In summary, the psychologist Cattell suggested two different forms of intelligence. Fluid intelligence is defined as the ability to solve new problems, use logic in new situations, and identify patterns. In contrast, crystallized intelligence is defined as the ability to use learned knowledge and experience.
Psychologist Cattell suggested two different forms of intelligence. The fluid intelligence It is defined as the ability to solve new problems, use logic in new situations, and identify patterns. In contrast, crystallized intelligence is defined as the ability to use learned knowledge and experience.
Fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence
Fluid Intelligence: It is the ability to adapt and face new situations in a flexible way, without prior learning constituting a source of decisive help for its manifestation. It is basically configured by primary skills: induction, deduction, figurative relations and classifications, breadth of associative memory and intellectual speed, among others. It reaches its maximum splendor before crystallization (in adolescence) and tends to decrease in parallel with the aging and deterioration of neurons. This capacity can be measured from tests that measure the biological potential that the individual has to learn or acquire knowledge.
Crystallized Intelligence: is that set of capabilities, strategies and knowledge, which represents the level of cognitive development achieved through the subject’s learning history. It is fundamentally made up of skills related to verbal comprehension, the establishment of semantic relationships, the evaluation and valorization of experience, the establishment of judgments and conclusions, mechanical knowledge or spatial orientation. It depends on experience, and thus a person will develop his crystallized intelligence to the extent that he invests his historical fluid intelligence in learning experiences.
Thus, the potential for intellectual development with which a person is born (historical fluid intelligence) will reach a greater or lesser degree depending on their educational experiences. Furthermore, it can continue to be promoted with age. Horn later reformulated the Gf-Gc model, integrating other authors and scientific paradigms such as those of Searman, Cattell and the PI. According to him, the development of the most basic cognitive functions (attention/perception and short-term and long-term memory) gives rise to abilities linked to associative processing and the latter enable the emergence of Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence. Among all these factors, the speed of information processing acquires notable relevance.
Both Cattell and Horn consider that given the difficulty of studying all primary factors and the possible reductionism or limitation of studying only the most general factors or factors, the commitment of fluid and crystallized intelligence is to place itself between these two extremes, accounting for the common factors existing between primary abilities and in turn the interrelationships between these abilities and the broader factors within their model. Although Horn, for example, considers that there are more second-order factors than those proposed by Cattell and with different meanings.
Conceptual similarities between Cattell and Horn
The capabilities are organized, at different levels of generality, and are interconnected. They propose that there is no G factor, which has been criticized by other authors since fluid and crystallized intelligence are not independent and present a correlation of 05. Both, from different primary measures, reach the same result (which validates it). of the existence of two factors of intelligence or second order (Gf and Gc) as well as the existence of fluid intelligence and crystallized as factors higher order than the rest of the second order. They agree that age influences aptitudes throughout the life cycle and the effects of fluid intelligence on crystallized intelligence.
Conceptual differences between cattell and horn
The number of second-order factors and the meaning assigned to each of them. Horn, to the five second-order factors identified at the beginning, added another five.
The heritability of GFy GC: Cattel considered that “historical fluid intelligence” was genetically determined and Crystallized Intelligence was not; On the other hand, Horn affirms that both are genetically influenced, and are heritable, but with different influences.
The influence of some capabilities on the development of others: Cattel conceives that Historical Fluid Intelligence and its investment in learning experiences influence the development of the rest of the most basic skills, first and second order; On the other hand, Horn understands that it is the simplest psychological processes that enable, in maturity, the development of the most complex capacities.
MAIN CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATTELL AND HORN
Attempt to integrate structural models of intelligence. Applicability in the field of evaluation and in carrying out tests. Usefulness in the neuropsychological field. Presentation of an evolutionary model of intelligence. Interest in the hereditary aspects of intelligence.
More recent integrative hierarchies: Carroll model. These attempt to integrate all existing structural models into one.
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