Intelligence

Our work on intelligence covers a variety of topics: prototypes of intelligence; reputational measures of intelligence; use of the OCT.

  1. Exemplar surveys
    Following the exemplar literature, we asked lay observers for examples of intelligent people.  Nominations by students were relatively stable across 20 years.  Spatial analyses revealed five implicit types: Scientific, Artistic, Entrepreneurial, Moral, and Communicator.
  2. Reputational vs. psychometric intelligence
    Observers tend to agree that intelligence goes beyond measures of ‘g’.  A discrepancy index (RI – g) was developed. It was associated with two personality variables: Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience.
  3. OCT as a measure of cognitive ability
    When applied to a large set of academic items, the overclaiming technique can be used the measure crystallized intelligence. The OCT accuracy index provides a low-stress and time-efficient index that correlates highly with standard IQ. We have recently extended this work into ‘non-academic’ or ‘lay’ domains. We have included myriad domains from music to movies to makeup and sports.
  4. UBC Word test

Finally, we have developed a standardized vocabulary measure by updating the Word test developed in the 1950s. It comprises 100 stem words with four choices for best synonym.  It correlates .70 with the Wonderlic Verbal subscale.

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