Intelligence by definition is “the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills” (Oxford Dictionary, 2014). However, many psychologists argue that there is no standard definition of ‘intelligence’, and there have been many different theories over time as psychologists try to find better ways to define this concept (Boundless 2013). While some believe in a single, general intelligence, others believe that intelligence involves multiple abilities and skills. Another largely debated concept is whether intelligence is genetically determined and fixed, or whether is it open to change, through learning and environmental influence. This is commonly known as the nature vs. nurture debate. On the ‘nature’ side of the debate is the psychometric approach, considered to be the most dominant in the study of intelligence, which “inspired the most research and attracted the most attention” (Neisser et al. 1996, p. 77). It argues that there is one general (‘g’) factor which accounts for intelligence. In the 1880s, Francis Galton conducted many tests (measuring reaction times to cognitive tasks), (Boundless 2013), in order to scientifically measure intelligence. These tests were linked to the eugenic breeding programme, which aimed to eliminate biologically inferior people from society. Galton believed that as intelligence was inherited, social class or position were significant indicators of intelligence. If an individual was of high social standing, they would be more intelligent than those of a lower position. However he failed to show any consistency across the tests for this hypothesis, weakening his theory that social class correlated with intelligence. Nevertheless, his creation of the intelligence test led many to continue to develop... ... middle of paper ... ...ational Education Studies, 4(1), pp. 198-201. Furnham, A. 2001. Self-estimates of intelligence: culture and gender difference in self and other estimates of both general (g) and multiple intelligences. Personality and Individual Differences, 31, pp. 1381-1405. Gardner, H. 2006. Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons. New York: Basic Books. Lee, V. and Gupta, P.D. 1995. Children’s Cognitive and Language Development. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers in association with the Open University. Neisser, U. et al. 1996. Intelligence: knowns and unknowns. American Psychologist 51(2), pp. 77-101. Oxford English Dictionary. 2014. The Definition of Intelligence in English. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Tauber, R. 1998. Good or Bad, What Teachers Expect from Students They Generally Get! [Online]. Available at: http://www.ericdigests.org/1999-3/good.htm [Accessed: 30 April 2014].
General intelligence tends to relate to various degrees with each other (Cohen 2012). An example of this is that if an individual is good in math, they may also be good in spelling. In this weeks reading we reviewed several different models of measurement of intelligence. In regard to these theories and general intelligence (g), the theories are various but have commonality and overlap. The Spearman's two-factor theory is if a test has high correlation with other test than the measurement of g is highly saturated (Cohen, 2012). The greater the importance of g on a test, the better the test is believed to predict intelligence
Surprisingly, intelligence is not defined as a single ability, but by a combination of related abilities. For instance, a savant that discerns numbers different than the average human, and uses those numbers to connect with others is an unconventional show of intelligence. And there are even infographics that people design, and dedicate time and effort into, showing their thoughts on intelligence. Lastly, there have been articles written about intelligence that layout the author’s thoughts on how intelligence should be viewed. While some people label intelligence as academic skills, an individual can actually develop many different forms of intelligences, outside of academics.
Intelligence tests have been developed by scientists as a tool to categorize army recruits or analyze school children. But still discussing what intelligence is, academics have a difficult time defining what intelligence tests should measure. According to the American researcher Thorndike, intelligence is only that what intelligence tests claim it is (Comer, Gould, & Furnham, 2013). Thus, depending on what is being researched in the test and depending on the scientist’s definition of intelligence the meaning of the word intelligence may vary a lot. This essay will discuss what intelligence is in order to be able to understand the intelligence theories and aims of intelligence tests.
Before I begin to analyse the elements of the Intelligence Cycle, I must begin with the definition of ‘Intelligence’.
The IQ test is an arcane yet widely-accepted method for attempting to quantify the intelligence of human beings. It uses a series of pattern, arithmetic, or vocabulary-centred questions to produce a result in a numerical score. These scores indicate the level of ‘intelligence’ demonstrated with a score of 100 regarded as displaying average intelligence – 70 or below indicating developmental delays, while a score of 130 and above is considered as especially bright. Contrary to popular belief, the 100 score is most definitely not a constant result, IQ tests are frequently adjusted to reflect their time, and the average is always set at 100. This means if an individual takes an IQ test in the present moment and scores a 100 but later takes a test designed a couple of decades earlier they will most certainly score well above 100. The legitimacy of the IQ test has been the subject of intense debate within the scientific community for some time. Those who oppose its use argue its limitations in calculating real intelligence and the incline to which the tests are bias in terms of educational and cultural standpoint. This essay will discuss early uses of the I.Q test and where it now stands on the educational platform as an ‘accurate’ measure of intelligence.
Loehlin, John C., Lindzey Gardner, and J.N. Spuhler. Race Differences in Intelligence. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman and Company, 1975.
interpreted as being caused by genetic or environmental differences among groups? A strong promoter of the belief that there is undoubtedly a racial difference in intelligence is Phillippe Rushton. As a professor of psychology, he argues that there is irrefutable scientific evidence of difference...
Tauber, Robert T. (1998). Good or Bad, What Teachers Expect from Students They Generally Get! Washington, D.C.: ERIC Clearinghouse on Teaching and Teacher Education. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 426 985)
One of the most interesting and controversial areas in behavioral genetics, human intelligence is currently assumed to be subject to both genetic and environmental influences.
Rodgers, Joseph Lee. (2001). What causes birth order-intelligence patterns? The admixture hypothesis revived. American Psychologist, 56(6-7), 505-510. doi: 1O.1O37//O0O3-O66X.56.6-7.5O5
middle of paper ... ... (1958), as cited in ‘Children’s Cognitive and Language Development, Gupta, P and Richardson, K (1995), Blackwell Publishers Ltd in association with the Open University. Light P and Oates, J (1990) ‘ The development of Children’s Understanding’ in Roth, I (Ed) Introduction to Psychology, Vol 1, Hove, East Sussex, Psychology Press in association with the Open University.
“Measureable environment does not shift the IQ by more than 3 to 5 points above or below the value it would have had under normal environmental conditions… The nature or hereditary component in intelligence causes greater variation than does environment. When nature an...
The ongoing debate on whether nature or nurture is responsible for intelligence seems to be a never-ending argument. There will probably be no definite answer to this argument any time soon, but answers such as Dr. Bigot's prove how intolerant of other opinions people can be. To say intelligence is entirely based on genetics, or one's environment, for that matter, is utterly extremist. An interaction of both nature and nurture is responsible for intelligence.
When a person utters the word “intelligence,” people tend to think of a genius like Albert Einstein developing some obscure equation that the great majority of the population will never understand. The problem with the definition of intelligence is that people relate intelligence to words like “genius” which require intelligence but do not have the same definition as intelligence. Often, people try to use related words to define intelligence, but these words are unable to define intelligence since many are only different levels of intelligence. While many definitions try to encompass the meaning of intelligence and various definitions describe a small part of intelligence, no definition completely explains intelligence, because intelligence is a concept that is understood only after realizing that intelligence is based on three basic concepts: logic, growth, and emotion. Although many people believe that humans are the only creatures capable of intelligence, other animals exhibit intelligence and are capable of further demonstrate the complex concept of intelligence.
According to the Webster Dictionary, intelligence is defined as a person who has the ability to not only acquire but, to also apply the knowledge and skills they have to everyday life. Graded exam do not test our intelligence however, it tests our ability to memorize and shows our work ethics and determination. Students do not usually apply anything they learn from school in real life unless they plan to work in that field. (Gardner, Howard Gardner of The Multiple Intelligence Theory) As the writer recalls from personal experien...