intelligence. intelligence refers to a broad range of cognitive abilities, but just what those...
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The Essence of IntelligenceTRANSCRIPT
Intelligence
Intelligence refers to a broad range of cognitive abilities, but just what
those abilities are & how they should be defined
and measured remains a matter of debate.
The Essence of Intelligence
What is Intelligence? Continues to be disputed General def: involves abilities to
acquire knowledge, reason, solve problems
Complete picture must include measurements from variety of tasks
A hypothetical construct: not directly observable, but instead inferred from behavior
Early Theories Based on psychometric tradition – abilities that are measurable
Charles Spearman(1863 – 1945)
Emphasized “g” (the general intelligence factor)
Stable & measurable factor that underlies all skills & performance that requires cognitive ability
Recent rsch suggests single brain mechanism (frontal & parietal lobes) controls various forms of intelligence
Raymond Cattell(1905 – 1998)
Proposed 2 separate forms of “g”
Fluid intelligence: dynamic cognitive processes such as reasoning, seeing patterns & relationships, using info, and finding/applying new knowledge to decision making & problem solving
Crystallized intelligence: acquired knowledge & skills that are applied in variety of specific contexts
David Wechsler (1896 – 1981)
Defined intelligence as the ability to act purposefully, think rationally, & deal effectively with the environment
Current Theory Influenced heavily by cognitive view
Goes beyond vocab, logic, problem solving skills
Rather, intelligence is cognitive processes
Robert Sternberg(Tufts University)
Proposed triarchic theory 3 kinds of intelligence, each
relatively independent Practical intelligence: adapting to one’s environment
Analytical intelligence: logical reasoning/mastering problem solving
Creative intelligence: coping w/new problems/situations & being creative
Howard Gardner(Harvard University)
Daniel Goleman(Lecturer, author for New York
Times) Proposes emotional intelligence (EQ) as a type of social intelligence
Five domains: Self-awareness, managing emotions, motivating oneself, empathy, handling relationships
Measuring Intelligence
Assessing Intelligence Historical records indicate interest in mental testing methods date to ancient China
Francis Galton Fascinated with measuring
human traits (father of eugenics)
1884 London Expo – assessed intellectual strengths of 9,000+ via body measurements
Quest for simple intelligence measure failed
Alfred Binet & Theodore Simon
Develop 1st intelligence scale for French govt to identify students who require special education interventions in order to succeed (1904)
Distinct Features Test scores were to be used to id
children who needed help, not label them
Scores = estimate of current performance
Constructed the test empirically based on observations, not a theory
Emphasized training & opportunity could affect intellect
Binet-Simon Scores Expressed in terms of mental
age (MA): the avg age at which individuals achieve a particular score
Based on performance on 30 different problems that used abilities necessary for school
Compared MA to chronological age (CA)
The intelligence test improves
Refinements in scoring, expansion of content
Stanford-Binet Test (1916) Lewis Terman, Stanford U. Adapts Binet-Simon test for US Standardized administration & age level norms
Introduces notion of IQ
Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
Mental Age (MA)IQ = X 100
Chronological Age (CA) Became very popular test Terman stated intelligence innate
(believed test measured something fundamental & unchanging about ppl)
Appeal of Intelligence Testing
US was experiencing lg wave of immigration
New laws required universal education
Military needed way to assess & classify recruits, esp. for WWI
Consequences of Intelligence Testing
Led to wide-spread belief that intelligence tests accurately differentiated ppl in terms of mental abilities
Tests reinforced prevailing prejudices Given to non-English speaking immigrants who routinely failed
Wechsler Scales Family of individual tests for
IQ Provided for adults (WAIS),
school-aged children (WISC), and pre-schoolers (WPPSI)
Measure many skills including vocab, verbal comprehension, arithmetic ability, similarities, digit span, block design
Wechsler Tests/Subtests
Question Is intelligence testing (as a standard for comparison) necessary for society? Why/why not?
The Exceptional Child Two categories:
Intellectually disabled Gifted
What challenges do these specific groups face in school?
Today’s IQ ScaleIQ Score Description (Range)
130 and above Very Superior120 – 129 Superior110 – 119 High Average90 – 109 Average80 – 89 Low Average70 – 79 Borderline Intellectually Disabled55 – 69 Mild Intellectually Disabled40 – 54 Moderate Intellectually Disabled25 – 39 Severely Intellectually Disabled
24 & below Profoundly Intellectually Disabled
The Intellectual Range Activity
What does it mean to be…? Intellectually disabled Of normal intelligence Intellectually gifted
Identify at least 5 of the most critical attributes of this category – you may use your device
The Intellectual Range Activity
Written response:1. What is most important to
know about each of these intellectual ranges?
2. What challenges, if any, do these groups face?
Testing Today Psychometricians continue to examine tests for biases & problems inherent in testing
Wide choice of testing instruments considered both valid & reliable in use today
Other Types of Tests Aptitude Achievement Diagnostic