PSYC 1001 Intelligence Overview

Definition of Intelligence

• Intelligence encompasses the ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and adapt knowledge to new situations.

Historical Perspectives on Intelligence

• Francis Galton emphasized heredity in intelligence, proposing that it is largely determined by biological factors and could be measured through reaction time tests.
• Alfred Binet focused on practical aspects of intelligence, contributing to the Stanford-Binet Test, aimed at assessing comprehension, reasoning, and identifying learning disabilities in children.

Wechsler's Contribution

• David Wechsler defined intelligence as the aggregate capacity to act purposefully, think rationally, and effectively deal with the environment.
• Developed key intelligence tests:
  • WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children)
  • WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale)
  • WMS (Wechsler Memory Scale)
  • WPPSI (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence)

Theoretical Frameworks of Intelligence

• Spearman's Two Factor Theory: Intelligence comprised of a general factor (“g”) and specific abilities (“s”).
• Cattell's Two Clusters of Intelligence:
  • Crystallized intelligence: accumulated knowledge, increases with age.
  • Fluid intelligence: ability to reason in novel situations, tends to decline in early adulthood.

Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

• Identified eight independent intelligences, highlighting the varied capabilities of individuals:
  • Linguistic
  • Logical-mathematical
  • Musical
  • Visual-spatial
  • Bodily-kinesthetic
  • Intrapersonal
  • Interpersonal
  • Naturalist

Sternberg's Triarchic Theory

• Proposed three forms of intelligence:
  • Analytical intelligence: academic problem-solving.
  • Creative intelligence: ability to generate novel ideas.
  • Practical intelligence: everyday task management and common sense.

Emotional Intelligence

• Involves:
  • Perceiving emotions: recognizing emotions in various stimuli.
  • Understanding emotions: predicting emotional changes.
  • Managing emotions: expressing emotions appropriately.
  • Using emotions: facilitating adaptive and creative thinking.

Creativity Components

• Expertise: base of knowledge enhances idea generation.
• Imaginative thinking skills: ability to redefine and explore information.
• Venturesome personality: tolerance for ambiguity and risk-taking.
• Intrinsic motivation: driven by interest rather than external pressures.
• Creative environment: supportive surroundings foster idea development.

Intelligence Testing

• Intelligence testing compares mental aptitudes through numerical scores.
• Galton sought to measure intelligence through reaction times but lacked supporting evidence.
• Binet developed the first intelligence test to determine children's mental age for educational needs.

IQ Calculation

• IQ is calculated by mental age divided by chronological age, multiplied by 100 for normalization.

Wechsler Intelligence Scales

• WAIS IV: most used intelligence test containing verbal and performance subsets.
• WISC IV: focuses on school-aged children's intelligence with multiple subsets.

Test Types

• Achievement tests: assess knowledge learned (e.g., final exams).
• Aptitude tests: predict future learning and performance capacity (e.g., WISC and WAIS).

Requirements for Intelligence Tests

• Standardization: Scores reflect a normalized distribution within the population.
• Reliability: Consistency of test results over time and different forms.
• Validity: Tests must accurately measure what they purport to.

Genetic vs. Environmental Factors in Intelligence

• Genetic Evidence: Similar IQ scores in identical twins; certain genes linked to intelligence.
• Environmental Evidence: Parent education levels correlate with children’s intelligence; improved environments elevate scores in previously disadvantaged children.