CBSE Class 12 Psychology Chapter 10: Viva-Voce Questions - NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

CBSE Class 12 Psychology, Chapter 10, delves into the multifaceted concept of intelligence through a series of Viva-Voce questions. It begins by exploring Wechsler's definition of intelligence, breaking down key components like 'capacity,' 'thinking rationally,' 'dealing effectively,' and 'acting purposefully.' The chapter then focuses on the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) test, detailing its creator, the significance of its name ('standard,' 'progressive,' 'matrices'), and its role in measuring the 'g' factor's eductive component. The scoring process for the SPM is also explained. Essential concepts such as Mental Age (MA) and Intelligence Quotient (IQ), including its calculation and characteristics, are clarified, emphasizing that IQ is a measure, not intelligence itself. The chapter concludes by introducing various types of intelligence tests, including culture-fair, performance, speed, power, and battery tests, with illustrative examples for each. This comprehensive overview aims to solidify students' understanding of intelligence and its assessment methods, preparing them thoroughly for their exams.

Home

Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 12
Subject	Psychology
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	10. VIVA-VOCE QUESTIONS

Chapter summary

Chapter 10 of the Class 12 Psychology NCERT Solutions focuses on Viva-Voce questions, covering foundational concepts of intelligence. It explores definitions, components of intelligent behavior, and details about the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) test. Key terms like Mental Age, IQ, and various test classifications (culture-fair, performance, speed, power) are explained with examples. This chapter aims to solidify students' understanding of intelligence measurement and test characteristics.

Learning outcomes

Define intelligence according to Wechsler.
Explain the components of intelligent behavior: thinking rationally, dealing effectively, and acting purposefully.
Describe the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) test, including its author and rationale.
Understand the concept of the eductive component of the 'g' factor.
Differentiate between Mental Age (MA) and Intelligence Quotient (IQ).
Explain the formula and features of IQ.
Identify and differentiate between various types of intelligence tests (culture-fair, performance, speed, power).

Topics covered

Paper topics

Definition of Intelligence
Components of Intelligent Behavior (Rational Thinking, Effective Dealing, Purposeful Action)
Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM)
Author of SPM (J.C. Raven)
Meaning of 'Standard', 'Progressive', 'Matrices' in SPM
Eductive Component of 'g' factor
Mental Age (MA)
Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
Features of IQ
Types of Intelligence Tests (Culture Fair, Performance, Speed, Power)
Examples of Intelligence Tests (SPM, Bhatia's Battery, Stanford Binet, WAIS)
Scoring Procedure of SPM

Important topics

Definition of Intelligence (Wechsler)
Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) - Rationale and Measurement
Mental Age (MA) and IQ Calculation
Features of IQ
Distinction between Speed and Power Tests
Eductive Component of 'g' factor

PDF preview

Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.

Loading document …

Page of

Loading page …

Questions and Solutions

Question 1

What is intelligence?

Solution: According to Wechsler, intelligence is defined as an aggregate and global capacity that enables an individual to think rationally, deal effectively with their environment, and act purposefully.

Question 2

What do you mean by capacity?

Solution: The term 'capacity' in the context of intelligence suggests that intelligence is an inborn potential. While it is largely innate, its development is influenced by both genetic factors (nature) and environmental influences (nurture).

Question 3

What do you understand by the term 'think rationally'?

Solution: To 'think rationally' means that the cognitive activities associated with intelligence are logical, coherent, and relevant to the situation at hand. Intelligent thought processes follow a systematic and sensible line of reasoning.

Question 4

What do you understand by the term 'deal effectively'?

Solution: To 'deal effectively' refers to a person's adaptability and adjustment to their surroundings. An intelligent individual possesses multiple strategies and solutions to cope successfully with the demands and challenges presented by their environment.

Question 5

What do you understand by the 'act purposefully'?

Solution: To 'act purposefully' means that intellectual activities are goal-directed. Intelligent behavior is not random; it is focused on achieving specific objectives or outcomes.

Question 6

Who is the author of Standard Progressive Matrices?

Solution: The author of the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) is J.C. Raven, who was from England.

Question 7

Why has the term 'standard' been used in SPM?

Solution: The term 'standard' is used because the original Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) test served as the foundational test. From this original version, other related tests, such as the Advanced Progressive Matrices and the Coloured Progressive Matrices, were developed.

Question 8

Why has the term 'progressive' been used?

Solution: The term 'progressive' is used because the items within the test are arranged in a sequence of increasing difficulty. This progressive arrangement allows for a more nuanced assessment of an individual's cognitive abilities as the challenges become greater.

Question 9

What does SPM measure?

Solution: The Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) primarily measures general intelligence, often referred to as the 'g' factor. It is particularly suitable for comparing individuals based on their immediate capacity for observation and clear thinking. The test specifically measures the eductive component of the 'g' factor.

Question 10

What do you mean by the eductive component of 'g'?

Solution: The eductive component of the 'g' factor refers to the ability to develop or forge new insights and to perceive meaning and relationships. It is about the capacity to understand and reason with novel information, rather than just recalling learned facts.

Question 11

Why has the term 'Matrices' been used?

Solution: The term 'Matrices' is used because the problems presented in the test are in the form of designs and patterns, typically arranged in a grid or matrix format. The task involves identifying the missing element or pattern within these designs.

Question 12

How many items are there in SPM?

Solution: The Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) test consists of a total of 60 items. These items are organized into 5 distinct sets, with each set containing 12 items.

Question 13

What is the scoring procedure of SPM?

Solution: The scoring procedure for SPM involves the following steps:

Answers for all items are checked using a pre-defined scoring key.
The total number of correct answers is calculated for each set.
The scores from all sets are summed to obtain a total score.
The scatter of scores across different sets is compared with an expected score table to identify any significant discrepancies.
Finally, corresponding percentiles and grades are determined with the help of the test manual.

Question 14

What is mental age?

Solution: Mental age (MA) is a concept introduced by Alfred Binet that represents a measure of an individual's intellectual functioning expressed in terms of age. It indicates the level of cognitive ability typically expected of a person at a particular chronological age.

Question 15

What is IQ?

Solution: IQ stands for Intelligence Quotient. It is not intelligence itself, but rather a numerical score derived from intelligence tests that represents a measure of intelligence relative to the average. The concept of IQ was developed by William Stern.

Question 16

Name two features of IQ.

Solution: Two key features of IQ are:

IQ is considered relatively stable over time and does not typically increase significantly with age after reaching maturity.
The average IQ score is standardized to be 100, serving as a benchmark for comparison.

Question 17

What is the formula of IQ?

Solution: The formula for calculating the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is:

$IQ = \frac{\text{Mental Age (MA)}}{\text{Chronological Age (CA)}} \times 100$

Question 18

Why do we multiply by 100?

Solution: Multiplying the ratio of Mental Age to Chronological Age by 100 serves two main purposes: it converts the score into a percentage-like format, making it easier to understand, and it helps to avoid dealing with decimals, thus providing a whole number score.

Question 19

What is a culture fair test?

Solution: A culture-fair test is an intelligence assessment designed to minimize or eliminate bias related to an individual's cultural background, experiences, or language. Such tests aim to measure innate cognitive abilities rather than learned cultural knowledge. The RSPM (Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices) is an example of a culture-fair test.

Question 20

What is a performance test of intelligence?

Solution: A performance test of intelligence is a type of assessment where the role of language is minimized. Instead, it requires the test-taker to perform tasks that involve overt motor responses other than verbal ones. An example of such a test is Bhatia's Battery of intelligence tests.

Question 21

What are speed tests? Give an example.

Solution: Speed tests are intelligence assessments that are scored based on both the speed at which the test-taker completes the items and the accuracy of their responses. The time limit is a critical factor in these tests. Examples include the Stanford Binet Test or the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS).

Question 22

What is a power test? Give an example.

Solution: Power tests are intelligence assessments that are scored solely on the basis of accuracy, without a strict time limit. The focus is on the difficulty of the items and the test-taker's ability to solve them correctly, rather than how quickly they can do so. RSPM (Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices) is an example of a power test.

Question 23

What is a battery?

Solution: In the context of psychological testing, a battery refers to a collection or set of different tests administered together to assess various aspects of an individual's abilities or traits.

Question 24

Name one individual verbal intelligence test.

Solution: The Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale is a well-known example of an individual verbal intelligence test.

Question 25

Name an intelligence test which is verbal, non-verbal as well as performance test.

Solution: Wechsler's Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) is an example of an intelligence test that incorporates verbal, non-verbal, and performance components.

Question 26

Name one group verbal intelligence test.

Solution: The General Mental Ability Test (GMAT) developed by Dr. Mohsin is an example of a group verbal intelligence test.

Common mistakes

Confusing IQ as intelligence itself, rather than a measure of intelligence.
Not understanding the distinction between speed tests and power tests.
Inability to recall the specific components of Wechsler's definition of intelligence.
Misinterpreting the meaning of 'standard,' 'progressive,' or 'matrices' in the context of the SPM test.

Revision tips

Focus on understanding the core definitions of intelligence and its components.
Memorize the formula for IQ and its key features.
Differentiate clearly between the various types of intelligence tests and their examples.
Review the specific details of the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) test.
Practice explaining each concept in your own words as if preparing for an oral examination.

Practice MCQs

Q1. According to Wechsler, intelligence is defined as a global capacity to:

Q2. The term 'progressive' in Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) refers to:

Q3. What does the 'eductive component' of the 'g' factor measure?

Q4. The formula for calculating IQ is:

Q5. Which type of intelligence test minimizes the role of language and requires overt motor responses?

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary focus of Chapter 10, Viva-Voce Questions in Class 12 Psychology?

This chapter focuses on clarifying fundamental concepts related to intelligence, its measurement, and different types of intelligence tests, often posed as questions in an oral examination (viva-voce).

Who developed the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) test?

The Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) test was developed by J.C. Raven from England.

How is Intelligence Quotient (IQ) calculated?

IQ is calculated using the formula: (Mental Age / Chronological Age) x 100.

What is the difference between a speed test and a power test?

Speed tests are scored based on both speed and accuracy within a time limit, while power tests are scored solely on accuracy, with time being less of a constraint.

What does the term 'eductive component' refer to in intelligence?

The eductive component refers to the ability to develop new insights, understand relationships, and grasp meaning, which is a key aspect of fluid intelligence.

Are these solutions suitable for exam preparation?

Yes, these solutions provide clear, concise answers to common questions about intelligence, making them highly useful for preparing for both written and oral examinations.

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.