2.5 Intelligence and Achievement

What is intelligence?

Intelligence is the ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and use knowledge to adapt to new situations. Theories differ: Spearman's g factor proposes one general intelligence underlying all abilities, while Gardner's multiple intelligences and Sternberg's triarchic theory (analytical, creative, practical) argue intelligence is multiple, distinct abilities rather than a single trait.

Measuring intelligence and achievement

Intelligence tests (like the WAIS and Stanford-Binet) estimate cognitive ability, while achievement tests measure learned knowledge/skills; aptitude tests predict future performance. Good tests need standardization (uniform procedures, norms), reliability (consistent results, checked via test-retest or split-half methods), and validity (measuring what they claim, e.g., predictive validity).

Extremes, bias, and influences

Intellectual disability and giftedness represent the low and high ends of the intelligence distribution. Test scores can reflect cultural bias if content favors certain groups. Intelligence arises from both nature (heritability) and nurture (environment, education); the flynn effect shows rising average IQ scores over generations, highlighting environmental influence.

Key terms

g factor (Spearman)

A general intelligence factor theorized to underlie performance on all cognitive tasks.

Gardner's multiple intelligences

Theory that intelligence consists of several independent abilities, e.g., linguistic, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic.

Sternberg's triarchic theory

Intelligence has three parts: analytical, creative, and practical abilities.

Reliability vs. Validity

Reliability = consistency of results over time; Validity = accuracy in measuring what the test intends to measure.

Flynn effect

The observed rise in average IQ scores across generations, suggesting environmental factors influence intelligence.

Try an AP-style question

Spearman's g refers to…

1. emotional intelligence
2. a general intelligence factor
3. creativity only
4. many separate intelligences