Introduction to Psychology Intelligence

What is Intelligence? The global capacity to: Act purposefully Think rationally Deal effectively with the environment

History of Intelligence Testing Francis Galton: Classification based on “natural gifts” Eugenics- selective breeding for a “better race”

History of Intelligence Testing Binet: 1905 Developed an intelligence test Identifying children who need extra help Did not believe IQ is destiny

History of Intelligence Testing Goddard: Believed IQ is innate and cannot be changed Brought IQ tests to the US Advocated forced sterilization Tested immigrants; Determined 80% were MR

IQ tests Stanford Binet Weschler: for adults and children

The Normal Curve and Stanford-Binet IQ Scores Fig. 8.1

IQ Score Ranges: Weschler Borderline Low Average Average High Average Superior 130+ Very Superior

Formula for IQ Mental Age/Chronological Age X 100 If mental age is 12, chronological age is 10, then: 12/10 x 100 = 120 IQ 10/10 x 100 = 100 IQ

Wechsler Verbal: Information Comprehension Arithmetic Similarities Vocabulary Performance: Picture arrangement Picture completion Block design Object assembly Digit span

Change in IQ Scores IQ scores usually become fairly stable by middle childhood Small, gradual increases up to age 40 IQ scores may decline due to: Chronic illness, drinking, unstimulating lifestyles

IQ Scores What can IQ scores predict? Correlation between IQ and school grades Achievement test performance

IQ scores IQ is LESS predictive of motivation, leadership, talents Only accounts for ¼ the variation in job success Other factors: Motivation, health, social skills

Evaluating IQ tests Reliability: will the person get approximately the same score each time? Validity: does the test measure what it is supposed to measure?

Evaluating IQ tests Standardized: are the same instructions given in the same way to each person? Norm: comparing the individual with an appropriate population Compared to the group, is the score high, low, average?

Evaluating IQ tests Interactions between test administrator and test taker Importance of building rapport

The Role of Nature/Nurture Nature Genetics: Some evidence that variation in IQ scores are due to heredity Twin/adoption studies Nurture Environment Enrichment, deprivation, educational quality Intervention programs

Cultural Bias in IQ Tests Knowledge based on exposure, quality of education “Orchestra” “Horseback riding” Culturally appropriate behavior: Calling police/authorities

Stereotype Threat Anxiety that one’s behavior might confirm a negative stereotype against one’s ethnic/racial group Measuring IQ or just assessing the test? African-American students performed as well as other groups when they didn’t believe their IQs were being measured (Steele & Aronson, 1995)

IQ Tests Contributions? Critique?

Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory Many diverse intelligences or “ways of knowing” Not all excel at math and verbal skills These individuals are underserved in the educational system

Multiple Intelligence Theory Verbal Mathematical Spatial Bodily-kinesthetic Musical Interpersonal Intrapersonal Naturalist

MI Theory in the Classroom How would you present a topic about Native Americans using Gardner’s MI theory?

Multiple Intelligence Theory Contributions Acknowledges diverse ways of knowing Educational application Critique Not specific enough Are these intelligences or talents? Difficult to measure

Mental Retardation Both IQ and daily living skills are taken into account

Classification of Mental Retardation based on IQ Fig. 8.11

Adaptive Living Skills Self-care Assesses independence

Causes of Mental Retardation Organic: genetic disorder or brain damage Familial: growing up in a deprived environment

Mental Retardation as a Social Construction 1970s: Change in IQ cutoff score for diagnosis of MR

Savant Syndrome “Islands of brilliance” Developmental disabilities The skill/talent stands in great contrast to the individual’s overall level of functioning

Savant Syndrome Autism MR Brain Injury/Disease Acquired Savant Syndrome

Savant Syndrome Possible Causes Damage to left hemisphere, right hemisphere compensates Eidetic imagery Practice