Intelligence Part Two

It is clear that “intelligence” is a difficult concept to define. Today, we recognize that having

intelligence does not simply mean that you know lots of things.

Intelligence:The capacity to understand the world, think rationally, and use resources effectively when

faced with challenges.

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

A theory developed by Robert Sternberg in the 1980s (at approximately the same time Gardener developed the Theory of multiple Intelligences). It

states that humans have three types of intelligence:

“Book Smarts” “Street Smarts”

Creativity.

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Componential intelligence (Analytical, “Book Smarts”): This is the type of intelligence assessed in intelligence tests. It is based in logic/reasoning/language mastery.

Experiential intelligence (Creativity): The ability to adapt to new situations and produce new ideas. To take what is stored in your brain, and expand on it.

Contextual intelligence (Social and “Street Smarts”): the ability to function effectively in daily situations. To understand other people and how to behave.

Intelligence TestsTests created to quantify (assign a number value)

a person’s level of intelligence.

In the 1800s, scientists believed that the size of a person’s skull was an indicator of their

intelligence.

Measuring intelligence based on head size and shape was the

first attempt to quantify intelligence.

The IQ TestAlfred Binet (1857-1911) developed the first IQ tests. His tests were designed to identify the least intelligent

students in the French educational system so they could be provided with remedial aid.

The average score on a modern IQ test (which has evolved from Binet’s

test) is 100. Einstein’s score was about 160.

…99% of the population has a score between 55 and 145.

The IQ TestAn IQ test is somewhat like a MAP test: the questions start

out at a low difficulty and get progressively harder when you get them right. The score is assigned based on the point

at which you can no longer answer questions correctly.

Questions go from easier … to harder.

Reliability & ValidityReliability is the property by which tests measure

consistently what they are trying to measure.

Validity is the property by which tests actually and accurately measure that they are trying to measure.

Yay! I got 700 on the verbal section of the SAT!

Boo! On my second try I got 300! I think this test

is unreliable…

Boo! I got 300 on the verbal section of the SAT!

But I’m an English Professor…

I got 300 on the test again. It’s reliable…but I don’t think it is a valid

measure of my skill.

Reliability & ValidityA “culture-fair IQ test” is one that does not discriminate against members of any minority group. It is difficult to

remove questions from intelligence tests that require prior knowledge, and prior knowledge of different culture groups

is not the same.

On average in the United States, minority groups score lower on intelligence tests than the majority group.

Many believe test bias contributes to this

discrepancy.

Reliability & ValidityTest questions with cultural bias:

A teacher asks his students to make a model that shows how the size of the moon compares with the size of Earth. They used

an orange to represent the moon. Which of the following would best represent Earth?

A. cantaloupeB. grape C. lime D. cherry

Which of the following words best matches the word “cup”?

A. wallB. saucer C. table D. window

Standardized TestsA standardized test is a test that is administered and scored in a consistent, or "standard", manner. Any test in which the same test is given in the same manner to all test takers is a standardized test. Standardized testing is a very common

way of determining a student's academic achievement. They are typically designed to assess student understanding of

content learned in school: math, science, reading, and writing.

Pro: Con:

Con:

Pro:How can worldwide institutions compare one student against another if they have

not taken the same exact test?