Chapter 10 Study Questions

What is Spearman’s idea of “g”?

Modern researchers have attempted to extend the idea of intelligence beyond that of academic success. Explain Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. What are his eight kinds of intelligence?

Explain Sternberg’s idea of the three aspects of intelligence. What are the three? Are any of them measurable by traditional intelligence tests?

What is emotional intelligence? What are the four components of emotional intelligence?

What is an intelligence test? What is the difference between an “aptitude test” and an “achievement test”? Which type is the SAT? Which type is a classroom test on chapter 10?

What was Alfred Binet’s purpose in developing the first tests of intelligence? What is the modern version of Binet’s test?

What are the names of the three kinds of Wechsler intelligence tests? (preschool, school age, adults) What are the four main divisions within the Wechsler adult test?

What does it mean that intelligence tests are “standardized”? What is a “normal curve”?

What is the average Wechsler intelligence score? What percentage of scores falls within 15 points above or below average?

A good test must be reliable and valid. What do those two terms mean? How do you know when a test is reliable? When it is valid? If a test is reliable, does that automatically mean it is valid? (Answer: NO! Why not?)

Are intelligence tests useful in predicting academic success?

What is the Flynn effect? What is the cause of the Flynn effect?

What is the definition of “intellectually disabled”? What are some causes? What is the current thinking on how people with intellectual disabilities  should be treated (in school, employment, housing, etc.)?

What are the findings regarding people at the high end of the intelligence scale? Do they tend to thrive as adults or to be maladjusted?

Explain the difference between statistical bias and cultural bias. Is the WAIS biased in either or both of these ways?

Is there more of a genetic or environmental component of intelligence? (In other words, is intelligence more “nature” or more “nurture”?) Or is it pretty even between genes and environment? How did researchers arrive at this conclusion? What kinds of people are more alike in their scores on intelligence tests?

How can the early environment affect a child’s intelligence? Does severe deprivation matter? Does creating the “super baby” by taking a baby to the zoo, museums, etc. matter? What would your educated advice to parents of infants be for improving their infants’ intelligence?

Define “stereotype threat.” How does it influence scores on intelligence tests?