COG - Theories of Intelligence Lesson

Learning Targets:

• Explain how modern and historical theories describe intelligence. 
• Explain the arguments for general intelligence (g). 
• Compare and contrast Gardner's and Sternberg's of multiple intelligences. 
• Discuss the criticisms of Gardner's and Sternberg's theories of multiple intelligences. 
• Explain the concept of emotional intelligence and describe its four components. 

Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.). Links to an external site.

 

Introduction to Intelligence

Intelligence is a multifaceted concept that has been approached and defined in various ways by modern and historical theories. While traditionally, intelligence has often been equated with academic success or "book smarts," it encompasses a much broader spectrum of abilities. Psychologist David Wechsler, for instance, defined intelligence as the capacity to think logically, act purposefully, and effectively navigate one's environment. This definition emphasizes the notion that intelligence goes beyond mere academic achievements.

Intelligence is not a fixed or universally understood trait like height or weight. It is highly influenced by the individual's experiences, problem-solving skills, and ability to adapt to new situations. As such, differing cultural perspectives and historical contexts can shape intelligence perception and value. Intelligence debates also revolve around whether it is an innate quality, a learned skill, or a combination of both. These discussions highlight the complexity and ongoing exploration of what constitutes intelligence and how it can be measured or understood within psychology.

Is Intelligence One General Ability?

Central to psychology is the concept of general intelligence, labeled as g. Renowned psychologist Charles Spearman proposed that all cognitive abilities are interconnected and stem from this single underlying factor. He believed that although individuals may excel in specific areas like verbal or spatial reasoning, their performance in one location indicates their overall intelligence level. One significant aspect of g is its high reliability and validity in assessing human behavior, with the ability to predict various social outcomes such as educational attainment and occupational success better than any other trait. Spearman's theory, backed by factor analysis, stirred controversy, especially compared to L.L. Thurstone's theory of multiple primary mental abilities. Thurstone's research identified seven distinct clusters of cognitive skills through various tests, challenging the notion of a singular general intelligence in favor of multiple cognitive domains. This debate between a unifying g factor and distinct abilities intrigues psychologists and researchers today.

Research has shown that individuals with higher levels of general intelligence tend to perform better in academic settings. Students with a higher g factor are more likely to excel in various subjects, grasp complex concepts more efficiently, and achieve higher grades on standardized tests. This superior cognitive ability often translates into greater educational attainment, such as earning advanced degrees or gaining admission to prestigious educational institutions.

The Cattell-Horn-Carroll Intelligence Theory

Raymond Cattell and his student John Horn developed the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) Intelligence Theory, which explores the concept of general intelligence. This theory is built upon two key factors: fluid intelligence (Gf) and crystallized intelligence (Gc). Fluid intelligence refers to our ability to think quickly and abstractly when tackling logic puzzles and problems. On the other hand, crystallized intelligence reflects our accumulated knowledge, vocabulary, and skills that we have gained over time. For example, solving a new math problem on the spot showcases fluid intelligence, while using vocabulary words in an essay demonstrates crystallized intelligence. The CHC theory further identifies specific abilities like memory capacity, processing speed, reading, and writing skills, all of which fall under the umbrella of general intelligence.

In addition to the examples mentioned, everyday scenarios can also highlight the distinction between fluid and crystallized intelligence. For instance, quickly adapting to a new technology or strategy demonstrates fluid intelligence, while recalling historical facts or language translations showcases crystallized intelligence. By understanding the Cattell-Horn-Carroll Intelligence Theory and its components, individuals can better comprehend the diverse facets that make up our cognitive abilities.

 

Text from image above: Types of Intelligence: Fluid Intelligence: The ability to think logically, reason, and abstractly solve problems; independent of learning, experience, and education; decreases after adolescence; examples include: solving puzzles, identifying patterns, using logic

Crystallized Intelligence: Knowledge gained from prior learning and past experiences; increases into adulthood as we age; as we learn and accumulate new knowledge, crystallized intelligences increase; examples include: learning a new language, learning basic facts, knowledge gained from others

 

 

Theories of Multiple Intelligences

Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

Howard Gardner is well-known for his theory of multiple intelligences, which proposes that individuals possess different types of intelligence beyond the traditional academic abilities measured by IQ tests. Gardner identified eight distinct intelligences, including logical-mathematical, linguistic, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic intelligences. In recent years, he has also proposed a ninth possible intelligence known as existential intelligence, which relates to individuals' abilities to contemplate deep questions about human existence.

Gardner's theory has significantly impacted education, as many educators have embraced the idea that students have varying learning styles. This belief suggests tailoring teaching methods to match each student's preferred learning style can enhance academic performance. However, recent research challenges the notion that catering to specific learning styles leads to improved learning outcomes. Additionally, individuals with savant syndrome, characterized by exceptional abilities in specific areas such as mathematics or music, may score low on traditional intelligence tests and exhibit limited or no language skills. These cases raise questions about the conventional measures of intelligence and the limitations of standardized assessments.

Sternberg's Three Intelligences 

Robert Sternberg developed a theory of intelligence that differs from Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences theory. Sternberg proposed the existence of three main intelligences: analytical intelligence, creative intelligence, and practical intelligence. According to Sternberg, these three intelligences are essential for success in various aspects of life. Unlike Gardner, who identified eight or nine intelligences, Sternberg believed these three could be reliably measured through different cognitive tasks and assessments. Analytical intelligence involves problem-solving and critical thinking skills; creative intelligence is related to innovation and thinking outside the box, and practical intelligence focuses on applying knowledge to real-life situations. By understanding and developing these three intelligences, individuals can enhance their overall cognitive abilities and achieve success in different areas of their lives.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a critical aspect of social intelligence that significantly influences our interactions and relationships with others. It consists of four key components: perceiving emotions, understanding emotions, managing emotions, and using emotions effectively. Those with high emotional intelligence can identify and interpret emotions in themselves accurately and others, empathize with different perspectives, regulate their emotions in challenging situations, and harness emotions to solve problems and communicate effectively. Individuals with strong emotional intelligence often experience numerous advantages, such as improved social relationships, enhanced academic and workplace performance, better stress management, and increased overall well-being.

Review the theories of intelligence below, carefully noting their similarities and differences: 

 

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