Question

Check your understanding of various theories on the nature of intelligence by matching the names of their originators with the brief descriptions of the theories' main themes that appear below. Choose from the following theorists: (a) Alfred Binet, (b) Howard Gardner. (c) Arthur Jensen, (d) Lewis Terman, (e) Robert Sternberg, and (f) David Wechsler. The answers are in Appendix A. _______________ This person distinguished between verbal and nonverbal ability, and discarded the intelligence quotient in favor of a scoring scheme based on the normal distribution.

Short answer

Answer: David Wechsler

Step-by-step solution

Understand each theorist's key contributions

First, it is important to understand the main contributions made by each theorist. In #exercise#, we can see that each theorist has a specific keyword or idea that is related to their theory. We will use this information to match the description to the theorist.

Identify the theorist who distinguished between verbal and nonverbal ability

David Wechsler is the theorist who emphasized the importance of verbal and nonverbal ability in his intelligence tests. He believed that a single score was not enough to evaluate the overall ability of an individual and emphasized the need for separate scores for verbal and nonverbal reasoning. In his theory, he discarded the intelligence quotient and proposed a scoring scheme based on the normal distribution.

Match the description to the theorist

Now that we have identified the theorist who emphasized verbal and nonverbal ability and discarded the intelligence quotient in favor of a scoring scheme based on the normal distribution, we can match the description to the correct theorist. In this case, the description matches with David Wechsler (f). So, the correct match for the description is David Wechsler (f).

Key concepts

David Wechsler

David Wechsler was a significant figure in the field of intelligence testing. Unlike other theorists of his time, he didn't believe in assessing intelligence with a single number or mere quotient. Instead, he developed a more sophisticated structure for intelligence tests. His approach sought to measure a broad range of cognitive abilities, which he believed were composed of both verbal and nonverbal skills.

Wechsler's emphasis on a more rounded assessment of intelligence was a step forward from earlier, more simplistic methods. His work has had a lasting impact on how intelligence is understood and evaluated.

Verbal and Nonverbal Ability

In Wechsler's theory, intelligence is not a single static quantity but rather a combination of abilities. He divided these into two major categories: verbal and nonverbal ability. Verbal ability includes skills like comprehension, vocabulary, and general knowledge. These are typically assessed through words and language.

Nonverbal ability, on the other hand, refers to skills that do not necessarily rely on language, such as understanding visual patterns and solving puzzles. Wechsler realized that both types of abilities were crucial for a complete understanding of intelligence, as they encompass different facets of cognitive processing.

Normal Distribution

Wechsler introduced the idea of using scores that are normally distributed for intelligence testing. Normal distribution, also known as the bell curve, is a statistical concept where most of the data points (or scores) cluster around the average, with fewer scores occurring as they move away from the average in either direction.

This approach allows for a clearer interpretation of how a person's intelligence compares to that of the general population. By placing scores on a normal distribution, it becomes easier to understand variations in intelligence and make consistent comparisons across different individuals and groups.

Intelligence Testing

Intelligence testing aims to quantify a person's intellectual capabilities. The fundamental purpose is to provide an objective measure that compares different aspects of cognitive function against a standard or average. These tests involve various items that probe different intelligence dimensions, including reasoning, memory, and problem-solving skills.

The importance of intelligence testing lies in its applications, including educational placements, diagnosis of cognitive impairments, and even assessing cognitive development. Wechsler's models stand out because they extend beyond mere score calculation, providing deeper insight into a person's strengths and weaknesses.

Wechsler Scales

The Wechsler Scales are among the most widely recognized and used intelligence tests. They include several versions, each tailored to different age groups, such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC).

Each scale incorporates a variety of subtests that measure aspects of verbal and nonverbal abilities. The results are summarized in a composite score, which reflects the individual's overall cognitive ability. What makes these scales particularly valuable is their adaptability, enabling a comprehensive assessment of intellectual capability through a nuanced set of measures.