Final answer:
The traditional IQ approach of dividing mental age by chronological age suggests intelligence is relative to age group. Modern debates in psychology explore the validity of IQ tests, recognizing external factors influencing intelligence and the need for comprehensive measurement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The traditional view of intelligence, described in the question, where mental age is divided by chronological age, aligns with early conceptions of intelligence quotient or IQ tests. This approach suggests that intelligence is relative to one's age group, meaning that intelligence can be quantified in comparison to the expected abilities of others at the same chronological age.
Contemporary debates in psychology seek to broaden our understanding of intelligence beyond such measurements, acknowledging that IQ tests may not fully encompass an individual's cognitive abilities. These tests are challenged by concerns that factors like genetics, environment, and race can all impact intelligence levels, and that the tests themselves may have biases. Spearman's general intelligence factor (g) and Cattell's concepts of fluid and crystallized intelligence depict intelligence as a blend of innate ability and gained knowledge. However, the controversy over the Jensen's study and his conclusions on race and intelligence sparked discussions on the influence of societal and cultural factors.
As a result of the complexities involved in quantifying a construct as elusive as intelligence, the development and use of IQ tests are continuously scrutinized. Modern IQ tests strive for validity by sampling a wider range of competencies, yet there's ongoing debate over what intelligence exactly entails and how accurately it can be measured.