This tutorial discusses theories of intelligence, the role of genetics and environment, and the relationship between intelligence and success. It addresses the module objectives of contrasting theories of intelligence from Spearman, Thurstone, Gardner and Sternberg; explaining stereotype threat and lift; and discussing strategies to reduce stereotype threat. The tutorial explores evidence from twin studies and research on the biological basis of intelligence. It also summarizes the findings of Terman's longitudinal study of gifted children and the traits beyond intelligence that predicted their success.
4. MODULEB OBJECTIVES
By the end of this tutorial you will be able to…
#60- Identify three traits that are better predictors of future success than
simply intelligence, according to the results of Terman’s longitudinal
research.
#62- Contrast Charles Spearman, Louis L. Thurstone, Howard Gardner, and
Robert Sternberg’s theories of intelligence.
#64- Explain stereotype threat and stereotype lift and why they occur.
#67- Discuss strategies to reduce stereotype threat.
6. Defining Intelligence
• Review: The Nature of Intelligence (Chapter 7, pages 295-300)
• Simulation: Complete the Defining Intelligence Quizlet.
• Summarize: How is intelligence defined? Says who?
Theorist Measures Intelligence Defines Intelligence
Charles Spearman
Louis L. Thurstone
Howard Gardner
Robert Sternberg
7. Twin Studies & Intelligence
• Read: The Roles of Genetics and Environment in Determining
Intelligence in Chapter 6 (pages 301 – 305)
• Question: Both of the photos below are of twins, but which twins
have more similar IQs?
8. Question: Is there any other evidence that intelligence is
inherited? There are other studies which provide
evidence that there is indeed a biological origin of
intelligence. Read each of the articles below in your
quest to answer this question.
Biology & Intelligence
After exhaustive research, most psychologists agree
that intelligence is a combination of both nature
(heredity) and nurture (environment).
• Study Gives More Proof That Intelligence is Inherited
• Genes Play Big Role in Intelligence
9. Success and Intelligence
• Read: Does a High IQ Score Predict Success in Life in Chapter 7 (page
293)
• Summarize: What did Terman find in his longitudinal study?
• How was success defined?
• How did the As, Bs, and Cs differ?
• What are three traits that contributed to greater success for the As?
• Read: "But what does IQ really measure?"Read this article from
Science Magazine to see if contemporary research supports Terman’s
longitudinal study.
• Question: Does it support the findings of Terman’s longitudinal study?
Why or why not?
10. Intelligence and Discrimination
• Read: On page 305 – 307 you will read about the dangers of
assigning too much value to measures of intelligence.
• Think: What if you belong to a group that was deemed to have
inferior intelligence, like the Burakumin people of Japan?
Could this type of discrimination happen today, in America –
does it?
• Read: Performing with a Threat in the Air- how stereotypes
undermine performance, p. 304 – 305.
• Activity: Summarize the conclusions about stereotype threat
and stereotype lift; are there any groups in America who’s
stereotypes put them at risk for these external influences?
11. Conclusions
• There is not one accepted definition of intelligence.
• There may be cross-cultural variation.
• It can be measured in different ways.
• One may possess general intelligence, but lack specific intelligence, or
vice versa.
• There is agreement that intelligence is influenced by both
heredity and environment.
• Intelligence is most likely a complex interaction of multiple genes
influenced by environmental factors.
• Intelligence alone is not the only measure of success.
• The results of intelligence tests should be used cautiously.
12. MODULEB OBJECTIVES
By the end of this tutorial you should now be able to…
#60 - Identify three traits that are better predictors of future success than
simply intelligence, according to the results of Terman’s longitudinal research.
#62 - Contrast Charles Spearman, Louis L. Thurstone, Howard Gardner, and
Robert Sternberg’s theories of intelligence.
#66- Explain stereotype threat and stereotype lift and why they occur.
#67- Discuss strategies to reduce stereotype threat.