Beyond IQ: Theories of Hot Intelligence – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering major theorists, constructs and findings related to hot intelligences (social, emotional and practical) as presented in the lecture.

Hot Intelligence

A category of abilities encompassing non-cognitive traits, such as the capacity to interact effectively in social situations.

Social Intelligence

The ability to understand, manage and act wisely in relationships with other people.

Thorndike’s Mechanical Intelligence

Intelligence facet concerned with managing concrete objects and tools.

Thorndike’s Abstract Intelligence

Intelligence facet involved in handling ideas and abstract concepts.

Thorndike’s Social Intelligence

Skill in understanding and managing men, women, boys and girls; synonymous with wise action in relationships.

Components of Social Intelligence

Getting along, social technique, social knowledge, social sensitivity, social insight, and awareness of others’ moods and personalities.

Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences

Theory proposing several independent intelligences—including traditional and novel forms such as bodily, social, spiritual and musical abilities.

Linguistic Intelligence

Skill in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

Ability to solve logical puzzles, derive proofs and perform calculations.

Spatial Intelligence

Capacity to visualise and mentally manipulate objects in space.

Musical Intelligence

Talent for playing instruments, composing, singing or conducting.

Bodily-Kinaesthetic Intelligence

Using one’s body to execute skilful and purposeful movements (e.g., dancers, athletes, surgeons).

Intrapersonal Intelligence

Insight into one’s own thoughts, actions and emotions; self-understanding.

Interpersonal Intelligence

Understanding other people and managing relationships; high social skill.

Naturalistic Intelligence

Ability to recognise, understand and work effectively in the natural world (e.g., biologists, zoologists).

Importance of Social Intelligence

Academic ability alone does not predict real-life success; interpersonal competence can be more critical in many contexts.

Measurement Challenges of Social Intelligence

Tests often lack reliability/validity, overlap with IQ, and are hard to design because social scenarios permit subjective answers.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Capacity to identify and manage one’s own emotions and accurately interpret those of others.

Four Abilities of EQ (Sternberg & Kaufman)

Perceiving emotions, using emotions to facilitate thought, understanding emotions, and regulating emotions.

Salovey & Mayer’s View on EQ

Emotional intelligence is independent of IQ and more important for real-life performance.

Measurement Criticisms of EQ

Ability tests may tap conformity or knowledge rather than true ability; self-reports are vulnerable to faking.

Trait Emotional Intelligence (Emotional Self-Efficacy)

Petrides & Furnham’s concept of emotional intelligence as a personality trait assessed by self-report.

Facets of Trait Emotional Intelligence

Adaptability, assertiveness, emotion perception, expression, management, regulation, low impulsiveness, relationships, self-esteem, self-motivation, social awareness, stress management, trait empathy, happiness and optimism.

Practical Intelligence

Sternberg’s construct describing the ability to solve real-world problems and apply ideas effectively outside academic contexts.

Lay Beliefs about Intelligence (Sternberg et al., 1981)

Public conceptions cluster around verbal ability, practical problem-solving and social competence.

Barnes & Sternberg’s Social Intelligence Components

Cognitive decoding of non-verbal cues and behavioural self-reported social competence; related to each other but not to IQ.

Schneider, Ackerman & Kanfer’s Dimensions

Seven social intelligence traits: extraversion, warmth, social influence, insight, openness, appropriateness and maladjustment.

Marlowe’s Five Dimensions

Social participation, empathy, social adaptability, social perception and social expression.

Trait EI & Academic Performance

High trait EI can offset low IQ, improving grades and reducing absenteeism/antisocial behaviour (Petrides et al., 2004).

Trait EI & Workplace Outcomes

Higher trait EI predicts better job performance, job satisfaction and team effectiveness (Wong & Law, 2002; Jordan et al., 2002).