fluid and crystallized intelligence

FLUID AND CRYSTALLIZED INTELLIGENCE

By:Raymond Cattell and John Horn

What is the “fluid and crystallized intelligence”?

In the 1960s American psychologists Raymond Cattell and John Horn applied new methods of factor analysis and concluded there are two kinds of general intelligence: fluid intelligence (gf) and crystallized intelligence (gc).

What is the “fluid and crystallized intelligence”?Raymond Cattell first proposed the

concepts of fluid and crystallized intelligence and further developed the theory with John Horn. The Cattell-Horn theory of fluid and crystallized intelligence suggests that intelligence is composed of a number of different abilities that interact and work together to produce overall individual intelligence.

FLUID INTELLIGENCE

(gf)

Fluid intelligence

represents the biological basis of

intelligence. Measures of fluid intelligence,

such as speed of reasoning and memory,

increase into adulthood and then decline

due to the aging process.

Fluid intelligence

involves being able to think and reason

abstractly and solve problems

considered independent of learning,

experience, and education.

Examples of the use of fluid

intelligence: solving puzzles and coming up

with problem solving strategies.

Fluid intelligence

Examples of the use of fluid intelligence:

solving puzzles

coming up with problem solving

strategies.

CRYSTALLIZED INTELLIGENCE

(gc)

Crystallized intelligence

the knowledge and skills obtained through learning and experience.

Crystallized intelligence

As long as opportunities for learning are available, crystallized intelligence can increase indefinitely during a person’s life.

For example, vocabulary knowledge is known to increase in college professors throughout their life span.

Crystallized intelligence

involves knowledge that comes from prior learning and past experiences

Crystallized intelligence

Situations that require crystallized intelligence include reading comprehension and vocabulary exams.

Crystallized intelligence

This type of intelligence is based upon facts and rooted in experiences.

As we age and accumulate new knowledge and understanding, crystallized intelligence becomes stronger.