Language and Intelligence Structure of language • Phonemes - basic sounds – English has ~40 phonemes – We can only hear and produce the phonemes of our native language after a critical period (~6-12 months) Structure of language • Morphemes - units of meaning – Sometimes words – Not always - prefixes and postfixes are morphemes – Multi-phoneme words Structure of language • Grammar - rules of a language – Semantics – Syntax Language in the brain • Left hemisphere – Broca’s area – Wernicke’s area Language development • Language is learned at an exponential rate during the first 5 years – – – – – ___ mos. - babbling ___ mos. - one-word stage ___ mos. - language explosion begins ___ mos. - two-word stage; ~300 word vocabulary ___ mos. - phrases, complex sentences; ~1000 word vocabulary • Critical period Nature vs. Nurture • Skinner - language is acquired through learning principles • Chomsky - the brain is hard-wired to acquire language • Who is right? Sign language • The same brain regions devoted to spoken language are devoted to sign language in non-hearing individuals Animal language • Do animals communicate? • Do animals use language? What is intelligence? Intelligence • Cultural construct – What skills and knowledge are currently valued in the U.S.? Intelligence • Spearman - General intelligence - G – Performance in one area predicts performance in another Intelligence • Multiple intelligences – Gardner’s 8 intelligences • • • • • • • • • Linguistic Logical-mathematical Musical Bodily-kinesthetic Spatial Interpersonal Intrapersonal Naturalist + Existential Intelligence • Multiple intelligences – Sternberg’s triarchic theory • Analytic • Practical • Creative Intelligence • Multiple intelligences – Emotional intelligence • • • • Perceive emotions Understand emotions Manage emotions Use emotions Measuring intelligence • Intelligence testing – Binet – Terman (Stanford-Binet) – Wechsler (WAIS & WISC) • IQ tests are meant to measure aptitude, not achievement • IQ tests must have reliability and validity Pitfalls of intelligence testing • Cultural bias • Measure achievement and aptitude • Classifications are both helpful and limiting Influences on intelligence • Genetic heritability – Twin studies – Adoption studies • Environmental influence – Supportive environment – Impoverished environment – Schooling
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