Introduction to Psychology

Class 16: Language & IntelligenceMyers: 302-336

July 13, 2006

Language Our spoken, written, or signed words and the way

we combine them to communicate meaning

Nature (genes, brain, ability to speak and sign) + Nurture (languages to which one is exposed) = Behavior (mastery of language)

Developing Language

Skinner Operant learning Chomsky Universal grammar Cognitive scientists Statistical learning

Operant learning

Skinner (1957)

Association (sight of toy with the sound of “toy”)

Imitation (or words and phrases others use) Reinforcement (smiles, hugs on correct usage)

Universal grammar

Chomsky (1959)

Inborn and extraordinary ability to acquire words and grammar

Use of novel words and sentences Overgeneralization

Children in isolation make-up languages

Statistical learning

7-month infants decipher rules within minutes

Figure out the ABA patterned nonsense syllables

“ga-ti-ga” and “li-na-li”

Listen longer to ABB patterned nonsense syllables

“wo-fe-fe” and “be-to-to”

Does language affect thought? Whorf “Yes, there is linguistic determination of thought!”

Evidence- Tribes that have words describing two similar shades of yellow and better at distinguishing those two shades- The way we use pronouns affects thought; e.g., The nurse returned all his missed calls- Bilinguals describe themselves as having different personalities based on the language in which they are asked

But do we need language to think?- The role of imagery; e.g. “mental practice” and dart throwing

Other animals Pigeons, apes, chimps, dogs, pigs, dolphins all display

signs of intelligence

But do animals have the ability for language?

- Need for communication: yes- Words and symbols: yes- Grammar: no

Insects communicate through pheromones

Intelligence Mental abilities needed to select, adapt

to, and shape environments

Involves the abilities to profit from experience, solve problems, reason, meet challenges, and achieve goals

History History

- Alfred Binet- Lewis Terman

IQ = MA/CA X100

Normal Curve

Types of intelligence Charles Spearman and “g” Verbal, spatial, reasoning

Howard Gardner and multiple intelligences Savant syndrome Word, number, music, space, body, self,

people, nature, existential

Bob Sternberg’s three aspects Analytical, Creative, Practical

Emotional intelligence Salovey and Mayer (1990)

The ability to perceive, express, understand and manage emotion

Izard’s (2001) longitudinal study

Controversy

Intelligence tests WAIS Principles:

1) Standardized2) Reliable

- Test-retest - Split-half

Alternate forms3) Valid

- Content - Criterion

Genetic Influences

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Correlarionbetweenintelligence scores

Environmental influences Schooling effects Early intervention effects Cultural effects

Group differences

Verbal scores

Low High

Men Women

Within-group difference > Between-group difference Difference diminishing with time Stereotype threat

Other stuff Extremes of intelligence Creativity and intelligence