Colbert, Dylan (2015) Assessing the Efficacy of a Relational Skills Training Intervention in Improving Intellectual Function in a Sample of High IQ Adults. Masters thesis, National University of Ireland Maynooth.
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Abstract
Recent advances in Relational Frame Theory have proposed that levels of
sophistication with relational concepts may be of fundamental importance to intelligent
behaviour. Furthermore, previous investigations have implicated the efficacy of relational
skills intervention in improving intellectual performance, as measured by traditional IQ
assessments. The current thesis aimed to extend upon such research by further assessing the
contribution of relational ability to intelligence, as well as the effect of relational skills
training on intellectual performance. In the first study, thirty-four high IQ college students
were recruited to assess the effectiveness of a relational training protocol in increasing
WAIS-III IQ scores when compared to a non-intervention group. The current analysis failed
to report a significant effect of relational training in increasing scores on the Full, Verbal or
Performance IQ. While there was a significant effect of training on Verbal Comprehension
scores, this effect was not found for the other IQ subindices.
The second study involved a correlational analysis of WAIS-III IQ scores and
relational ability scores. Results indicated a high level of correlation between these
measures, further proposing the importance of relational responding to intelligence. In
addition, this investigation aimed to further explore possible reasons for the diminished effect
of relational training in improving intellectual performance in the first study. It must be
noted that while pronounced practice effects found for the control group rendered betweengroup
differences insignificant, there were qualitatively different rises witnessed in subtest
scores. Specifically, while both groups displayed significant increases on subtests that
involved a timed element, only the experimental group displayed significant increases on
untimed subtests. Furthermore, high IQ was not found to significantly correlate with postintervention
IQ rises. However, the current sample displayed IQ gains significantly lower
than that witnessed in average IQ cohorts. While the current analysis identifies a number of
possible boundary conditions of the current intervention, much remains to be understood in
terms of variables that may exert an influence on the effectiveness of relational training in
improving intellectual performance.
Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
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Additional Information: | M. Sc. |
Keywords: | Relational Skills Training Intervention; Improving Intellectual Function; High IQ; Adults; |
Academic Unit: | Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology |
Item ID: | 7539 |
Depositing User: | IR eTheses |
Date Deposited: | 19 Oct 2016 11:28 |
URI: | https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/7539 |
Use Licence: | This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here |
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