PSYC37H3 Chapter 5: Chapter 5.docx
Document Summary
Chapter 5 topic 5a theories and individual tests of intelligence and achievement. An operational definition defines a concept in terms of the way it is measured this is different than real definition. In contrast, a real definition is one that seeks to tell us the true nature of the thing being defined. Read page 153 for the different expert definitions. One concern is that very few contemporary intelligence tests appear to require the examinee to learn something new or to adapt to a new situation as part and parcel of the examination process. Another approach to understanding a construct is to study its popular meaning and this is much more scientific than it appears. In an experiment where both laypersons and experts rated the importance of behaviours to their concept of an ideally intelligent person, answers turned out to be very similar. In order of importance, experts saw verbal intelligence, problem-solving ability, and practical intelligence as crucial to intelligence.
