The information processing approach to intelligence deals with the 'how' component of intelligence while the psychometric approach deals with the 'what' component of intelligence. Identify one psychometric and one information processing approach to intelligence-
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Hierarchical Model and PASS Model
The psychometric approach considers intelligence as an aggregate of abilities; the uni-factor, two-factor, primary mental abilities, hierarchical and structure-of-intellect theories represent it. The information-processing approach describes the processes people use in intellectual reasoning; Sternberg’s triarchic theory and Das’s PASS model represent it.
Option (1) One factor theory and Two factor theory — Incorrect. Binet’s one factor theory and Spearman’s two-factor theory are both psychometric.
Option (2) Hierarchical Model and PASS Model — Correct. Jensen’s hierarchical model (Level I associative learning, Level II cognitive competence) is psychometric, and the PASS model of Das, Naglieri and Kirby is information-processing.
Option (3) Theory of primary mental abilities and Two factor theory — Incorrect. Thurstone’s primary mental abilities and Spearman’s two-factor theory are both psychometric.
Option (4) PASS Model and Multiple Intelligence theory — Incorrect. The PASS model is information-processing, but Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences is not one of the psychometric theories; it holds that distinct, independent types of intelligence exist. So the pair does not give one theory of each approach.
NCERT (2025-26): “Theories of Intelligence … Psychologists have proposed several theories of intelligence. Theories can be broadly classified as either representing a psychometric/structural approach or an information-processing approach. The psychometric approach considers intelligence as an aggregate of abilities. It expresses the individual’s performance in terms of a single index of cognitive abilities. On the other hand, the information-processing approach describes the processes people use in intellectual reasoning and problem solving. The major focus of this approach is on how an intelligent person acts.…” “…Arthur Jensen proposed a hierarchical model of intelligence consisting of abilities operating at two levels, called Level I and Level II.…” “…The above mentioned theories are representations of psychometric approach to understand intelligent behaviour.…” “Theory of Multiple Intelligences … Howard Gardner proposed the theory of multiple intelligences. According to him, intelligence is not a single entity; rather distinct types of intelligences exist.…” “Summary … The psychometric approaches to intelligence lay emphasis on studying intelligence as a constellation of abilities, expressed in quantitative terms such as IQ. The more recent theories representing information-processing approaches, e.g. Sternberg’s triarchic theory and Das’s PASS model describe the processes underlying intelligent behaviour.…” |