Ap Psychology Module 31-41

Are intelligence tests biased? If so, how?

• Intelligence tests are biased because they only measure academic intelligence and neglect other forms of intelligence, such as emotional or creative intelligence.

• Intelligence tests are biased because they are based on cultural norms and may not accurately measure the intelligence of individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

• Intelligence tests can be biased due to cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic factors, which may lead to unfair assessment of certain individuals or groups.

• Intelligence tests are not biased

Answer explanation

Intelligence tests can be biased in various ways. One reason is cultural bias, where the questions may favor certain cultural backgrounds or experiences. Additionally, socioeconomic bias can occur, as access to resources and quality education can impact test performance. Language bias is another factor, as tests may rely heavily on language skills, disadvantaging non-native speakers. It's important to consider these biases when interpreting intelligence test results.

Identify the differences between male and female intelligence

• There are no differences between male and female intelligence

• Women are overall smarter in things like English and art, whereas men are better in math and sciences.

• Women tend to be better at things like math and science, while men are better at English and art.

• Women tend to have a higher IQ than men

Answer explanation

Psychology and intelligence researchers are unequivocal: men and women do not differ in actual IQ. There is no “smarter sex”.

What are the characteristics of savant syndrome?

• Extraordinary skills in a specific area, such as music, art, or mathematics

• Enhanced physical strength

• Exceptional memory recall

• Superior artistic abilities

Answer explanation

Savant syndrome is a condition in which individuals with developmental disabilities or brain injuries demonstrate exceptional abilities in specific areas, such as music, art, mathematics, or memory. These abilities often stand out in contrast to their overall cognitive functioning. It's a fascinating phenomenon that highlights the incredible diversity of human abilities and potential.

What is Down syndrome?

• A neurological condition characterized by excessive hair growth

• A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21

• A type of learning disability that affects reading and writing skills

• A genetic disorder that affects the immune system

Answer explanation

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. It is typically characterized by certain physical features, intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays. People with Down syndrome can lead fulfilling lives with appropriate support and opportunities for growth and inclusion.

Describe a mental set

• A psychological phenomenon where individuals experience a sudden loss of memory

• A cognitive bias that occurs when someone is overly confident in their abilities

• A cognitive tendency to approach problem-solving in a particular way based on past experiences

• A mental disorder characterized by extreme mood swings

Answer explanation

A mental set refers to a cognitive bias or tendency to approach problem-solving or decision-making in a particular way based on past experiences or preconceived notions. It can limit our ability to consider alternative solutions or approaches to a problem.

Describe overconfidence and it’s psychological explanations

• Overconfidence is a cognitive bias that occurs when someone underestimates their abilities.

• Overconfidence is a cognitive bias in which individuals tend to have excessive confidence in their own abilities or judgments, often overestimating their performance or the accuracy of their beliefs.

• Overconfidence is a psychological phenomenon where individuals experience a constant state of anxiety and fear.

• Overconfidence is a mental disorder characterized by extreme self-doubt and low self-esteem.

Answer explanation

Overconfidence refers to a cognitive bias where individuals have an inflated belief in their own abilities, knowledge, or judgments. They tend to overestimate their performance or the accuracy of their beliefs.

Psychologically, overconfidence can be explained by several factors. One explanation is the Dunning-Kruger effect, which suggests that people with low ability or knowledge in a particular area tend to overestimate their competence. Another explanation is the confirmation bias, where individuals seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs and ignore or downplay contradictory evidence. Additionally, the optimism bias plays a role, as individuals often have an optimistic outlook and believe they are less likely to experience negative outcomes compared to others. These psychological factors contribute to the phenomenon of overconfidence.

Describe a normal curve

• A normal curve is a graph that represents the average intelligence of a population.

• A normal curve is a symmetrical distribution that represents the frequency of occurrence of values in a population.

• A normal curve is a statistical term for a curve that shows the distribution of abnormal behaviors.

• A normal curve is a mathematical equation used to calculate the probability of an event occurring.

Answer explanation

A normal curve, also known as a bell curve or Gaussian curve, is a graphical representation of a symmetrical distribution of data. It shows the frequency of different values in a population, with the majority of values clustering around the mean and fewer values at the extremes.

Identify the importance of Thurstone

• Thurstone is a famous psychologist known for his contributions to the field of culinary arts and child psychology.

• Thurstone is a term used to describe a psychological phenomenon where people have an irrational fear of Thursdays.

• Thurstone is a concept in psychology that refers to the belief that all human behavior can be explained by the alignment of celestial bodies or astrological signs.

• Thurstone is a significant figure in psychology known for his contributions to psychometrics, particularly the development of the Thurstone scale. He emphasized the importance of measuring psychological traits using multiple dimensions rather than a single factor.

Identify the importance of spearman

• Spearman, an influential psychologist, is known for his work on intelligence testing and the development of the concept of "g" or general intelligence.

• Spearman, although not widely known, is a psychologist who proposed the theory that intelligence is solely determined by the shape and length of a person's head.

• Spearman, a lesser-known figure in psychology, is often associated with the idea that intelligence can be accurately measured by the amount of work a person does in their lifetime.

• Spearman, a psychologist with unconventional ideas, believed that intelligence is primarily influenced by an individual's ability to recall and remember information.

Identify the importance of Gardner

• Gardner is a term used to describe a psychological phenomenon where people’s irrational fears give an insight to that persons intelligence.

• Gardner is a famous psychologist known for his contributions to the field of meditation and relaxation on the mind.

• Gardner is a concept in psychology that refers to the belief that all human behavior can be explained by the arrangement of plants in a garden.

• Gardner is an important figure in psychology known for his theory of multiple intelligences.