Psych 339 - Chapter 7 Flashcards

Study Notes

Major Clusters of Intelligence

Intelligence encompasses three primary clusters: problem-solving ability, verbal ability, and social competence.
Problem-solving includes logical reasoning, identifying connections, understanding problems holistically, and making sound decisions.
Verbal ability involves articulate speaking, high comprehension in reading, and an extensive vocabulary.
Social competence entails accepting others, acknowledging mistakes, showing interest in the world, and punctuality.

Characteristics of Intelligence

Multidimensional: Intelligence includes various dimensions rather than being a single entity.
Multidirectionality: Intelligence changes direction based on skill type; everyday knowledge generally increases with age, while cognitive mechanisms can decline.
Plasticity: Individual abilities may vary and can change based on practice; older adults may activate different brain areas to compensate for declines.
Interindividual Variability: Variations in intellectual development exist among adults; some may experience declines in ability while others maintain or improve functioning.

Dual Component Model of Intellectual Functioning

Mechanics of Intelligence (Fluid Intelligence): Pertains to the brain's neurophysiological structures essential for cognitive tasks like attention and reasoning; shows significant development in childhood and declines with age.
Pragmatic Intelligence (Crystallized Intelligence): Relates to knowledge acquired from cultural experiences and includes practical problem solving and wisdom; typically grows throughout adulthood.

Research Approaches to Intelligence

Psychometric Approach: Emphasizes standardized test performance, focusing on correct answers rather than the reasoning behind them.
Information-Processing Mechanisms Approach: Analyzes cognitive changes due to aging, particularly memory and its components.
Cognitive-Structural Approach: Investigates how individuals conceptualize and resolve problems, emphasizing developmental evolution in thinking styles over score assessment.

Structure of Intelligence

Intelligence structure is organized through a five-level hierarchy revealed via factor analysis.
Level 1: Individual test items or questions from intelligence assessments.
Level 2: Organization of these test items within an intelligence test.
Level 3: Reflects interrelationships among scores assessing similar abilities—termed primary mental abilities.
Level 4: Interrelationships among various primary mental abilities.
Level 5: Interrelationships among secondary mental abilities, encompassing crystallized intelligence.

Description

Test your knowledge on Chapter 7 of Psych 339 with these flashcards. This chapter focuses on the major clusters of intelligence, including problem-solving, verbal ability, and social competence. Enhance your understanding of psychological principles and theories through interactive learning.