Intelligence Chapter 11; Pages 458-475

What is intelligence?

Intelligence There is not one single way of describing intelligence. Over the years psychologists have described it in many different ways. However, a widely accepted definition is: Intelligence is the global capacity to act purposefully, think rationally and deal effectively with the environment.

Theories on intelligence- Binet Binet-General Intelligence. Alfred Binet was a French psychologist who was appointed by the government to study children who experienced academic difficulty. Binet’s view was that intelligence is age related, for example five year olds should be more intelligent than four year olds, but less intelligent than six year olds.

Theories on Intelligence- Weschler Weschler- Intelligence as verbal and performance abilities. David Weschler viewed intelligence as the capacity to act purposefully, think rationally and deal effectively with the environment. Weschler disagreed with former explanations of intelligence that were generally school based. He came up with two categories of intelligence; Verbal and performance abilities. Verbal abilities are entirely language dependent; such as vocabulary and comprehension Performance abilities are those that are less dependent on language; for example arranging pictures to tell a story Weshcler also suggested four conditions which should be present for any behaviour to be described as intelligent; Awareness- you are aware of what you’re doing Goal directed- your behaviour has a purpose Rational- behaviour is consistent and appropriate Worthwhile- it is valued by other and useful

Theories on Intelligence- Gardner Howard Gardner proposes that we have multiple intelligences. Gardner initially identified seven intelligences; Linguistic intelligence- use of language Musical intelligence- musical competence Logical-mathematical intelligence- measuring quantities and using a sequence of logical steps to solve problems Spatial intelligence mentally forming and using images Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence- using one’s body in skilled, specialised ways Intrapersonal intelligence- ability to understand one’s own feelings Interpersonal ability to read other people’s moods and act accordingly. Naturalistic (added later)- interacts well and has an interest in the environment.

Theories on intelligence- Sternberg Sternberg- Triarchic theory of intelligence Robert Sternberg believes that traditional theories on intelligence only value ‘school smarts’ Three parts of intelligence: analytical intelligence, creative intelligence and practical intelligence Analytical- ability to complete academic, problem-solving tasks (more traditional) Creative- ability to successfully deal with new and unusual situations by drawing on existing knowledge and skills Practical- ability to adapt to everyday life by drawing on existing knowledge When all three areas of intelligence are in balance, Sternberg would say that a person has successful intelligence. Analytical Intelligence Creative Intelligence Practical Intelligence

Theories on intelligence- Cattell-Horn-Carroll Psychometric abilities Psychometric is a specialist area of psychology that focuses on the measurement of psychological abilities. Psychometrics has been applied to the study of intelligence for over 100 years Raymond Cattell, John Horn and John Carroll believed different intelligent thoughts are hierarchical (that is they are ranked). They suggested there were two types of intelligence; fluid and crystalised. Fluid intelligence involves the use of reasoning for problem solving particularly for new problems Crystalised intelligence involves the use of knowledge and skills we acquire through experience in everyday life. See tables on pp 470-471

Theories on intelligence- Salovey and Mayer Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise the meanings of emotions and their relationships, and to reason and problem solve on the basis of emotions. Salovey and Mayer believe that emotional intelligence involves four abilities; The ability to accurately perceive emotions in oneself and others The ability to use emotions to facilitate (assist) thinking The ability to understand emotions The ability to manage emotions