Intelligence

Definitions Intelligence: The abilities to learn from experience, to think rationally, and to deal effectively with the environment. Achievement: Knowledge or skills gained from experience Intelligence is not achievement – intelligence makes achievement possible

Theories of intelligence What makes up intelligence? 2 factor theory (Charles Spearman): All behaviors we consider to be intelligent have a common factor = G G = general intelligence S = specific factors Multiple intelligence theories: Louis Thurstone: 9 separate factors make up intelligence

Theories of intelligence Multiple intelligence theories cont. Thurstone’s factors of intelligence: Ability to picture shapes & spatial relationships Ability to understand perceptual information rapidly & to see the similarities & differences between stimuli Ability to calculate & recall numbers Knowledge of meanings of words Ability to recall information (memory) Ability to think of words quickly Deductive reasoning Inductive reasoning People may be good in one – bad in another but the all together make-up intelligence

Theories of intelligence Multiple intelligence theories cont. Howard Gardner’s 7 kinds of intelligence: Linguistic intelligence Logical mathematical intelligence Visual – spatial “ Body – kinesthetic “ Musical – rhythmic “ Interpersonal “ sensitivity to others’ feelings Intrapersonal “ sensitivity to one’s inner feelings

Theories of intelligence Multiple intelligence theories cont. Triarchic model of intelligence (Sternberg) Intelligence consists of only three types of ability: Analytic: ability to take a problem apart and find a solution Creative: ability to come up with a new or unique solution for a problem Practical: ability to apply a solution in everyday situations Aristotle’s productive intelligence

Measurement of intelligence Achievement vs. Aptitude Achievement: shows or measures current knowledge & skills Aptitude: designed to predict your ability to learn new skills What is intelligence? Achievement, aptitude, or both?

General IQ Tests Sir Francis Galton (cousin of Charles Darwin) Created first tests to measure IQ Theory: certain families were biologically superior – stronger – smarter – more sensitive (head size, grip strength)

General IQ Tests Alfred Binet (1905) – 1st modern intelligence test Binet assumed intelligence increased with age. Questions were for different ages Age 7 and age 18 were good indicators MA = mental age – shows the intellectual level of a child CA = chronological age – your age in years

Alfred Binet 1916: Binet’s test is brought to the U.S. and revised by Louis Termen at Stanford (Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale) IQ Scale Above 139 very superior 1% 120-139 superior 11% 110-119 high avg 18% 90-109 average 46% 80-89 low avg. 15% 70-79 borderline retardation (mild) 6% 50-70 EMH (moderate) 30-49 TMH (severe) Below 30 totally dependent (profound) When Termen began his studies the avg. IQ of 1500 schoolchildren was 150!

Wechsler 14 Sub Tests – 7 verbal and 7 performance Verbal: Information, Comprehension, Arithmetic, Similarities, Vocabulary, Digit Span, and Letter-Number Sequencing Performance: Digit Symbol-Coding, Picture Completion, Block Design, Matrix Reasoning, Picture Arrangement, Symbol Search, and Object Assembly

What Influences Intelligence Genetics: (heredity) Studies on twins since they have the same genetic make-up their test scores should be identical. Most studies suggest that heritability of intelligence is between 40-60% Environment: Adoptee studies – most studies show that IQ scores of adopted children are more like their biological parents. However, studies have also shown that IQ scores are more alike for pairs who were reared together than for pairs reared apart. This suggests environment may play a role Home environment Parenting style Schooling Diet/Nutrition

Problems with intelligence tests Environment Income Motivation Diet Culturally biased