Theories of Intelligence Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does the Flynn Effect suggest about intelligence test scores over time?

Scores have increased by approximately 3 IQ points per decade. (correct)

Scores show extreme variation without any trend.

Scores have remained unchanged.

Scores have decreased significantly.

Which theory of intelligence is primarily associated with a single underlying factor that influences overall cognitive ability?

Emotional Intelligence Theory

Multiple Intelligences Theory

General Intelligence Theory (correct)

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Which scale is often used for measuring adult intelligence in a clinical setting?

Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale

Cattell Culture Fair Intelligence Test

Raven's Progressive Matrices

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) (correct)

What does the Triarchic Theory of Intelligence emphasize as a component of intelligence?

Creativity, analytical skills, and practical skills Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason researchers criticize traditional intelligence testing?

They ignore cultural biases that may affect scores. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) primarily assess?

Verbal, perceptual, working memory, and processing speed Signup and view all the answers

Which type of intelligence involves problem-solving and academic tasks as defined by traditional intelligence tests?

Analytical intelligence Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of cultural bias in intelligence testing is highlighted by the content?

Standard IQ tests favor Western, middle-class norms Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a criticism of standard IQ tests?

They account for different learning styles Signup and view all the answers

According to the Triarchic Theory of Intelligence, which intelligence is primarily about generating new ideas?

Creative intelligence Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the bell-curve distribution of IQ scores?

The average IQ score is centered around 100 Signup and view all the answers

What can increase a child's educational involvement according to cultural considerations?

Parental economic status and teacher relationships Signup and view all the answers

How does the Flynn Effect relate to intelligence testing?

It indicates an increase in average IQ scores over generations Signup and view all the answers

Which concept relates to the idea that intelligence tests can reflect cultural norms and values?

Cultural Bias Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)?

Assessing general intelligence (g) Signup and view all the answers

Which theory posits that intelligence is composed of three distinct types?

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence Signup and view all the answers

What does the Flynn Effect refer to in intelligence research?

The increase in IQ scores over time Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of communication disorder involves difficulty in producing speech sounds?

Articulation disorders Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is NOT typically associated with enhancing memory in children?

Myelination Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of selective attention in children as they grow older?

The ability to focus on relevant information Signup and view all the answers

How is practical intelligence best described?

Common sense or 'street smarts' Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

General Intelligence (g)

Proposed by Charles Spearman, "g" refers to a single underlying factor that affects overall cognitive ability, including abstract thinking, reasoning, and learning.

Specific Intelligence (s)

Refers to specific skills in narrower domains, such as verbal or mathematical abilities.

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence (Robert Sternberg)

Analytical Intelligence: Involves problem-solving and academic tasks measured by traditional intelligence tests.
Creative Intelligence: Refers to the ability to generate new ideas and adapt to new situations; not highly correlated with analytical intelligence.
Practical Intelligence: Common sense or "street smarts" gained through life experience. While practical intelligence exists, research suggests it overlaps with "g" and may not strongly predict success.

Theory of Multiple Intelligences (Howard Gardner)

Proposes that intelligence is not a single entity, but rather a collection of distinct abilities, including linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic intelligence.

Measuring Intelligence: Standardization and IQ

Good intelligence tests are reliable (consistent over time) and valid (measure what they claim to measure).
Intelligence tests must be standardized across various age groups to create norms for what is typical at each age.
This allows for comparisons of individual scores to these norms.
IQ Formula: IQ = (Mental Age ÷ Chronological Age) × 100.
A child performing at the average level for their age would have an IQ of 100.

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

The most widely used IQ test for adults, assessing verbal, perceptual, working memory, and processing speed.
It is highly reliable and valid, correlating with academic and occupational success.
Versions for children (WISC-V) and preschoolers (WPPSI-IV) also exist.

Cultural Bias

Intelligence tests have been criticized for favoring Western, middle-class norms, and for not accounting for cultural differences in the understanding of intelligence.
While speed is valued in the West, other cultures may prioritize thoughtful, reflective answers.

Flynn Effect

Over the past decades, intelligence test scores worldwide have increased by about 3 IQ points per decade, potentially due to better nutrition, education, and familiarity with testing.

Extremes of Intelligence: Intellectual Disability and Giftedness

IQ follows a bell-curve distribution, with most people clustering around an average IQ of 100.
People with higher "g" generally learn faster and perform better on a wide range of intellectual tasks.
They often have better physical health and social adjustment than average.
Gifted individuals are also more likely to pursue advanced education and prestigious careers.

Education and Cultural Considerations

Parental Involvement: Parents' socioeconomic status and their relationship with teachers can impact their involvement in a child's education.

Working Memory

The capacity to hold and manipulate information in mind improves, partly due to brain development like synaptic pruning and myelination.
It helps children process information faster and block out distractions, essential for tasks like following multi-step instructions.

Attention

Selective attention—the ability to focus on relevant information while ignoring distractions—improves significantly.
Children also develop better cognitive flexibility, making it easier to switch between tasks or adapt to new rules.

Memory Strategies

Children begin to use memory strategies more effectively, such as rehearsal (repeating information), visualization, and mnemonic devices like acronyms.

Communication Disorders

Fluency disorders (stuttering): About 5% of young children experience stuttering, with 75% outgrowing it. Persistent stuttering affects around 25%, often linked to genetics or brain injury.
Articulation disorders: These involve difficulty in producing speech sounds, making it hard for others to understand. Children should be mostly intelligible by age five.
Voice disorders: Affect pitch, loudness, or quality of voice, often making speech unintelligible. Sounds significantly different from other children of the same age/gender.

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Description

Explore the various theories of intelligence, including Charles Spearman's general intelligence and Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences. This quiz covers analytical, creative, and practical intelligence as proposed by Robert Sternberg. Test your understanding of how these theories describe cognitive abilities.