IS A BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS OF INTELLIGENCE POSSIBLE?

Abstract

Intelligence began being studied in the 19th Century when the source of individual differences was investigated. Since then, numerous intelligence tests, theories and models were developed. For many decades, behavior analysts questioned the utility of “intelligence” concept, as they consider that variables that exert control on behavior are to be found in the environment. This article reviews the literature that deals with intelligence from a behavioral perspective, leaning mainly on the Stimulus Equivalence and Relational Frame Theories to do so. Some of the criticism made to the concept of intelligence will be presented, as well as a possibility of a behavioral analysis of it. Additionaly, empirical evidences that support the connection between derived relational responding repertoires and intellectual functioning will be discussed. The dialogue between Behavior Analysis and Psychometrics enables their contributions to complement each other for planning effective interventions, which is the ultimate objective of both areas. Keywords: intelligence, relational frames, derived relational responding, stimulus equivalence, psychometrics, intervention