McGrew on #IQ scores: In what ways are a car engine, a starling bird #murmuration, and #g (general #intelligence) alike..how are they the same?

Kevin McGrew on IQ scores, borrowing from Detterman (2016) and McGrew et al., (2023)

“General intelligence (represented by a composite IQ score or the factor-analysis derived psychometirc g factor) is a fallible summary statistical (numerical) index of the efficiency of a complex system of dynamically interacting multiple brain networks.  Like the emergent statistical index of horsepower of a car engine, which does not represent a “thing” (a mechanism) in the engine, it reflects the current estimated efficiency of the processing of multiple interacting cognitive abilities and brain networks. It should not be interpreted as being the result of a single brain-based entity or mystical mental energy, as fixed, or reflecting biological/genetic destiny.  The manifest expression of this statistical emergent property index is also influenced by other non-cognitive (conative) (click for relevant article) traits and temporary states of the individual and current environmental variables” (K. McGrew, 11-07-24)

Question.  In what ways are a car engine, a starling bird murmuration, and general intelligence alike..how are they the same?  See slides and comments below for answer

 

(A starling bird murmuration)

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