Human Growth and Development / Unit 7 HGD 0930 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence
The idea
Cattell, a student and critic of Spearman, divided general ability in two, a distinction later developed with John Horn. Fluid intelligence is logic and novel problem-solving: finding a new route home when a road is closed. Crystallized intelligence is accumulated knowledge from education and experience: using what one read to finish homework, or knowing the meaning of words. The two follow different paths across adulthood, which units eleven, thirteen and fifteen trace.
In practice
A student solving an unfamiliar logic puzzle, using fluid intelligence, then answering a history question from last year's reading, using crystallized intelligence.
Where people slip
Exam items describe a task and ask which ability it draws on. Novelty, speed and reasoning about the unfamiliar point to fluid intelligence; vocabulary, general knowledge and learned skills point to crystallized. The distinction matters later: crystallized ability tends to hold or grow through much of adulthood, while fluid ability declines earlier.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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