Question 1

According to the In Focus box "Neurodiversity: Beyond IQ," about _____ of people with autism spectrum disorder are autistic savants who have some extraordinary talent or ability in math, music, or art.
A) 75 percent
B) 25 percent
C) 10 percent
D) 0 percent (The idea of autistic savants is based on the fictional character of Raymond, played by Dustin Hoffman in the movie Rainman.)

Accepted Answer

Approximately 10 percent of people with autism spectrum disorder are considered autistic savants, possessing extraordinary talents or abilities in areas such as math, music, or art.

Question 2

Michelle Dawson and her colleagues gave autistic children and adults, and a matched group of nonautistic individuals, a Wechsler-based intelligence test and the Raven's Progressive Matrices test. What were the results of this research?
A) On average, the autistic group scored fully 30 percentile points lower on the Raven's test than on the Wechsler test.
B) On average, the autistic children scored at the 26th percentile on the Wechsler test while their average score was 56 percent on the Raven's test.
C) Members of the matched nonautistic control group achieved significantly lower scores on both tests than did the autistic group.
D) Autistic children and adults scored below the 25th percentile on both tests.

Accepted Answer

The results of the research showed that on average, the autistic children scored at the 26th percentile on the Wechsler test while their average score was 56 percent on the Raven's test. This means that the autistic group performed much better on the Raven's test than on the Wechsler test compared to non-autistic individuals.

Question 3

People with _____ typically have impaired social interactions, impaired verbal and nonverbal communication skills, engage in repetitive or odd motor behaviors, and have highly restricted routines and interests.
A) intellectual disability
B) autism spectrum disorder
C) neurodiversity disease
D) functional fixedness

Accepted Answer

The description given in the question is a classic set of symptoms for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Intellectual disability can co-occur with ASD, but it is not a defining characteristic of the disorder. Neurodiversity disease is not a recognized term in the field of psychology or psychiatry. Functional fixedness refers to a cognitive bias in problem-solving, and is not related to the symptoms described in the question.

Question 4

Trent does not respond to attempts at social interaction. He also engages in repetitive or odd motor behaviors and focuses on a few restricted routines and interests. According to the In Focus box "Neurodiversity: Beyond IQ," these characteristics are typical of a disorder called:
A) autism spectrum disorder.
B) neurodiversity syndrome.
C) mental set disease.
D) intellectual disability.

Accepted Answer

The characteristics described are common symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People with ASD often have difficulty with social interaction, display repetitive or restrictive behaviors, and focus on specific interests or routines. The term "neurodiversity" refers to the idea that neurological differences, such as those seen in ASD, are a natural and valuable part of human diversity. However, ASD is still considered a disorder as it can cause significant impairment in daily functioning. The other answer choices, neurodiversity syndrome, mental set disease, and intellectual disability, do not accurately describe the symptoms presented.

Question 5

Brian's car was not running well. The car would occasionally lose power or stall out. Brian thought about the possible solutions: changing the ignition wires, putting an additive in the gas tank, or taking his car to a mechanic and letting the mechanic figure out the problem. Brian decided that he would try putting an additive in the gas tank first to see if that corrected the problem. Which one of Sternberg's intelligences does it sound like Brian was using?
A) naturalist intelligence
B) creative intelligence
C) analytic intelligence
D) logical-mathematical intelligence

Accepted Answer

Brian is using analytic intelligence to identify and evaluate possible solutions for his car's problem. He is weighing the pros and cons of each option and making a logical decision based on his analysis.

Question 6

When Jennifer lived in the Eastern European country of Slakia for a year, she found it very difficult to adapt to the strange customs and diet of the Slakian culture. Robert Sternberg might suggest that Jennifer is low in _____ intelligence.
A) analytic
B) spatial
C) creative
D) practical

Accepted Answer

Practical intelligence is the ability to adapt to new situations and solve everyday problems, which is exactly what Jennifer struggled with when trying to adjust to the Slakian culture. Therefore, her difficulties suggest that she may be low in practical intelligence.

Question 7

Which of the following is the research method most commonly used to explore the role of genetic and environmental factors in human intelligence?
A) research using nonhuman animals as subjects
B) studies of twins and other genetically related individuals
C) computer models and simulations
D) a systematic comparison of individuals' scores on the Raven's Progressive Matrices test with their scores on the WAIS and WISC

Accepted Answer

Studies of twins and other genetically related individuals are commonly used to explore the role of genetic and environmental factors in human intelligence. This method involves comparing the IQ scores of identical twins (who share 100% of their genes) to those of fraternal twins (who share approximately 50% of their genes) or other siblings. By studying the differences between these groups, researchers can determine the relative contributions of genetics and environment to IQ.

Question 8

In relation to the question of what determines intelligence, most psychologists agree that:
A) intelligence is primarily inherited.
B) intelligence is primarily determined by the environment.
C) both heredity and environment are important in determining intelligence level.
D) intelligence is determined by a single pair of genes.

Accepted Answer

The majority of psychologists today believe that both heredity and environment play important roles in determining intelligence level. While genetics sets certain parameters for one's intelligence potential, environmental factors such as education, nutrition, and opportunities for intellectual stimulation also have significant effects on realized intelligence. There is no evidence to support the idea that intelligence is determined by a single pair of genes, and while some researchers once emphasized the role of heredity, this view is increasingly seen as incomplete.

Question 9

When David goes to graduate school, he wants to investigate aspects of the heredity-environment debate as it relates to human intelligence. He is most likely to:
A) use cross-cultural research to explore the effect of different languages on intellectual development and perception.
B) conduct twin studies.
C) explore creativity and intuition.
D) study cognitive abilities in primates and other animals for clues about the origins of human intelligence.

Accepted Answer

Twin studies allow for the exploration of the relative importance of genetics and environment in shaping intelligence. This would directly relate to the heredity-environment debate.

Question 10

Many researchers, parents, and people "on the autism spectrum" are embracing a new approach to autism spectrum disorders. They recognize that people with autistic symptoms process information, communicate, and experience their social and physical environment differently than neurotypical people, who don't have these symptoms. This approach is called:
A) the neurotypical approach.
B) neurodiversity.
C) the autism spectrum approach.
D) the savant syndrome approach.

Accepted Answer

The approach that recognizes and embraces the differences in how people on the autism spectrum process information and experience the world is called neurodiversity. This approach celebrates and accepts the diversity of cognitive and neurological differences, rather than seeing them as a disorder or deficit. The other answer choices don't accurately reflect this approach.

Question 11

Which of Sternberg's types of intelligence could be referred to as street smarts?
A) creative
B) practical
C) successful
D) analytic

Accepted Answer

Sternberg's practical intelligence refers to the ability to adapt to different situations, understand how to navigate social situations, and apply practical skills to solve real-world problems. This type of intelligence is often associated with "street smarts" or common sense.

Question 12

_____ share exactly the same genes, and thus any differences between them must be due to environmental factors rather than hereditary differences.
A) Fraternal twins
B) Same-sex siblings
C) Identical twins
D) Same-sex fraternal twins

Accepted Answer

Identical twins share exactly the same genes as they develop from one fertilized egg that splits into two embryos. This makes them genetically identical, whereas fraternal twins (A) develop from two separate eggs fertilized at the same time and therefore do not share all their genes. Same-sex siblings (B) can have the same parents and share some similar genes but are not identical. Same-sex fraternal twins (D) do not exist as fraternal twins are by definition not identical.

Question 13

As discussed in the Prologue, Tom had been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome (now considered a mild form of autism spectrum disorder). According to the In Focus box on neurodiversity, Tom is likely to:
A) show abnormal and slow language development, to have narrow interests and inflexible behavior, and, by definition, to have an IQ of 70 or below.
B) show normal, even advanced language development, to have narrow interests and inflexible behavior, and, by definition, to have normal to above-average intelligence.
C) have a low score on the Raven's Progressive Matrices test (50 or below) and a high score on the WAIS (100 or above).
D) have an IQ score of 70 or below accompanied by a high level of social competence.

Accepted Answer

Individuals with Asperger's syndrome, now considered a mild form of autism spectrum disorder, typically have normal to above-average intelligence and normal or advanced language development. They often exhibit narrow interests and inflexible behavior. The definition of intellectual disability, which is accompanied by an IQ score of 70 or below, does not apply to individuals with Asperger's syndrome.

Question 14

Since moving to the United States, Ernesto has established a very successful consulting business advising U.S. corporations that plan to market their products in Central and South America. Ernesto appears to excel in what Robert Sternberg would call:
A) practical intelligence.
B) logical-mathematical intelligence.
C) naturalist intelligence.
D) spatial intelligence.

Accepted Answer

Practical intelligence refers to the ability to apply and use knowledge in practical situations, solve real-world problems, and adapt to new situations. Ernesto's success in advising U.S. corporations on marketing products in Central and South America suggests that he has strong practical intelligence. Logical-mathematical intelligence is more focused on abstract reasoning and problem-solving, while naturalist intelligence relates to understanding and working with the natural world, and spatial intelligence involves the ability to visualize and manipulate objects in space.

Question 15

Twenty-five-year-old Connor is six feet two inches tall. According to your textbook, his present height is a result of:
A) genetic factors only.
B) environmental factors only.
C) the interaction between genetic and environmental factors.
D) doing stretching exercises throughout his teenage years.

Accepted Answer

Height is influenced by both genetic factors and environmental factors such as nutrition and healthcare. The interaction between both factors ultimately determines an individual's height. Therefore, choice C is the best answer. Choice A is incorrect because genetics alone do not determine height. Choice B is also incorrect because environmental factors alone cannot determine an individual's height. Choice D is not a factor that affects height.

Question 16

The hallmarks of autism spectrum disorder, according to the In Focus box on neurodiversity, are:
A) problems with communication and social interactions.
B) a high level of social competence but a low IQ.
C) IQ scores of 70 or below combined with a high level of artistic ability.
D) a high level of mathematical skill and a low score on the Raven's Progressive Matrices test.

Accepted Answer

The hallmark of autism spectrum disorder, according to the In Focus box on neurodiversity, is problems with communication and social interactions. None of the other answer choices accurately describe the main characteristics of autism spectrum disorder.

Question 17

According to the In Focus box "Neurodiversity: Beyond IQ," intellectual disability is a disorder:
A) characterized by intellectual function that is significantly below average, usually defined as a measured IQ of 70 or below, and which is caused by brain injury, disease, or a genetic disorder.
B) in which scores on the Raven's Progressive Matrices test are consistently 25 percent lower than scores on the WAIS.
C) characterized by above-average spatial intelligence, with IQ scores at the 50th percentile or higher on the performance subtest score on the WAIS.
D) in which scores on the Raven's Progressive Matrices test are consistently 25 percent higher than scores on the WAIS.

Accepted Answer

Intellectual disability is characterized by intellectual function that is significantly below average, usually defined as a measured IQ of 70 or below, and which is caused by brain injury, disease, or a genetic disorder. None of the other choices accurately describe intellectual disability.

Question 18

The In Focus box "Neurodiversity: Beyond IQ" presents information on the idea of neurodiversity and notes that people with a mild form of autism spectrum disorder typically:
A) have IQ scores of 70 or below but high levels of social competence.
B) show normal, even advanced language development, have narrow interests and inflexible behavior, and by definition, have normal to above-average intelligence.
C) have low scores on the Raven's Progressive Matrices test (50 or below) and high scores on the WAIS (100 or above).
D) show abnormal and slow language development, have narrow interests and inflexible behavior, and by definition, have an IQ of 70 or below.

Accepted Answer

The text states that people with a mild form of autism spectrum disorder typically have normal or above-average intelligence, normal or even advanced language development, narrow interests, and inflexible behavior. This aligns with option B.

Question 19

Philip, who displays the hallmark characteristics of autism spectrum disorder, is likely to have:
A) a high level of mathematical skill and a low score on the Raven's Progressive Matrices test.
B) a high level of social competence and a high score on the Raven's Progressive Matrices test.
C) IQ score of 70 or below combined with a high level of artistic ability.
D) problems with communication and social interactions with others.

Accepted Answer

The hallmark characteristics of autism spectrum disorder include problems with communication and social interactions with others. Therefore, option D is the best choice. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the key features of autism spectrum disorder.

Question 20

Desmond and Deirdre are two biological siblings who are being reared in the same home. Their IQ scores are much more similar that those of Glen and Giselle, biological siblings who were separated as infants and are being raised in different homes. The fact that the IQ scores of Desmond and Deirdre are much more similar than the IQ scores of Glen and Giselle provides evidence for the influence of _____ on intelligence and IQ scores.
A) the environment
B) genes
C) standardization and validity
D) linguistic relativity

Accepted Answer

The similarity in IQ scores between Desmond and Deirdre, who are raised together, compared to Glen and Giselle, who are raised apart, suggests that the environment plays a significant role in shaping intelligence and IQ scores.

Quiz 7: Thinking, Language, and Intelligence

According to the In Focus box "Neurodiversity: Beyond IQ," about _____ of people with autism spectrum disorder are autistic savants who have some extraordinary talent or ability in math, music, or art.

Michelle Dawson and her colleagues gave autistic children and adults, and a matched group of nonautistic individuals, a Wechsler-based intelligence test and the Raven's Progressive Matrices test. What were the results of this research?

People with _____ typically have impaired social interactions, impaired verbal and nonverbal communication skills, engage in repetitive or odd motor behaviors, and have highly restricted routines and interests.

Trent does not respond to attempts at social interaction. He also engages in repetitive or odd motor behaviors and focuses on a few restricted routines and interests. According to the In Focus box "Neurodiversity: Beyond IQ," these characteristics are typical of a disorder called:

When Jennifer lived in the Eastern European country of Slakia for a year, she found it very difficult to adapt to the strange customs and diet of the Slakian culture. Robert Sternberg might suggest that Jennifer is low in _____ intelligence.

Which of the following is the research method most commonly used to explore the role of genetic and environmental factors in human intelligence?

In relation to the question of what determines intelligence, most psychologists agree that:

When David goes to graduate school, he wants to investigate aspects of the heredity-environment debate as it relates to human intelligence. He is most likely to:

Which of Sternberg's types of intelligence could be referred to as street smarts?

_____ share exactly the same genes, and thus any differences between them must be due to environmental factors rather than hereditary differences.

As discussed in the Prologue, Tom had been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome (now considered a mild form of autism spectrum disorder) . According to the In Focus box on neurodiversity, Tom is likely to:

Since moving to the United States, Ernesto has established a very successful consulting business advising U.S. corporations that plan to market their products in Central and South America. Ernesto appears to excel in what Robert Sternberg would call:

Twenty-five-year-old Connor is six feet two inches tall. According to your textbook, his present height is a result of:

The hallmarks of autism spectrum disorder, according to the In Focus box on neurodiversity, are:

According to the In Focus box "Neurodiversity: Beyond IQ," intellectual disability is a disorder:

The In Focus box "Neurodiversity: Beyond IQ" presents information on the idea of neurodiversity and notes that people with a mild form of autism spectrum disorder typically:

Philip, who displays the hallmark characteristics of autism spectrum disorder, is likely to have: