Definition
Intelligence has been defined in many ways: the capacity for logic, understanding, self-awareness, learning, emotional knowledge, reasoning, planning, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Intelligence is most often studies in humans but has also been observed in both non-human animals and in plants.
It is might seem useless to define such a simple word. After all, we have all heard this word hundreds of times and probably have a general understanding of its meaning. However, the concept of intelligence has been a widely debated topic among members of the psychology community for decades.
Intelligence has been defined in many ways: higher level abilities (such as abstract reasoning, mental representation, problems solving and decision making), the ability to learn, emotional knowledge, creativity and adaptation to meet the demands of the environment effectively.
Intelligence has been defined in many: higher level abilities (such as abstract reasoning, mental representation, problem solving, and decision making), the ability to learn, emotional knowledge, creativity, and adaptation to meet the demands of the environment effectively.
Theories
Major theories include Sternberg's trairchic theory, Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence and Piaget's theory of development. Biological theories emphasize the relationship between intelligence, and the brain and its functions.
The chapter reviews major theories of intelligence. the theories are grouped into four major theory: (1) Psychology theories (2) Cognitive theories (3) cognitive Contextual theories and (4) Biological theories.
Charles Spearman first described the existence of general intelligence in 1904. Those who hold this view believe that intelligence can be measured and expressed by a single number, such as an IQ score. The idea is that those underlying general intelligence influences performance on all cognitive tasks.
Theories of Intelligence
• General Intelligence.
• Primary Mental Abilities.
• Theory of Multiple Intelligence.
• Triarchic Theory of Intelligence.
To broaden this notion of intelligence, Gardner introduced eight different types of intelligence consisting of : Logical\Mathematical, Linguistic, Musical, Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Naturalist, Interpersonal, and Intrapersonal.
He conceptualised intelligence as consisting of one similar set of abilities which can be used for solving any or every problem in an individual's environment. His theory of intelligence is called Uni or one factor theory of intelligence.
Testing
The most widely used intelligence tests include the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale and the Wechsler scales. The Stanford-Binet is the American adaption of the original French Binet-Simon intelligence test; it was first introduced in 1916 by Lewis Terman, a psychologist at Stanford University.
The most common types of IQ tests are:
• Stanford-Binet Intelligence scale.
• Universal Nonverbal Intelligence.
• Differential Ability Scales.
• Peabody Individual Achievement Test.
• Wechsler Individual Achievement Test.
• Wechsler Adult Intelligence scale.
• Woodcock Johnson III Tests Cognitive Disabilities.
Tests that purport to measure your intelligence can be verbal, meaning written, or non-verbal, focusing on abstract reasoning independent of reading and writing skills. First created more than a century ago, the tests are still widely used today to measure an individual's mental agility and ability.
Psychology of Intelligence
Some research believe that intelligence is a trait inherited from a person's parents. Scientists who research this topic typically used studies to determine the heritability of intelligence. The Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart is one of the most well-known twin studies.
The most important type of intelligence, Robert J. Sternberg says, has to do with setting and accomplishing your goals. It used to be that cognitive intelligence was the king of the hill in term of importance. Then emotional intelligence showed up.
However, there is no escaping the fact that intelligence is inherited to some degree. Researchers found that the IQ of children adopted at birth bore little correlation with of their adoptive parents, but strongly correlated with that of their biological parents.
Analytical intelligence, also called componential intelligence, include your ability to successfully complete academic tasks, solve analogies and process information. Learn more about Robert Sternberg's theory of analytical intelligence and test your knowledge with a quiz.
Intelligence has been defined in many ways: the capacity for logic, understanding, self-awareness, learning, emotional knowledge, reasoning, planning, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Intelligence is most often studied in humans but has also been observed in both non-human animals and in plants.
Multiple intelligence is a theory first posited by Harvard developmental psychologist Howard Gardner in 1983 that suggests human intelligence can be differentiated into eight modalities: Visual-spatial, verbal-linguistic, musical-rhythmic, logical-mathematical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic and bodily.
Attempts to improve intelligence are similar. You can become smarter by acquiring useful, widely applicable cognitive skills, such as logical reasoning, critical thinking or mathematics. That's like learning to keep your eye on the ball.
Emotional intelligence helps you build stronger relationships, succeed at school and work, and achieve you career and personal goals. It can also help you to connect with your feelings, turn intention into action, and make informed decisions abut what matters most to you.
