INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY,
THIRD CANADIAN EDITION
by John Hunsley and Catherine M. Lee
Chapter 7
Overview
• Questions
• Defining intelligence
• Theories of intelligence
• Assessing intelligence: The clinical context
• The Wechsler Intelligence scales
• Other Intelligence scales
• Selected cognitive assessment scales
• For next class
Defining Intelligence
Intelligence is a person’s global capacity
to act purposely, to think in a rational
manner and to deal effectively with his or
her environment.
David Wechsler, 1939
So what is intelligence?
• Examples of intelligent behaviour
• How can you tell if someone is
intelligent?
Correlates of intelligence: Nisbett et al. 2012
• 40-80% of variability in intelligence scores is due to genetic factors
• Environment affects the extent to which individuals achieve their full
genetic potential
• 280 genes associated with intellectual disability identified; no single gene
associated with normal variation
• Breast-feeding seems to be associated with higher IQ among babies born
prematurely.
Nisbett et al. variables that are protective:
• Breast-feeding seems to be associated with higher IQ among babies born
prematurely.
• Higher SES in children adopted from low SES homes
• Aerobic exercise in older adults
Theories of Intelligence
• Disconnect between
psychological science on
cognitive abilities and the ways
we assess clinically
Factor models
•Spearman ‘g’ and ‘s’
•Thurstone
•Guilford
Hierarchical models
•Cattell: fluid versus crystallized intelligence
Information processing models
•Sternberg’s triarchic theory
•Gardner’s mulitiple intelligences
Class Discussion
• Do these psychological theories capture the full scope of what
intelligence is?
• How are our theories of intelligence shaped by historical and cultural
factors?
• In what ways can intelligence testing be appropriately used? Misused?
Assessing Intelligence: The clinical context
• Why assess intelligence?
– to identify possible impairments/weaknesses/strengths
– to Identify appropriate learning environments
– to make recommendations for modifying work/home environments
Wechsler Scales
• WPPSI-III
• WISC-IV
• WAIS-IV
• WASI
• Standard scores: mean of 100 and standard deviation of 15
Wechsler scale indexes
• Verbal Comprehension
• Perceptual Reasoning
• Working Memory
• Processing Speed
Other Intelligence Scales
• Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
• Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children
• Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test
Selected Cognitive Assessment Scales
• Wechsler Memory Scale
– Why assess memory?
– Do the WMS subtests seem relevant to memory tasks in daily life?
Selected Cognitive Assessment Scales
• Wechsler Individual Achievement Test
– Why assess achievement?
– What factors other than intelligence are likely to affect academic
achievement?
For next class
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