Intelligence and Cognitive Functioning

Question 1

What is intelligence?

Answer 1

The ability to reason, understand, and profit from experience.

Question 2

How is IQ correlated with life outcomes?

Answer 2

Positively with school/job performance, income, socioeconomic level; negatively with juvenile delinquency.

Question 3

What is Gardner’s theory of intelligence?

Answer 3

Intelligence consists of multiple distinct abilities (e.g., linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, etc.).

Question 3

What is the debate about the structure of intelligence?

Answer 3

Whether intelligence is a single capability (lumpers) or a collection of abilities (splitters).

Question 4

What brain features correlate with general intelligence?

Answer 4

Gray matter volume (especially frontal areas), thicker cortex, smaller columns.

Question 5

How are IQ scores related to processing efficiency?

Answer 5

Higher myelination, faster transfer to long-term storage, less energy usage during tasks.

Question 6

Which brain regions support specific abilities?

Answer 6

• Linguistic: Left frontal & temporal lobes
  
  • Logical-mathematical: Left prefrontal cortex (rote), parietal cortices (active)
  • Spatial: Right parietal structures

Question 7

What do twin studies show about intelligence?

Answer 7

Identical twins reared apart are more similar than fraternal twins raised together.

Question 8

What environmental factors affect intelligence?

Answer 8

Socioeconomic level, parental education, infectious disease prevalence.

Question 9

What interventions improve intelligence outcomes?

Answer 9

Head Start (temporary), Abecedarian Project (early, more permanent).

Question 11

How does aging affect intelligence?

Answer 11

Perceptual speed declines after 25, numeric memory around 60, decreased default mode network activation.

Question 12

What is intellectual disability?

Answer 12

IQ below 70 with difficulty in adaptive behavior, originating before age 18.

Question 13

What causes intellectual disability?

Answer 13

Combination of genetic and environmental factors (e.g., prenatal viruses, maternal alcoholism).

Question 14

What is Down syndrome?

Answer 14

Extra 21st chromosome; leading genetic cause of intellectual disability.

Question 15

What is Fragile X syndrome?

Answer 15

Mutated FMRI gene affecting synaptic pruning; more severe in males.

Question 16

What is Down syndrome?

Answer 16

Extra 21st chromosome; leading genetic cause of intellectual disability.

Question 17

What is PKU?

Answer 17

Lack of enzyme to break down phenylalanine; controlled by diet.

Question 18

What is hydrocephalus?

Answer 18

Fluid buildup in ventricles; treated with shunts; some individuals maintain high IQ despite reduced brain tissue.

Question 19

What are the core symptoms of ASD?

Answer 19

Social deficits, communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors.

Question 19

What is “theory of mind” deficit in ASD?

Answer 19

Inability to infer others’ thoughts/intentions.

Question 20

What brain anomalies are linked to ASD?

Answer 20

Abnormal development in brainstem, cerebellum, temporal lobes; decreased white matter; loss of synchronized activity.

Question 21

What biochemical anomalies are found in ASD?

Answer 21

Abnormal serotonin, glutamate, GABA, oxytocin levels.

Question 22

What is the difference between autistic savants and high-functioning individuals?

Answer 22

Savants have exceptional skills but low overall functioning; high-functioning individuals overcome impairments with effort.

Question 23

What are the main characteristics of ADHD?

Answer 23

Impulsiveness, inability to sustain attention, learning difficulties, hyperactivity.

Question 24

What neurotransmitter anomalies are linked to ADHD?

Answer 24

Reduced dopamine pathway activity; Ritalin increases norepinephrine in prefrontal cortex.

Question 25

What environmental factors increase ADHD risk?

Answer 25

Stress, smoking, drug abuse during pregnancy, brain injury, lead/pesticide exposure.