Different ways of measuring and defining intelligence

What is IQ

IQ is a standardized measure of cognitive ability. It focuses on intellectual skills that can be tested and compared across individuals.

How is IQ measured

Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)

These tests measure:

Verbal reasoning

Working memory

Processing speed

Problem-solving

Spatial reasoning

How IQ defines intelligence:

Intelligence = a general cognitive ability that influences performance on a wide range of mental tasks.

Strengths and Weaknesses of IQ tests

Strengths:

Predicts academic achievement fairly well

Standardized and reliable

Criticisms:

Limited to school-type abilities

Culturally biased

Does not measure creativity, social skills, or practical intelligence

Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Gardner proposed that intelligence is not one single ability, but a set of multiple independent intelligences, each reflecting a different way of processing information.

What are Howard Gardner's eight Intelligences

Linguistic - language skills

Logical-Mathematical - reasoning, numbers

Spatial - visualizing, mental imagery

Musical - rhythm, melody

Bodily-Kinesthetic - movement, coordination

Interpersonal - understanding others

Intrapersonal - understanding oneself

Naturalistic - understanding the natural world

How Does Gardner defines intelligence

Intelligence = the ability to solve problems or create products valued in a culture.

Each intelligence operates independently.

Everyone has a unique "intelligence profile."

Strengths and Weaknesses of Howard Gardner's Theory

Strengths:

Recognizes creative and social abilities

More culturally inclusive

Emphasizes strengths, not deficits

Criticisms:

Lacks strong empirical evidence

Hard to measure reliably

What is Robert Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Sternberg argued that traditional IQ tests ignore important aspects of real-world intelligence. He proposed three components: Analytical Intelligence, Creative Intelligence, and Practical Intelligence

Robert Sternberg's Analytical Intelligence

Problem-solving

Logical reasoning

The type of intelligence measured by IQ tests

Robert Sternberg's Creative Intelligence

Ability to generate novel ideas

Ability to think flexibly

Insightful solutions

Robert Sternberg's Practical Intelligence

"Street smarts"

Ability to adapt to everyday environments

Knowing how to get things done in real situations

How Does Sternberg defines intelligence

Intelligence = the ability to adapt, shape, and select environments to achieve one's goals.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Robert Sternberg's Theory

Strengths:

Includes creativity and real-world problem solving

More predictive of everyday success than IQ alone

Criticisms:

Harder to measure consistently

Still debated in scientific research