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Theories of Intelligence Intelligence as a single trait “g” (general intelligence). Intelligence as a few/several abilities Ex: fluid vs. crystallized intelligence. Intelligence as many processes Ex: attending, planning, reasoning, problem-solving, language comprehension, etc.
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Theories of Intelligence • Intelligence as a single trait • “g” (general intelligence)
Intelligence as a few/several abilities • Ex: fluid vs. crystallized intelligence
Intelligence as many processes • Ex: attending, planning, reasoning, problem-solving, language comprehension, etc.
Measurement of Intelligence • Most widely used intelligence test for children 6 years and older: • Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children (WISC) • Verbal and Performance sections, each with multiple subtests
Verbal Section • Focuses on general knowledge of the world and language skill (mainly crystallized intelligence) • Six subtests • Exs: Information; Vocabulary; Arithmetic
Performance Section • Focuses on spatial and perceptual abilities (mainly fluid intelligence) • Six subtests • Exs: Picture Completion; Picture Arrangement; Block Design; Mazes
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) • Summary measure of a child’s intelligence relative to other children of the same age • Mean (average score) is always 100, regardless of child’s age • Can compare IQ scores at different ages
Stability of IQ Scores • Infant measures of intelligence (developmental quotient measures) • Test mainly perceptual and motor responses • Are not typically correlated with later IQ or school achievement • May help to identify babies with retardation/developmental delays
IQ scores are fairly stable from about 5 years of age • The closer in time two tests are, the stronger the relationship between the scores • The older the child at the time of first testing, the better the prediction of later IQ
IQ scores do show some change over time as well • Ex: Average change between 4 and 17 years is 13 points (up or down)
IQ Scores as Predictors of Later Development • IQ scores are positively correlated with • School grades and achievement test scores • Years of education completed • Occupational success and income
Other important predictors of these outcomes include: • Motivation to succeed • Creativity • Social skills
Genetic and Environmental Contributions to IQ Scores • About half the variation in IQ across individuals is related to genetic differences (in the U.S.) • About half . . . is related to environmental differences
Texas Adoption Project • Compared two groups of adopted children (adoptive families were above average in income and education) • Biological mothers with IQs below 95 and biological mothers with IQs above 120 • Both groups scored above average (>100) on IQ tests in childhood • Children of biological mothers with low IQs had lower IQ scores than children of mothers with high IQs