Psychology: Intelligence Flashcards

Intelligence

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

Spearman's Two Factor Theory

• Proposes that specific mental abilities are underlined by certain factors, measurable through intelligence tests.

Factor Analysis

• A statistical technique to identify correlations between items, forming clusters of related abilities.

S Factor

• Represents a specific factor associated with a particular area of function in intelligence.

G Factor

• Denotes a general factor that links various clusters of cognitive abilities.

Howard Gardner

• Developed a theory categorizing intelligence into eight distinct types: Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical, Musical, Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Naturalist.

Stephen Ceci

• Introduced the bio-ecological model of intelligence, highlighting the interplay of biological potential, environment, and motivation.

Emotional Intelligence

• Refers to the capacity to process and utilize emotions in reasoning and decision-making.

Social Intelligence

• The skill to navigate and function effectively in social contexts.

Wisdom

• Defines the capability to make sound and judicious judgments over time.

Creativity

• The ability to originate innovative and original ideas.

Personality Characteristics

• Intelligence functions as the cognitive aspect of an individual's personality.

Alfred Binet

• Recognized as the father of IQ tests, contributing significantly to intelligence assessment.

Intelligence Test

• A tool for evaluating mental aptitudes, providing numeric comparisons to normative data.

Psychometric Approach

• Involves quantifying intelligence via psychological testing methodologies.

Mental Age

• Indicates the intellectual capabilities at which an individual operates.

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

• Calculated as the ratio of mental age to chronological age, multiplied by 100.

Standardization

• Ensures uniform test application across diverse groups, resulting in a normal distribution of scores.

Reliability of a Test

• Assesses the consistency and repeatability of measurement outcomes.

Validity of a Test

• Measures the accuracy of an assessment in fulfilling its intended purpose.

Content Validity

• Evaluates how precisely a test gauges what it is designed to measure.

Validity Coefficient

• Correlational metric linking measurement scores with external criteria.

Normal Distribution

• Describes a bell-shaped curve of scores, where most data points cluster around the average.

Woodcock IQ Test

• A prominent and widely used test for measuring intelligence today.

Effectiveness of IQ Tests

• High reliability and predictive ability regarding academic performance with a strong correlation to educational attainment.

Flynn Effect

• Observes an increase in average IQ scores globally over time.

Genetics and IQ

• Intelligence is associated with biological family lineage, indicating genetic influences.

Studies on Genetic Influence

• Research shows genetically similar individuals tend to have similar IQ scores.

Best Predictors of IQ

• Socioeconomic status and maternal IQ are significant predictors of an individual's intelligence.

Brain Size

• Larger brain size, particularly in the frontal lobe, correlates with higher general intelligence.

Brain Speed

• Refers to the velocity of the brain's response to stimuli, indicating cognitive processing ability.

Electroencephalography

• Highlights that quicker perception of stimuli relates to higher intelligence scores.

Nerve Conduction Velocity

• Describes the rapidity of impulse transmission across synapses, impacting cognitive function.

PET Scans

• Used to identify functional differences in brain metabolism, demonstrating varying activity patterns during various cognitive tasks.

Group Differences

• Environmental factors contribute to cognitive differences observed between various groups.

Stereotype Threat

• A phenomenon where individuals fear being judged based on negative stereotypes, potentially impacting performance.