【英语时差8,16】智商

True or false: Walter is taller than Scott, and Scott's little brother is taller than Roger. Since Walter is not the tallest one of the four, then Scott's little brother must be tallest. Confusing? It's meant to be. This is the sort of question you might encounter on an IQ test.   IQ tests measure a specific kind of intelligence called cognitive¹ ability, meaning the ability to solve problems and grasp concepts. A typical test measures things such as reasoning skills, problem-solving capacity, and memory. The score you receive rates your cognitive ability compared to the general population. A score between 90 and 110 indicates average intelligence, while a score above 130 indicates exceptional intelligence. A score below 70 may indicate mental retardation².

You might object, isn't intelligence a matter of one's environment? To the contrary, say many psychologists who believe that there is a general factor of intelligence that has more to do with biology than with environment. Although culture plays a role in modifying intelligence, according to these psychologists people are born with varying levels of cognitive ability. In short, some people are smarter than others.

If this strikes you as unfair, fear not. Many scientists reject the notion of generalized intelligence, arguing instead that people have only collections of abilities to perform various specific tasks. Furthermore, intelligence may be measured in various ways, including creativity, imagination, and empathy. So if you're better at telling stories than solving story problems, take heart. You're not dumb, just intelligent in a way not measured by IQ. 

1 cognitive   

adj.认知的，认识的，有感知的

参考例句：

• As children grow older,their cognitive processes become sharper.孩子们越长越大，他们的认知过程变得更为敏锐。
• The cognitive psychologist is like the tinker who wants to know how a clock works.认知心理学者倒很像一个需要通晓钟表如何运转的钟表修理匠。

2 retardation   

n.智力迟钝，精神发育迟缓

参考例句：

• Asbestos reinforcement confers excellent flame retardation properties on a composite. 石棉增强材料使复合材料具有优异的防火性能。
• The theory confirms the increase in the retardation effect with decrease in particle size. 理论证实，随着颗粒尺寸的减小，这一减速效应将增大。