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Linda Wänström
-- doctoral thesis --

Intelligence and models for cognitive development


Abstract
This dissertation focuses on cognitive development. In papers I and II, I study a special model, the second order latent growth curve model, that can be used to study cognitive development. Algebraic expressions for the variance of the estimation of slope differences are given. They may be used to calculate the sample sizes needed to detect slope differences between groups. Illustrations of the formulas indicate that sample sizes decrease with effect size, number of indicators and their reliabilities, frequency of observation and duration of the study. In addition, observations near the beginning and end are more important than observations in the middle, and needed sample sizes increase with attrition. Smaller sample sizes are also needed in studies in which baseline levels between groups may be assumed equal, and correlations between factors can either increase or decrease needed sample size.

Papers III and IV address different aspects of cognitive development. The Flynn effect refers to the observed fact that IQ scores increase over time. In Paper III, we suggest outlining the boundaries within which this effect occurs prior to investigating possible causes. We observe an effect in a test in a large American dataset. This dataset contains information that can be used to outline these boundaries as well as to search for possible causes. Paper IV addresses the observed correlation between sibship size or birth order and cognitive ability. If sibship size negatively affects cognitive ability in children, this should be detected studying children's cognitive development prior to, and after, the birth of a sibling. Using longitudinal multilevel analyses on a large sample of American children from ages five to fourteen, differences between children of different sibship sizes are noted. Their cognitive abilities do not change following the birth of a sibling however.

Keywords: intelligence; cognitive development; sample size; multilevel models; latent growth curve models

ISBN 978-91-7155-545-8

Download paper I -->> Sample Sizes for Two-Group Second Order Latent Growth Curve Models.
Download paper II -->> Slope Differences in Latent Growth Curve Models under General Measurement Schemes.
Download paper III -->> Identification of a Flynn Effect in the NLSY: Moving from the center to the boundaries.
Download paper IV -->> Sibship Size and Cognitive Ability: Are Cognitive Abilities in Children Affected by the Birth of a Sibling?