Understanding Intelligence

• Intelligence (in all cultures) is the ability to learn from experience, solve problems, adapt to new situations, and use your knowledge.
• Key controversies surrounding intelligence include if it is a single, overall ability or many specific abilities, and if it can be located and measured in the brain using neuroscience techniques.

Factor Analysis and Intelligence

• Two-factor theory defines a "g" factor.
• Sternberg's triarchic theory includes analytical, creative, and practical intelligence.
• Gardner's multiple intelligences consist of verbal, mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalist.

Neurological Measurability

• There is a moderate correlation (about +.40) between brain volume and intelligence.
• Scores on verbal intelligence tests decrease as brain size decreases with age.

Historical Roots of IQ Testing

• Alfred Binet developed a test to predict children's progress in the Paris school system.
• Lewis Terman adapted Binet's test, calling the new version the Stanford-Binet Test.
• The term Intelligence Quotient (IQ) comes from Terman's formula: IQ = (mental age / chronological age) X 100

Normal Curve

• Standardized tests establish a normal distribution of scores in a bell-shaped pattern.

Aptitude and Achievement Tests

• Aptitude tests are intended to predict the ability to learn a new skill.
• Achievement tests are intended to reflect already learned knowledge.
• The optimal IQ test is exclusively a test of aptitude, but all are, at least slightly, tests of achievement as well.
• Improvements upon the Binet test include the Raymond B. Cattell (culture-free testing), Wechsler (WISC and WAIS), and Raven's Progressive Matrices.
• Raven's Progressive Matrices feature pattern recognition and does not have a language component.
• People of higher IQ also tend to attain higher levels of education, and both factors contribute to greater professional success.

Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence

• Fluid intelligence is the ability to think quickly and creatively, peaking in early adulthood.
• Crystallized intelligence is how much knowledge one already has and increases well into late adulthood.

Principles of Test Construction

• A psychological test to be accepted must fulfill standardization, reliability, and validity.
• Standardizing a test involves administering it to a representative group of test takers to establish meaningful comparison.
• A test is reliable when it yields consistent results.
• Reliability does not ensure validity.
• Validity refers to the extent to which the test measures what it is supposed to.

Genetic and Environmental Influences

• Studies of twins, family members, and adopted children show clear evidence of genetic and environmental effects on intelligence.
• Early neglect from caregivers impoverishes the development of intelligence.
• Increased schooling correlates with higher intelligence scores.
• Over the past century, intelligence scores have risen steadily by approximately 30 points, known as the Flynn Effect.

Stereotype Threat

• Stereotype threat is a self-confirming concern that one will be evaluated based on a negative stereotype.
• This phenomenon has appeared in intelligence testing among groups that have historically faced discrimination.

Creative Intelligence

• Living a More Creative Life:
• Be Surprised by Something Everyday.
• Surprise At Least One Person a Day.
• Write Down what Surprised You and Others.
• When Something Sparks an Interest, Follow It.
• Wake with a Specific Goal.
• Take Charge of Your Schedule.
• Spend Time in Stimulating Settings.