PSYCH 240 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Theory Of Multiple Intelligences, Predictive Validity
Document Summary
We define intelligence as the ability/capacity to be goal oriented and exhibit adaptive behavior. Iq is not a fixed thing one has; it is merely a score one obtains from a test. Know that intelligence is always expressed in a context. Ie, in the context of warriors, musicians, engineers, artists, different intelligence levels will be expressed in different areas by one individual. To determine if many factors undermine ones general mental ability, psychologists make use of factor analysis a statistical method that identifies a variety of related factors in a test. Charles spearman believed that there is a general intelligence factor or g factor undermining each ability/factor. Ie, those who excelled in reasoning also did quite well in all other areas such as spatial ability, verbal, memory, and word fluency. People with savant syndrome excel exceptionally in one ability/skill but has limited mental abilities.
