Intelligence is a term that is often used but is not always clearly defined. What does it mean to be intelligent and how is intelligence measured? In this article I will deal with these questions and take a closer look at the concept of intelligence.
What is intelligence?
Intelligence is an abstract concept that refers to the ability to solve problems, draw conclusions and acquire knowledge. It also includes the ability to adapt to new situations and to think creatively. There is no uniform definition of intelligence, but many scientists consider it a combination of innate factors and environmental factors.
Intelligence is not a property like size or weight that has the same meaning for everyone in the world. People attribute this term to the qualities that enable success in their time and culture (Sternberg & Kaufman, 1998).
Charles Spearman believed that we only have a general intelligence that is the heart of all our behavior. One of his first critics was L.L. Thorston (1887-1955). Thurstone carried out 56 different tests to people and identified seven groups of primary intellectual skills. He did not order people in a single scale of general suitability. But when others studied this theory, they found that those who were characterized in one area also cut well in the others.
Raymond Cattell simplified Thurstone's skills in two factors: fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence. Fluid intelligence refers to the ability to argue, solve problems and think abstractly. It includes the ability to learn and adapt to new situations, to solve problems, to think logically and creatively. The fluid intelligence tends to decrease with age, since it depends heavily on congenital cognitive skills and is less influenced by previous learning and experiences. Crystallized intelligence In contrast, refers to the accumulated knowledge and the skills that a person has acquired through experience and education. It includes the ability to use language, knowledge of social norms and cultural practices to solve problems and make decisions. Crystallized intelligence tends to increase with age when people gain more knowledge and experience.
Then came Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence. This is a model that was proposed by psychologist Howard Gardner in 1983. The theory suggests that there are several different types of intelligence that are available to different masses for different people. These intelligence are not necessarily connected, and individuals can have strengths in one or more areas.
The eight of Gardner identified are: linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence, musical intelligence, physical-kinesthetic intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence, naturalistic intelligence.
Gardner's theory was criticized because of her lack of empirical evidence and the difficulty of measuring different types of intelligence. However, it has influenced the educational practices by promoting a more holistic and individualized approach for teaching and learning.
Robert Sternberg (1985,2015,2017) approves Gardner, but only suggests 3 intelligence: analytical, creative and practical.
The general idea is that different people have different gifts. Did you ask yourself what your gifts are?
How is intelligence measured?
There are various methods for measuring intelligence, but the most common is the intelligence quotient (IQ). The IQ test consists of a number of tasks that aim to measure various skills such as language understanding, spatial perception and logical thinking. The IQ is then measured based on a scor that is in relation to the average intelligence of an age group.
However, it is important to note that the IQ is not the only method for measuring intelligence. There are also other tests such as the wais that were specially developed for academic purposes, as well as alternative methods such as the multiple-intelligence theory of Howard Gardner, which says that there are different types of intelligence that exist independently of one another.
What are the factors that influence intelligence?
Intelligence is influenced by many factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors and education. There are also some studies that indicate that intelligence is correlated with other factors such as health and social status. Living conditions are very important. Young people who grow up in a privileged home (room, calm, correct lighting) have a more developed prefrontal cortex (Uy et al., 2019), which once more proves that the world is not a fair place.
However, performance requires many skills: talent, lots of practice, emotional intelligence (perceive, understand and use and use) and a very important ingredient: Grit! This is a personality trait that relates to the perseverance and passion of a person for long -term goals, coupled with the ability to also strive and master challenges in the face of adversity. It is the property to have a persistent interest and commitment despite obstacles and setbacks to achieve your goals.
Overall, intelligence is a complex concept that is influenced by many factors and is not easy to define. The measurement of intelligence by the IQ test is not perfect and there are also alternative methods. However, it is clear that intelligence plays an important role in many aspects of our lives, from school education to professional career. By dealing with this concept and expanding our understanding, we can make better decisions and further develop our skills.
In the Intelligence research the question remains what exactly intelligence is, a fascinating and multi -layered phenomenon. Whether through IQ tests, Intelligence tests or alternative Intelligence models, our understanding of this complex Constructs has continued to develop.
In the psychology Try scientists to better understand the concept of intelligence and to explain it. That also plays Brain A central role, because our cognitive skills and thinking processes form what we perceive as "intelligent".
Ultimately, however, the intelligence remains something that we, as humans, can continue to fathom and make us usable in order to make wiser decisions and to fully exploit our potential.
While we don't complete yet Explanation this Phenomenon have numerous models and tests for us Disposalthat help us to better understand and further research this concept.
source
Psychology. 13th Edition. David Myers; C. Nathan Dewall
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heritability_of_IQ
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligence_quotient
- https://www.verywellmind.com/what-factors-determine-intelligence-2795285
- https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/intelligence/
- https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theorie_der_multiplen_Intelligenzen
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