INTELLIGENCE: IQ & TESTING

INTELLIGENCE The ability to acquire new ideas and new behavior, and to adapt to new situations. Different views on Intelligence exist Emotional Intelligence: The ability to perceive, use, understand, and regulate emotions. Two-Factor Theory: Intelligence includes a general ability (g) level and specific mental abilities (s) Emotional Intelligence has been linked to success in the real world but it’s exact role is still not clearly understood Two-Factor Theory: Critics argue that g does not measure other kinds of mental abilities and intelligence cannot be reduced to just g. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory: Critics argue that many of Gardner’s intelligence’s are actually skills. They argue that intelligence and talent (skill) are two different things. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory: Numerous (8) and unrelated intelligences

Sample Question: The Mental Rotation Test Standard Responses Which two of the other circles contain a configuration of blocks identical to the one in the circle at the left? Standard Responses

Sample WAIS Verbal tasks:

INTELLIGENCE TEST Measure IQ, or a standardized measure of intelligence based on a scale of which 100 is average Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Originally meant for children; adapted for adults Groups test items by age level 100 is average for given age Wechsler Tests: More common today Three versions (2-6, 6-16, 16-89) More detailed scoring

IQ SCORES – What do they mean? Average score is 100 Traditionally 70 or below = mentally handicapped Good indicator of success in school Do not predict success in the real world Nature v. Nurture: Both genetic factors & the environment play a role in IQ. The % each contributes is debatable. Cultural Bias: wording used in questions may be more familiar to people or one social group than to another group

Direct measurements of intelligence Brain volume correlates moderately (0.44) with intelligence (head size does NOT). Glucose consumption may correlate negatively (-0.58) with ability on cognitive tasks. Speed at which one can perceive an image (+0.4) Speed at which brain waves register a stimulus.

Are There Multiple Intelligences? Savant Syndrome condition in which a person otherwise limited in mental ability has an exceptional specific skill computation drawing

Are There Multiple Intelligences? Social Intelligence the know-how involved in comprehending social situations and managing oneself successfully Emotional Intelligence ability to perceive, express, understand, and regulate emotions

Intelligence and Creativity the ability to produce novel and valuable ideas expertise imaginative thinking skills intrinsic motivation creative environment

Howard Gardner and Multiple Intelligences