Language and Intelligence

Structure of language Phonemes - basic sounds –English has ~40 phonemes –We can only hear and produce the phonemes of our native language after a critical period (~6-12 months)

Structure of language Morphemes - units of meaning –Sometimes words –Not always - prefixes and postfixes are morphemes –Multi-phoneme words

Structure of language Grammar - rules of a language –Semantics –Syntax

Language in the brain Left hemisphere –Broca’s area –Wernicke’s area

Language development Language is learned at an exponential rate during the first 5 years –___ mos. - babbling –___ mos. - one-word stage –___ mos. - language explosion begins –___ mos. - two-word stage; ~300 word vocabulary –___ mos. - phrases, complex sentences; ~1000 word vocabulary Critical period

Nature vs. Nurture Skinner - language is acquired through learning principles Chomsky - the brain is hard-wired to acquire language Who is right?

Sign language The same brain regions devoted to spoken language are devoted to sign language in non-hearing individuals

Animal language Do animals communicate? Do animals use language?

What is intelligence?

Intelligence Cultural construct –What skills and knowledge are currently valued in the U.S.?

Intelligence Spearman - General intelligence - G –Performance in one area predicts performance in another

Intelligence Multiple intelligences –Gardner’s 8 intelligences Linguistic Logical-mathematical Musical Bodily-kinesthetic Spatial Interpersonal Intrapersonal Naturalist + Existential

Intelligence Multiple intelligences –Sternberg’s triarchic theory Analytic Practical Creative

Intelligence Multiple intelligences –Emotional intelligence Perceive emotions Understand emotions Manage emotions Use emotions

Measuring intelligence Intelligence testing –Binet –Terman (Stanford-Binet) –Wechsler (WAIS & WISC) IQ tests are meant to measure aptitude, not achievement IQ tests must have reliability and validity

Pitfalls of intelligence testing Cultural bias Measure achievement and aptitude Classifications are both helpful and limiting

Influences on intelligence Genetic heritability –Twin studies –Adoption studies Environmental influence –Supportive environment –Impoverished environment –Schooling