The of Maximal Performance

Linda S. GottfredsonSchool of Education

University of Delaware

September 16, 2008Conference: “How can we improve our brains?”Banbury Center, Cold Spring Harbor, New York

How can we improve our brains?

Intelligence • School• Work• Health

Life chances

Inequality

The problem with “intelligence”: IHuman norm, or variations on it?

(E.g., developmental change, or inter-individual differences?)

The problem with “intelligence”: IIWhich inter-individual differences are we

talking about?

g

VV QQ SS MM othersothers

IQIQ ≈≈

GENERAL• Domain general• More heritable• Psychometrically unitary• Physiologically distributed

NARROW

The problem “intelligence”: IIWhich inter-individual differences are we

talking about?

g

VV QQ SS MM othersothers

IQIQ ≈≈

GENERAL• Domain general• More heritable• Psychometrically unitary• Physiologically distributed

NARROW

General proficiency at:• Learning• Reasoning• Abstract thinking• Solving novel problems

==

Global phenotype differences(e.g., typical learning needs by IQ level)

70 80 90 100 110 120 130

IQMR MG

Slow, simple,concrete, one-on-

one instruction

Very explicit,structured,hands-on

Mastery learning,hands-on

Written materials& experience

Learns well incollege format

Can gather, infer information on own

Military trainability thresholds

10th 15th 30th

Equalization

Democratization

Correlated life consequences

70 80 90 100 110 120 130

IQMR MG

Military trainability thresholds

10th 15th 30th

AssemblerFood serviceNurse’s aide

No jobs centered here

Typical IQ range of workers

Clerk, tellerPolice officerMachinist, sales

ManagerTeacherAccountant

AttorneyChemistExecutive

Black-white disproportions

70 80 90 100 110 120 130

IQMR MG

Slow, simple,concrete, one-on-

one instruction

Very explicit,structured,hands-on

Mastery learning,hands-on

Written materials& experience

Learns well incollege format

Can gather, infer information on own

WhiteBlack

Military trainability thresholds

10th 15th 30th

My focus: How can we better use and protect our brains?

Intelligence • School• Work• Health

Life chances

Inequality3. Vulnerable to chronic disruption

1. Measured at maximum

2. Rarely function at maximum

4. Preventable

My focus: How can we better use and protect our brains?

Intelligence • School• Work• Health

Life chances

Inequality

Intra-individual fluctuation

Inter-individual differences

Species-typical influences on brain

Evolutionarily novel influences on brain

Effects of Aging on Brain (Reaction Time)

Better

Monitor on Psychology, September, 2008, p. 23

Behavior that increases brain’s vulnerability to aging

New York Times, 9/13/08, p. A19

Accumulation of preventable injuries

Wall Street Journal, 9/12/08, p. A1

Fatigue,sleepiness

Disrupted attention

Monitor on Psychology, September, 2008, p. 32

“It’s a brave new world”

Before—• caffeine• ephedrine-based drugs

Now—• Ritalin• Adderall• Modafinil

Cognitive enhancers (doping?)

Seeking the competitive edge

g - Basic information processing(GF)

Basiccultural Knowledge(GC)

Suppose a physiological maximum and: —myriad cognitive disturbances —threats to system integrity

fluctuation

gf maximum (average person)

fragility

g - Basic information processing(GF)

Basiccultural Knowledge(GC)

Opportunities

gf maximum (average person)

Protect brain growth

Minimize brain decline and atrophy

Work closer to capacity

Behavioral influences

Brain enhancers(“smart drugs”)

Healthy dietExercisePrevent/manage chronic diseasesPrevent/manage injuries

CaffeineNicotineRest periodsPeak timePacingSynergy

Brain protectorsCognitive drains

AlcoholDrugsMedicationHungerFatiguePainAnxietyDistractionDisinterest

Effort boosters

Environmental drains

• Constant interruptions (visitors, phone, meetings)• Many distractions (email, noise)• Disrupted sleep cycles (jet lag, shift work, artificial

light, schools start too early)• Insufficient sleep (noisy dorms, soldiers, parents)• Poor scheduling/pacing of work (airlines)• Over-medication of elderly• Other

• Lower g and age increase vulnerability• All are manipulable

Closing thoughtNeed more precise, theoretically appropriate

measurement

Intelligence • School• Work• Health

Life chances

Inequality

X

gf

Domain -specific achievements

Thank you.