Introduction to Psychology Class 16: Language & Intelligence Myers: July 13, 2006

Language Our spoken, written, or signed words and the way we combine them to communicate meaning Nature (genes, brain, ability to speak and sign) + Nurture (languages to which one is exposed) = Behavior (mastery of language)

Developing Language Skinner  Operant learning Chomsky  Universal grammar Cognitive scientists  Statistical learning

Operant learning Skinner (1957) Association (sight of toy with the sound of “toy”) Imitation (or words and phrases others use) Reinforcement (smiles, hugs on correct usage)

Universal grammar Chomsky (1959) Inborn and extraordinary ability to acquire words and grammar Use of novel words and sentences Overgeneralization Children in isolation make-up languages

Statistical learning 7-month infants decipher rules within minutes Figure out the ABA patterned nonsense syllables “ga-ti-ga” and “li-na-li” Listen longer to ABB patterned nonsense syllables “wo-fe-fe” and “be-to-to”

Does language affect thought? Whorf  “Yes, there is linguistic determination of thought!” Evidence - Tribes that have words describing two similar shades of yellow and better at distinguishing those two shades - The way we use pronouns affects thought; e.g., The nurse returned all his missed calls - Bilinguals describe themselves as having different personalities based on the language in which they are asked But do we need language to think? - The role of imagery; e.g. “mental practice” and dart throwing

Other animals Pigeons, apes, chimps, dogs, pigs, dolphins all display signs of intelligence But do animals have the ability for language? - Need for communication: yes - Words and symbols: yes - Grammar: no Insects communicate through pheromones

Intelligence Mental abilities needed to select, adapt to, and shape environments Involves the abilities to profit from experience, solve problems, reason, meet challenges, and achieve goals

History - Alfred Binet - Lewis Terman IQ = MA/CA X100

Normal Curve

Types of intelligence Charles Spearman and “g” Verbal, spatial, reasoning Howard Gardner and multiple intelligences Savant syndrome Word, number, music, space, body, self, people, nature, existential Bob Sternberg’s three aspects Analytical, Creative, Practical

Emotional intelligence Salovey and Mayer (1990) The ability to perceive, express, understand and manage emotion Izard’s (2001) longitudinal study Controversy

Intelligence tests WAIS Principles: 1) Standardized 2) Reliable - Test-retest - Split-half Alternate forms 3) Valid - Content - Criterion

Genetic Influences

Environmental influences Schooling effects Early intervention effects Cultural effects

Group differences Verbal scores LowHigh MenWomen Within-group difference > Between-group difference Difference diminishing with time Stereotype threat

Other stuff Extremes of intelligence Creativity and intelligence