Differences in Intelligence
Range of Scores
130 and above
120-129
110-119
100-109
90-99
80-89
70-79
Below 70
% of People
2%
7%
16%
25%
25%
16%
7%
2%
Distribution of I.Q. Scores
Bell Curve: graph where the majority
fall in the middle, making the line
shaped like a bell
Cognitive Impairment
- Used to be labelled as mental retardation, mentally
challenged
- Defined as having an IQ score below 70
- Depending on severity: problems with
communication, self-care, social skills, travel within
community, self-direction, job training
Cognitive Impairment
IQ Score
Term
Description
50 – 70
Mild
read/write at middle
school level, math skills,
self-supporting
35 – 50
Moderate
little reading/writing skills,
difficulty supporting self, may
learn vocational skill
20 – 35
Severe
May talk, need supervision
Cognitive Impairment
IQ Score
Term
Description
35 – 50
Moderate
little reading/writing skills,
difficulty supporting self, may
learn vocational skill
20 – 35
Severe
May talk, need supervision
Below 20
Profound
Constant aid, usually
institutional care
Causes of Cognitive
- Alcohol or drugs during pregnancy
Impairment
- Malnutrition during pregnancy
- Birth defects/issues during
childbirth
- Genetic disorders such as Down
Syndrome
- Lack of proper nutrition during early
years
- Accidents such as brain damage or
exposure to toxic chemicals
Learning Disabilities
- Condition that makes it difficult to acquire certain knowledge and
skills
- Discrepancy between measured intelligence and academic
performance
- Most people have average or above-average IQs
Some common types:
- Dyslexia – most common; letters appear jumbled or distorted
making it difficult to identify, read, and comprehend words
- Dysphasia – difficulty understanding spoken words, recalling words
- Dysgraphia – difficulty writing; tend to reorder words/letters or
have difficulty forming letters
Giftedness and Creativity
Giftedness – IQ over 130
- To possess outstanding talent or show
potential for performing at a high level
when compared to others of the same
age
Creativity – ability to create new solutions
to problems or ingenious materials
(inventions)
- Original ideas, still tied to reality
Giftedness & creativity are often tied
together, but don’t have to be gifted to be
highly creative
Giftedness and Creativity
Savant Syndrome
Savant: someone who is cognitively
impaired but has extraordinary abilities
(like Rain Man)
Autistic Savant: rare combination of genius
and low IQ (but not low enough to be C.I.)
- Only 50 in the world
Idiot Savant: cognitively impaired person
who has a remarkable specific skill