After completing the Intelligence Assessment I have received a decent score, but nevertheless, one I would disagree with. Before I delve into the personal reasoning I have for not believing it being a proper assessment of intelligence I decided to do some research on the perception of what “intelligence” is. As David Wechsler noted intelligence is, “…the aggregate or global capacity of the individual to act purposefully, to think rationally, and to deal effectively with his environment. [1]” However, with even such a seemingly enveloping explanation, it still leaves loopholes. For example, if one is to measure intelligence even within a given environment, it still fails to consider the deviation of one’s environment. Factors such as geographic environment, culture, race, and social status effectively alter one’s environment. In an even broader perspective, taking into consideration the different perceptions of individuals, and the inability to prove that there is a universal reality, one must doubt how an Intelligence test can actually exist.
However, in an attempt to create a more consistent understanding of intelligence, the psychometric school of psychology created two subgroups of intelligence; fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence.
[2] Crystallized intelligence is the acquired knowledge that comes from education and communication. For example a child’s belief in the existence of the Tooth Fairy is crystallized knowledge, it is created through the communication between two or more parties. Crystallized intelligence can be reshaped. For example if the same child were to be later informed that no such being exists, that newly acquired knowledge is re-shaped crystallized intelligence. However, as can be noted crystallized intelligence is relative to one’s current understanding of their surroundings (I.e. crystallized intelligence may vary amongst factors such as age, geographical location, social status, gender, and race.) Because of this, the measurement of crystallized intelligence always carries some byes, as was proven by Adrian Drove, a African American Sociologist ad creator of the Black Intelligence Test of Cultural Homogeneity.
On the other end of the spectrum lies what the psychometric school considers Fluid Intelligence. Fluid Intelligence, is the ability to recognize patterns, solve problems and the ability to learn itself. [2] This form of intelligence is assumable more difficult to find byes in, as general problem solving is a constant ability amongst the human populous. However, not intending to be cynical, but in order to test fluid intelligence, the factor of laziness also falls into play; if the subject becomes distracted or is unwilling to attempt to solve the problem the resulting score becomes a inadequate measurement. Also, without requiring an explanation of the reasoning behind answers, it is theoretically possible to have a chimp take an IQ exam and luckily guess all the correct answers resulting in the IQ of a genius! This creates the assumption, that while intelligence quotient tests are useful, they are not in the least bit accurate. However, relative to a willing participant who also belongs to the given cultural discriminates, the IQ testing works marvelously.
To conclude things I will release my score. After my first attempt of taking the Classical IQ test, it came up with a resultant score of 133. As we all know I’m not a gifted learner, I can assume that IQ tests are not only inaccurate but byes as well. A good portion of the test was vocabulary, which being the also found in the SAT I was able to skim by on. In addition, considering that vocabulary is a common value amongst middle-class white Americans, I would not be surprised if that particular group scored well in that portion of the IQ test. Naturally, knowledge of the English vocabulary doesn’t make one more intelligent than other individuals who are multi-lingual and have diversified their vocabulary. Conclusively, I would have to side with Gould’s opinion that intelligence cannot be measured, at the very least not with this form of testing. [1] However, to give a shimmering beacon of hoe, I can certainly say these tests have appeared to become less byes over the years.
As far as the test on learning styles, I also have to report there is simplistic byes on the part of the individual. While it certainly can help people understand how they learn, the answer choices are far to simplistic to accurately assess how people learn. After taking the test it assessed that I am “multimodal” meaning I earn through multiple methods equally well. The only problem is that the individuals themselves are reporting how they think they learn, which in turn will create the answer they desire. If the person believes they learn best through methods that are utilize vision, the test merely reciprocates that idea and notifies them they learn that way. Their assumptions are confirmed, always, which makes me doubtful of its accuracy.
Overall, one must wonder what purpose does an IQ test really have? Does it really matter? I would argue that it is merely a test, an a byes one at that. If you are to play one game show like Jeopardy and the categories are all tailored to your competitors who have respectively studied in that category while you have not, their scores will likely be higher. Similarly, the tests as far as crystallized intelligence a byes to certain groups, allotting them higher IQ scores. In addition, during said game show, if you are aware of the answer to a problem but are to lazy to answer the question, then the fluid intelligence will be measured inaccurately. Even with modern strides towards more accurate testing such as Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, [1] it is still to be noted that it still holds byes according to culture in general. Conclusively, I would argue that IQ testing is completely byes, and should not be taken seriously.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligence
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluid_and_crystallized_intelligence
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
Unusual Behaviors
Consdering the study of neutral stimuli being conditioned to create previously unrelated reactions, I decided to consider a few of my own behaviors.
To start with my most common behavior is sometimes staring off into the distance with my head rested in my palm while I think. I would theorize this behavior started because ever since childhood I have been impatient ad lazy. In school, as in most organized settings, blatant disaste or disinterest is strictly prohibited. There I was frequently bored of what I had to do or simply disgusted at the ridiculously low pace at which people have to learn at. Boredom, lead to sleepiness, and since having your head down on the desk was strictly prohibited, I resorted to this habit along with slouching. Simply, my behavior was generally rewarded with some form of entertainment, in the very least me being able to relax. Being bored with nothing to do is unbearable torment for me, unless I don't want to do anything in which case I am tormented in doing things. Since I am frequently bored by life in general (I'm not mean but I'm spoiled dang it!) or by classes I often exhibit this behavior. While I rarely get any free time or something to do, it irrtiates the professors I'd assume which at least gets the message across. For example, I actually exhibited this behavior just now because I'm getting bored of typing!
The effects of this behavor is none to severe, but I do frequently rest my head on my palm, even when driving, which may not be the safest measure. Because of this,and the frequency of this habit, people aoften assume that I am easily disinterested in their projects or generally whatever they happen to be doing at the time, when in actuality I am simply just acting out of habit. In truth I do exhibit these behaviors when I am bored, but it has been become so common that I perform this behavior almost consistently.
My second unusual behavior is my fear of peronsal contact. Shocker people, I don't mind hugs but I do have issues! From elementary school early high school I was frequently picked on ( I was big and a pacifist so I suppose it made people feel better if they could try and take it out on me). Because of most of my pysical contact being pain, and potentially the fact every girl I've ever liked was either with me for a free meal or to crush me (I do know evil people) I have had personal space issues.
Ths behavior is perphaps one of my worst behaviors since it is coupled with a ingrained mentality of distrust. Combining this reason with the fact people often tell me about the "skeletons in their closet" and/or try to expose fine for public display and humiliation, I don't easily have deep rooted trust in people. Since physical contact reminds me of past injury of those who have hurt me int he past (being both physical and emotional) I have a general distaste for it. I just have had a long standing distrust of people in general ( I hide it well don't I?).
Perphaps one of my most common behaviors is my frequent and incessant blinking. Whenever I approach a huge exam, professor who I fear (I don't easily talk with authority figures), or attempt any seemingly overlooming task I always seem to blink. The basis for this is purely simple conditioning. As I recall, I have always have had poor vision (I blame genetics and video games!). Because of this I have almost always had to wear glasses. Huge glasses that make you look like a nerd, not only cause strain on the eyes, but also creates humiliatin amongst piers. In addition to allergies, these two have always been a butal combination. Since humiliation or the stress of a test or some unfortuneate event looming in the near future near by (I have bad luck), stress and humiliation quickly bcame a conditioned stimulus for such horrid reactions.
The effects of this reaction have been hard to overcome if they have even been extinguished. It prolonged me 6 months from getting my driver's liscense alone because of it. My sheer fear and stress of learning how to drive left me with horrid responses such as this. Since blinking and an allergic reaction occuring in the sinuses are detrimental to good driving, I performed poorly, which in turn led to the conditioned stimulus to continue onward. Because of this stimulus, my emotional stability has become a window to the outside world. If my eyes are blinking incessantly, and my sinuses are kicking in, it is ither severe allergies, strain from my overly huge glasses, or a sure sign I have been severely panicked or offended.
To start with my most common behavior is sometimes staring off into the distance with my head rested in my palm while I think. I would theorize this behavior started because ever since childhood I have been impatient ad lazy. In school, as in most organized settings, blatant disaste or disinterest is strictly prohibited. There I was frequently bored of what I had to do or simply disgusted at the ridiculously low pace at which people have to learn at. Boredom, lead to sleepiness, and since having your head down on the desk was strictly prohibited, I resorted to this habit along with slouching. Simply, my behavior was generally rewarded with some form of entertainment, in the very least me being able to relax. Being bored with nothing to do is unbearable torment for me, unless I don't want to do anything in which case I am tormented in doing things. Since I am frequently bored by life in general (I'm not mean but I'm spoiled dang it!) or by classes I often exhibit this behavior. While I rarely get any free time or something to do, it irrtiates the professors I'd assume which at least gets the message across. For example, I actually exhibited this behavior just now because I'm getting bored of typing!
The effects of this behavor is none to severe, but I do frequently rest my head on my palm, even when driving, which may not be the safest measure. Because of this,and the frequency of this habit, people aoften assume that I am easily disinterested in their projects or generally whatever they happen to be doing at the time, when in actuality I am simply just acting out of habit. In truth I do exhibit these behaviors when I am bored, but it has been become so common that I perform this behavior almost consistently.
My second unusual behavior is my fear of peronsal contact. Shocker people, I don't mind hugs but I do have issues! From elementary school early high school I was frequently picked on ( I was big and a pacifist so I suppose it made people feel better if they could try and take it out on me). Because of most of my pysical contact being pain, and potentially the fact every girl I've ever liked was either with me for a free meal or to crush me (I do know evil people) I have had personal space issues.
Ths behavior is perphaps one of my worst behaviors since it is coupled with a ingrained mentality of distrust. Combining this reason with the fact people often tell me about the "skeletons in their closet" and/or try to expose fine for public display and humiliation, I don't easily have deep rooted trust in people. Since physical contact reminds me of past injury of those who have hurt me int he past (being both physical and emotional) I have a general distaste for it. I just have had a long standing distrust of people in general ( I hide it well don't I?).
Perphaps one of my most common behaviors is my frequent and incessant blinking. Whenever I approach a huge exam, professor who I fear (I don't easily talk with authority figures), or attempt any seemingly overlooming task I always seem to blink. The basis for this is purely simple conditioning. As I recall, I have always have had poor vision (I blame genetics and video games!). Because of this I have almost always had to wear glasses. Huge glasses that make you look like a nerd, not only cause strain on the eyes, but also creates humiliatin amongst piers. In addition to allergies, these two have always been a butal combination. Since humiliation or the stress of a test or some unfortuneate event looming in the near future near by (I have bad luck), stress and humiliation quickly bcame a conditioned stimulus for such horrid reactions.
The effects of this reaction have been hard to overcome if they have even been extinguished. It prolonged me 6 months from getting my driver's liscense alone because of it. My sheer fear and stress of learning how to drive left me with horrid responses such as this. Since blinking and an allergic reaction occuring in the sinuses are detrimental to good driving, I performed poorly, which in turn led to the conditioned stimulus to continue onward. Because of this stimulus, my emotional stability has become a window to the outside world. If my eyes are blinking incessantly, and my sinuses are kicking in, it is ither severe allergies, strain from my overly huge glasses, or a sure sign I have been severely panicked or offended.
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