INTELLIGENCE
- What is it? Try to define it. What are the characteristics/traits associated with Intelligence? Explain why Intelligence is polygenic. What does the term polygenic mean? [hint: poly means many]
Intelligence is the possession of a full mental capacity, which determines the level of performance and cognitive ability. General Intelligence is also called the g factor. It was first described in 1904 by Charles Spearman. He discovered that, though humans specialized in their areas of excellence, most of those who did well in some areas were good in other areas, according to the tests he performed.
Characteristics
General Intelligence is grouped based on the aspects of human cognition. These are categorized into those aspects aimed at achieving and those done for the sake of the system. Gardner expressed clearly how polygenic Intelligence could be. He suggested that Intelligence could be divided into seven distinct groups, i.e. spatial, intrapersonal, interpersonal, spatial, linguistic, kinesthetic, musical, naturalistic and existential Intelligence.
- Can it be measured? And how? Psychometrics is the standardized measurement of cognitive ability.
There are several theories on how Intelligence can be measured. The process of testing, measuring and assessing someone’s cognitive ability is generally called psychometrics. Many believe that Intelligence should generally be measured by use of the IQ test. Those who encourage this believe that Intelligence can be generalized by a single number by use of the IQ test.
- Think of an intelligent person you know and describe what makes them intelligent.
There are quite a number of techniques that can be used to determine someone’s Intelligence. However, I would credit Hitter’s Intelligence based on his Educational background and performance. I would also credit it based on his genes that result from his family lineage. Their activeness and responsiveness also another factor I would have to consider.
- Do you believe there is more than one way to be smart? Describe different ways people can express their Intelligence. Is it 1 general /generalizable ability or 8 multiple independent abilities?
There are several ways to be smart. Current research points out that the underlying cognitive ability that we possess would generally influence his success in other activities as well. However, other factors can also play a role in determining the success of the child, and they include childhood experiences, socio-economic status, educational background, motivation, maturity and general personality.
Research by Gardner has revealed there are different multiple intelligences. He categorized this into, verbal-linguistic Intelligence, visual-partial Intelligence and logical-mathematical Intelligence.
- Do you correlate speed/working fast with Intelligence
General Intelligence could be related to speed. It can be compared to athleticism. This comes out by virtue of an athletic person performing excellent in one activity is found to do better in other athletic activities compared to a person that is more sedentary and less coordinated.
- How does emotion play a role with respect to Intelligence and vice versa?
Emotion and Intelligence are looked at as being two different things. However, they are very much related. The emotional part entails the feeling. Emotional Intelligence is thus the capacity to know, control and express one’s emotions judiciously and empathetically. Emotional Intelligence can be grouped into empathy, self-regulation, motivation and self-awareness.
- Sometimes the subject of Intelligence can be a very hot topic – emotional and controversial. WHY?
One of the major causes of controversy in intelligence matters is the use of a single number or IQ to summarize someone’s Intelligence. This became a hot topic during Spearman’s time. Several psychologists have challenged this g-factor since then. They include L.L. Thurstone who came up with the idea of “primary mental abilities.” However, Binet was against his scale by pointing out some limitations. He insisted on the concept of diversity of Intelligence and the need to study it by use of qualitative mechanisms.