Study of Intelligence
Biological Correlates of Intelligence
correlations
IQ scores & brain volume
larger brains predictive of greater intelligence
IQ & amount of gray matter / white matter
gray matter
reflect density of neurons & dendrites
predictive of information processing capacity
white matter
reflect quantity of axons & degree of myelinization
predictive of efficiency of neuronal communication
higher IQ scores ⇌ ↑ volume of gray & white matter
little stronger for gray matter
genetic inheritance
give some larger brains size
promote greater intelligence
enriched environment
produce denser neural networks & heavier brains
IQ measured in childhood ⇌ physical health & longevity
good genes
foster both intelligence & resilient health
health self-care
complicated lifelong mission
brighter people
better prepared
smarter people
avoid health impairing habits
use medical care more effectively
intelligence foster educational & career success
brighter people
more likely
end up in higher SES
less stressful jobs
affluence
key factor linking intelligence to longevity
not mutually exclusive
Cognitive Processes
triarchic theory of successful intelligence
analytical
abstract reasoning
evaluation
judgement
crucial to most schoolwork
accessed by conventional IQ tests
creative
ability to generate new ideas
inventive in dealing novel problems
practical
ability to deal effectively
problems faced in everyday life
big part
acquiring tactic knowledge
one needs to know
particular environment
to work efficiently
not explicitly taught
not even verbalized
successful inteligence
consist indiv. ability
harness analytical, creative & practical intelligence
achieve life goals
3 facets of intelligence
can be measured reliably
relatively independent
uncorrelated
assessment of them
improve prediction of intelligent behavior
Expanding Concept of Intelligence
IQ tests
too narrow
generally emphasized verbal & mathematical skills
exclusion of other impt skills
type of intelligence
logical mathematical
ability to handle long chains of reasoning
linguistic
sensitive to sounds, rhythms & meanings of words
different functions of language
musical
ability to produce & appreciate rhythm, pitch & timbre
forms of musical expressiveness
spatial
perceive visual-spatial world
perform transformation on initial perceptions
bodily-kinesthetic
ability to control body movement & handle objects skillfully
interpersonal
discern & respond appropriately to moods of people
intrapersonal
ability to discriminate among own feelings
guide behavior
naturalist
ability to recognize & categorize objects & processes in nature