Use of Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence Theory to Enhance Prediction of Learning Foreign Language Grammar

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine if there is any relationship between the two types of intelligences in Cattell'sGF- GC theory and learning foreign language grammar among Iranian learners. To this end, 85 university students took part in this study. First, the participants were asked to take the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM), then the researcher asked them to take part in Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) separately, and the interview for each participant was recorded. The researcher used the students' grammar scores which were obtained from their professors as the measure of their level of grammatical knowledge. The result of the study showed that there are significant correlations between the two types of intelligences (fluid and crystallized intelligences) and foreign language grammar. Moreover, the result from path analysis showed that between the two intelligences in the GF-GC theory, fluid intelligence is a better cognitive predicator of learning foreign language grammar. Bearing the finding of this study in mind, language teachers should provide an environment in which students can develop their cognitive abilities such as abstract reasoning and critical thinking.