cultures.
• Culture-fair tests are designed to minimize cultural bias.
• Stereotype threat can negatively impact performance due to fear of confirming stereotypes.
• Stereotype lift: better performance due to group stereotypes.
• Educational inequities impact cognitive development and test performance.