Psychology November 30, 2011 Warm Up

Differences in Intelligence Most people have average intelligence. A few have either very high or very low intelligence. What is average intelligence? How is mental retardation defined? Does giftedness just mean being very smart? What is creativity?

Average Intelligence Education system best suits people of average intelligence. Average IQ score is 100. About half of Americans attain scores between Nearly 95% score between The other 5% - IQ under 70 is defined as mental retardation, above 130 is defined as gifted.

Mental Retardation IQ score under 70, but there are other factors as well. – Problems with communication, taking care of oneself, social skills, self direction, travel in the community and vocational training. Mild Retardation – IQs ranging from 50-70, and not as obvious to general observation. – Can read and do simple math, but as adults have difficulty taking care of themselves or holding a job.

Mental Retardation Moderate retardation – IQ score of 35-49, can learn to speak, feed and dress themselves. – Usually do not learn to read or solve math problems. – Children with down syndrome are classified as moderately retarded. – Cannot self maintain, but can participate in simple recreation and travel in similar places.

Mental Retardation Severe Retardation – IQ score of 20-34, require constant supervision. – Can perform daily routines and repetitive activities, but require continued direction. Profound Retardation – IQ score below 20, basic emotional responses. – Cannot feed or dress themselves, dependent on others throughout their lives for care. Causes – Accidents that result in brain damage, difficulties during child birth, pregnant women that abuse drugs or alcohol, genetic abnormalities or disorders.

Giftedness To be gifted is to possess outstanding talent or to show the potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment compared to others of the same age. Prodigy – develops special skills in a particular talent or discipline in childhood. – Some believe motivation and creativity contribute to giftedness.

Creativity The ability to create new solutions or original ingenious materials. “The true sign of intelligence isn’t knowledge, but imagination.” -Albert Einstein – Often used imagination to see problems in a new light, giving him many of his best theories. Creativity can come from anyone, not just the gifted.

What Influences Intelligence? Both heredity and environment influence a person’s intelligence. How does your genetic make up influence your intelligence? How does your environment influence your intelligence? What are some of the connections between aging and intelligence?

Genetic Influence on Intelligence Kinship Studies – Genetic factors should provide evidence that people closely related should have the similar IQ scores. – Identical twins have the most similar IQ scores of all studies. Adoptee Studies – Comparing the IQ of adopted children to their biological parents and adoptive parents. Scores usually stay close to that of their biological parents. – If scores are similar to adoptive parents it is because of environmental influences.

Environmental Influences Home and parenting – Home environment and styles of parenting effect development of intelligence. Children need emotional valid response, enjoyable, educational toys, well organized, safe home environment, etc. Preschool Programs – Designed to provide young children with enriched early experiences. – Intended to develop intelligence and prepare kids for school. – HEAD START program – designed to give economically disadvantaged children a better start in school.

Environmental Influences Aging and Intelligence – Psychologists study factors that affect intelligence in adults. – Fluid intelligence (mental capabilities allowing us to respond quickly), decline over time. – Crystallized knowledge stays the same, sum of our knowledge about the world. – Intellectual functioning in older people can be linked to economical factors Income, education, stimulating job, family life, attendance of events, travel, reading, marriage to someone with higher intelligence, flexibility

Boosting Brain Power - Activity Take out a blank sheet of paper, BUT DO NOT put your name on it. Answer the following questions about the past week (7 days.) – How many hours did you exercise? – How many hours of sleep did you get? (try to total it.) – How many caffeinated beverages did you consume during or after school? – How many hours did you play a musical instrument? – What were you test scores on quizzes and tests?