Cognitive Abilities Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos

Outline Theory of Intelligence Intelligence Testing Influences on Intelligence General Issues in Intelligence Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos

Hierarchical Theory of Intelligence General Intelligence Fluid Intelligence Inductive Reasoning Quantitative Reasoning Sequential Reasoning Crystallized Intelligence Reading Comprehension Spelling Ability Phonetic Coding General Memory Span Free Recall Memory Learning Ability Etc. Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos

Hierarchical Theory of Intelligence Fluid Intelligence: Reason abstractly on novel problems – Deductive Reasoning – Inductive Reasoning – Quantitative Reasoning Crystallized Intelligence: Accumulation of knowledge and skill in familiar domains – Vocabulary – Information about culture Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos

Implications Students who tend to do well in one class tend to do well in other classes We need to teach both reasoning skills and crystallized knowledge in all domains Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos

Intelligence Testing Alfred Binet – Studied animal magnetism – Scientific embarrassment influenced strict empiricism – Created first intelligence test to identify children who would not profit from instruction Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos

Intelligence Testing Intelligence Quotient: Mental Age Chronological Age Mental Age x100 Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos

Intelligence Testing Deviation IQ: Statistical comparison to others in group  Purpose: Compare child’s performance to others in similar circumstances Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos

Influences on Intelligence Genetics – Children: Genetics influences about ½ of differences in intelligence – Adults: Genetics tends to account for more differences Environment – Cultural experiences – Family environment – Schooling – Occupation Biology Nutrition Lead Parental alcohol consumption Perinatal Factors Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos

Genetics vs. Environment Environment 50% Genetics 50% Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos

Implications The environment has substantial influence over intelligence, so create a classroom environment that fosters high intelligence – Reading – Ask students to solve new problems – Ask students deep questions Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos

General Issues for Intelligence Ubiquitous: Wide-spread Multivariate: Multiple components Increases with age and experience The Flynn Effect Is education’s most important: – Raw material – Product Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos

Importance of Intelligence Correlates with: – School performance – Years of education Directionality? – Social status and income Third variable? – Job Performance – Juvenile Crime (Negative) Directionality? Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos

Reading Vocabulary Across Grades Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos

Flynn Effect: Average IQ over time Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos

Revision Explain the hierarchical theory of intelligence, including the difference between fluid and crystallized intelligence. Describe the three major factors that influence intelligence. What is the difference between the Intelligence Quotient and the Deviation IQ? Explain why studying cognitive abilities is important for educators (hint: General Issues for Intelligence) Dr. K. A. Korb University of Jos