IQ: Refuting Popular Myths Michael Hoerger

Introduction Intelligence (IQ): ones overall cognitive ability, including knowledge, memory, mental quickness, and problem solving Standardized IQ Tests: –Vocabulary, arithmetic, pattern completion, puzzles, information, memorizing numbers Most cognitive tasks provide a rough measure of intelligence: ACT, SAT, GRE, exams, papers, social problem solving

Intelligence Doesnt Exist? Theres no such thing as intelligence. Its just used to label people as smart or dumb, and these labels are meaningless. The ACTs are worthless, and colleges should stop using them.

Sorry, Mr. Hippie Intelligence is a valid construct (concept) Validity: any construct, such as intelligence, is valid if it predicts relevant outcomes Intelligence tests predict… –Occupational status Pronunciation –Success at work Mental math –College grades Criminality –Emotional Adaptation Learning speed

In a few hours, most psychology students could design a simple intelligence test that would predict college grades (r =.50) Intelligence tests correlate r =.30 to.90 with scores on any cognitive task (r =.75 on average) Larger correlations than any other area of psychology

Multiple Intelligences? Everyone has different abilities. Someone can be bad at one type of task and good at something else. There are many types of intelligence, and most people are good at something.

Sorry, Dr. Sternberg Sternberg (3), Gardner (8), Guilford (150) –Not supported by research General mental ability (g): All of the different types of intelligence are so highly correlated, they are considered to measure the same thing Smart people do well on most tasks In rare instances, it may be useful to examine fluid vs. crystallized intelligence

IQ is Entirely Heritable? Intelligence is solely the product of good genes, and those that fail to succeed in society are genetically inferior

Sorry, Mr. Murray Like most traits, intelligence is strongly influenced by both genes and environment Children: family environment matters most Adults: genes play a bigger role, as people choose environments that maximize their genetic potential Teratogens, malnutrition, poorly funded schools, and racism may have huge effects

Racist IQ Tests? Psychologists are racists. IQ tests are just used to discriminate against minorities, who score lower on these tests. Psychologists should be ashamed.

Sorry, Ms. Grace African Americans score 10 point less Unscrupulous/ignorant psychologists have occasionally used this to say that minorities are inherently inferior BUT we know IQ is not entirely genetic Lower IQ scores are likely a result of discrimination in education (bad schools) IQ tests just show that we need to level the educational playing field

Its Unchangeable? Intelligence is genetic and therefore unchangeable. The smart will always be on top, and the slow will always be in their way.

Sorry, Mr. Herrnstein Intelligence is a relatively stable trait, but change is possible Verbal or crystallized intelligence is based on knowledge of information Flynn effect: IQ increases each generation IQ shifts when people enter adulthood IQ changes reliably with age

Crystallized Fluid

IQ is Not Important? Who cares about IQ? Success depends more on personality, motivation, hard work, paying attention, and who you know

Sorry, Ms. Coulter IQ is the best predictor Motivation and personality are important too But its hard to measure motivation, and personality measures are easy to fake Generally, IQ tests are incredibly useful –Choosing employees or students –Helping people who are having academic problems: too smart, too slow, learning disorder

Michael Hoerger To cite this lecture: Hoerger, M. (2007, April 9). Intelligence (IQ) and Development. Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Central Michigan University.