Intelligence (Crystallized/Fluid)

Abstract

Fluid reasoning; Fluid/crystallized knowledge; Gc; General fluid/crystallized ability; Gf Definition Though there are many theories of intelligence, the two-factor theory of intelligence has been influential for the study of human intelligence and the integration of intelligence testing into clinical practice. Introduced by Cattell (1943), general intelligence, or g, is conceptualized as a construct comprised of two factors: crystallized and fluid intelligence. Crystallized intelligence reflects the results of prior learning but does not necessarily require new problem-solving. Examples include measures of vocabulary and fund of knowledge. Fluid intelligence, in contrast, is the ability to think abstractly and solve novel problems. An example would be pattern completion tests, which require analysis of novel stimuli and identification of underlying patterns to complete a sequence.