2.8 - Intelligence and Achievement

Intelligence

• Definition: The ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and adapt to new situations.

• Intelligence as a Concept, Not a "Thing": Intelligence is a complex mental ability, not a physical trait like height or weight.

Theories of Intelligence

• Spearman's General Intelligence (g): A single underlying factor influences all mental abilities.

• Thurstone's Primary Mental Abilities: Seven distinct mental abilities: verbal comprehension, word fluency, number facility, spatial visualization, associative memory, perceptual speed, and reasoning.  

Key Points:

• Both Spearman and Thurstone's theories are supported by research, suggesting that intelligence is a combination of general ability and specific skills.

• While there is some debate about the exact nature of intelligence, most psychologists agree that it's a multifaceted concept.

Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

• Key Idea: Intelligence is not just one general ability, but multiple independent abilities.

• Evidence:

  • Brain damage can affect one type of intelligence without harming others.

  • Savant Syndrome: Individuals with exceptional skills in specific areas despite limitations in other areas.

• Gardner's 8 Intelligences:

  • Linguistic (language skills)

  • Logical-Mathematical (math and reasoning)

  • Spatial (understanding 3D space and images)

  • Bodily-Kinesthetic (coordination and movement)

  • Musical (rhythm and melody)

  • Interpersonal (understanding others)

  • Intrapersonal (understanding oneself)

  • Naturalistic (recognizing patterns in nature)

Sternberg's Triarchic Theory

• Key Idea: Three distinct types of intelligence.

• Three Intelligences:

  • Analytical (academic problem-solving)

  • Creative (generating new ideas and solutions)

  • Practical (applying knowledge to everyday situations)

Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

• Key Idea: The ability to perceive, understand, manage, and use emotions.

• Proposed by: Daniel Goleman

• Skills: Self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, social skills.

• Debate: Some psychologists question whether EQ is a distinct form of intelligence.

Intelligence and its Measurement

Brain and Intelligence

• Research suggests a correlation between brain size and intelligence, particularly verbal intelligence.

• Studies also show that those who score high on intelligence tests tend to have faster reaction times and more efficient brain processing.

Assessing Intelligence: IQ Tests

• Intelligence Tests: Tools to measure an individual's mental abilities and compare them to others using numerical scores.

• Alfred Binet & Theodore Simon: Developed the first intelligence test to identify French children who might need extra educational support.

• Lewis Terman & the Stanford-Binet Test: Adapted Binet's test for American children and introduced the concept of IQ.

• Modern IQ Tests: The Wechsler Scales

  • WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale)

  • WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children)

  • Most widely used IQ tests today.

  • Measure a combination of verbal and performance abilities.

Types of Tests

• Achievement Tests: Measure what you have already learned. Example: AP exams, unit tests in school.

• Aptitude Tests: Predict a person's future performance or ability to learn. Example: SAT, ACT

IQ scores are no longer calculated using the original formula (above). Modern tests use a standardized scoring system. In modern times, these tests are used to identify students for educational services.

The Wechsler scales provide separate scores for different abilities, giving a more detailed picture of a person's strengths and weaknesses.

Requirements for a Good Test

1. Standardization:

   • The test is given to a large, representative sample to establish norms (average scores).

   • Scores are compared to these norms to see how individuals perform relative to others.

   • Tests are periodically re-standardized to ensure accuracy.

2. Reliability: The test produces consistent results.

   • Methods for Checking Reliability:

     • Split-half reliability: Comparing scores on two halves of the same test.

     • Test-retest reliability: Giving the same test twice and comparing scores.

     • Alternate forms reliability: Using different versions of the test.

3. Validity: The test measures what it's supposed to measure.

   • Content Validity: The test covers the relevant material or skills.

   • Predictive Validity: The test accurately predicts future performance.

Key Points About Intelligence Tests

• Normal Curve (Bell Curve): Standardized tests typically result in a bell-shaped distribution of scores, with most people scoring near the average.

• The Flynn Effect: IQ scores have steadily increased over the past few decades, possibly due to improved education, nutrition, and healthcare.

• Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence:

  • Fluid: Ability to think abstractly and solve problems, tends to decline with age.

  • Crystallized: Accumulated knowledge and skills, tends to increase with age.
    
    

Researchers and Intelligence Assessments:

• Researchers aim to create intelligence tests that are responsive to different cultures to reduce stereotype threat and inequality.
  
  

Systemic Issues and Intelligence Assessments:

• IQ Score Variability:

• IQ scores usually vary more within a group than between different groups.

• Impact of Biases on IQ Scores:

• Personal and sociocultural biases can affect how individual IQ scores are interpreted and how they relate to other outcomes.

• Factors Influencing Intelligence Scores:

• Poverty, discrimination, and educational inequities can negatively impact the intelligence scores of individuals and groups worldwide.

• Intelligence test scores have been used to restrict access to jobs, military ranks, education, and immigration to the U.S.
  
  

Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset

• Fixed Mindset: The belief that abilities are innate and unchangeable, leading individuals to view success or failure as a reflection of inherent proficiency, often limiting personal growth.

• Growth Mindset: People believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work, creating a love for learning and resilience.