Nature and Measurement of Intelligence | Mental ability | Nature of Intelligence and Development | Individual difference in intelligence | Mock Test | Staff Nurse | Guides Academy

Nature and measurement of intelligence, mental ability, nature of intelligence and development. Individual difference in intelligence.

Intelligence is the ability to learn, understand, reason, solve problems, and adapt to new situations. It is a combination of cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving skills. Intelligence is both inherited and influenced by environmental factors like education, culture, nutrition, and life experiences. The nature of intelligence is dynamic and develops over time through interaction with the environment and continuous learning.

Mental ability refers to a person’s capacity to perform intellectual tasks and adapt to mental challenges, often measured through IQ (Intelligence Quotient) tests and other standardized assessments. These tools help in the measurement of intelligence, providing insights into cognitive strengths and weaknesses. There are individual differences in intelligence, meaning people differ in their intellectual capacities due to genetics, upbringing, socio-economic conditions, and educational opportunities. Recognizing and respecting these differences is important, especially in fields like nursing, where understanding a patient’s cognitive level can improve communication, care, and outcomes.

Time: 15:00

In psychology, intelligence is most broadly defined as the ability to:

[a] Memorize a large number of facts.

[b] Achieve a high score on a standardized test.

[c] Conform to social norms and expectations.

[d] Learn from experience, solve problems, and use knowledge to adapt to new situations.

The original purpose of Alfred Binet's first intelligence test was to:

[a] Identify gifted and highly talented individuals for advanced placement.

[b] Identify French schoolchildren who needed special educational assistance.

[c] Measure the intelligence of adults for military placement.

[d] Prove that intelligence was entirely determined by genetics.

Which theory proposes that there are multiple, independent types of intelligence, such as linguistic, musical, and interpersonal?

[a] Spearman's 'g' factor theory

[b] Sternberg's triarchic theory

[c] Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences

[d] Binet's theory of mental age

A nurse's ability to quickly solve a novel and unexpected problem with a piece of medical equipment relies primarily on which type of intelligence?

[a] Crystallized intelligence

[b] Emotional intelligence

[c] Fluid intelligence

[d] Linguistic intelligence

The "nature vs. nurture" debate concerning intelligence refers to the controversy over the relative contributions of:

[a] Fluid and crystallized intelligence.

[b] Motivation and effort.

[c] Genetics and environment.

[d] IQ and emotional intelligence.

Why is it crucial for nurses to understand individual differences in mental ability when providing patient education?

[a] To determine if the patient is worthy of receiving care.

[b] To complete the hospital's paperwork correctly.

[c] To tailor teaching methods and language to a level the patient can understand.

[d] To prove that the nurse is more intelligent than the patient.

A nurse who is adept at perceiving, understanding, and managing their own and their patients' emotions demonstrates a high level of:

[a] General intelligence (g)

[b] Crystallized intelligence

[c] Mathematical intelligence

[d] Emotional intelligence (EQ)

For an IQ test to be considered "standardized," it must have been:

[a] Reviewed and approved by a government agency.

[b] Administered to a large, representative sample of people to establish norms.

[c] Translated into multiple languages.

[d] Used for at least ten years without any changes.

On a modern, standardized IQ test, the average score is set at:

[a] 50

[b] 75

[c] 100

[d] 125

How does crystallized intelligence typically change over the adult lifespan?

[a] It declines sharply after age 25.

[b] It remains completely stable from birth to death.

[c] It tends to increase or remain stable well into late adulthood.

[d] It fluctuates randomly from year to year.

A nurse's accumulated knowledge of pharmacology and disease processes is a strong example of:

[a] Crystallized intelligence

[b] Fluid intelligence

[c] Practical intelligence

[d] The 'g' factor

A test's "validity" refers to its ability to:

[a] Produce consistent results over time.

[b] Measure what it is actually intended to measure.

[c] Be administered to a large group of people.

[d] Be scored by a computer.

The concept of a general intelligence factor, or 'g', suggests that:

[a] There are many different, unrelated types of intelligence.

[b] Intelligence is purely a product of one's environment.

[c] A common intellectual ability underlies performance on various mental tasks.

[d] 'g' is only relevant for measuring academic success.

A major criticism of early intelligence tests is their "cultural bias," meaning they:

[a] Were too easy for most people to complete.

[b] Contained questions and content that favored people from the dominant culture.

[c] Could only be administered by someone from the same culture.

[d] Were equally fair to all cultural groups.

The term "mental ability" in a nursing context often refers to a patient's capacity to:

[a] Perform strenuous physical activity.

[b] Feel emotions like happiness or sadness.

[c] See and hear clearly.

[d] Understand information, make decisions, and consent to treatment.

The Flynn effect describes the phenomenon that:

[a] Intelligence scores have been steadily decreasing over the last century.

[b] Intelligence test scores have been steadily increasing in many parts of the world.

[c] An individual's intelligence remains fixed from birth.

[d] The environment has no effect on intelligence.

A person with an IQ score significantly below average and deficits in adaptive functioning would most likely be assessed as having:

[a] High emotional intelligence.

[b] A learning disability.

[c] An intellectual disability.

[d] A gifted level of intelligence.

A test's "reliability" refers to its ability to:

[a] Yield consistent and stable scores over time.

[b] Accurately measure the specific construct it was designed to measure.

[c] Predict future academic performance.

[d] Be free of cultural bias.

According to Sternberg's triarchic theory, "practical intelligence" is best described as:

[a] The ability to perform well on academic tests.

[b] The ability to generate novel ideas and solutions.

[c] The ability to solve everyday problems, or "street smarts."

[d] The ability to understand complex mathematical formulas.

Twin and adoption studies are most relevant for investigating:

[a] The Flynn effect.

[b] The validity of IQ tests.

[c] The relative influence of heredity and environment on intelligence.

[d] The different types of multiple intelligences.

Which factor is critical for healthy cognitive development in early childhood?

[a] Watching large amounts of television.

[b] Proper nutrition and a stimulating environment.

[c] A strict and rigid daily schedule.

[d] Limiting social interaction to promote focus.

Binet's concept of "mental age" referred to:

[a] The person's actual age in years.

[b] The age at which a person is expected to die.

[c] The chronological age that most typically corresponds to a given level of performance.

[d] A person's score on an IQ test.

A person's capacity for abstract reasoning and processing speed is characteristic of:

[a] Crystallized intelligence

[b] Fluid intelligence

[c] Emotional intelligence

[d] Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence

A significant limitation of using an IQ score to evaluate a person is that it:

[a] Does not measure factors like creativity, character, or practical skills.

[b] Is too easy to change with minimal effort.

[c] Is a perfect predictor of life success.

[d] Can only be measured in children.

When a nurse assesses a patient's mental ability without a formal test, they are most likely observing the patient's:

[a] Probable IQ score.

[b] Genetic predispositions.

[c] Ability to follow directions, ask relevant questions, and communicate coherently.

[d] Level of crystallized intelligence only.