Intelligence

Intelligence

Intelligence is the ability to learn. Intelligence is the ability for abstract thinking.

 To judge well, to reason well, to comprehend well: these are the characteristics of Intelligence.

Jean Piaget: Intelligence is the ability to adapt to one’s surroundings.

Terman: Intelligence is the capacity to learn and adjust to relatively new situations.

Wechsler: Intelligence is the aggregate or global capacity of the individual, to act purposefully, to think rationally and to deal effectively with the environment.

Stern: It is the general mental adaptability to new problems and conditions of life.

 Theories of Intelligence

 Binet’s Uni Factor Thory

Spearman’s Two Factor Theory: General and Specific Intelligence

Thorndike’s Multi-factor Theory-

• Verbal Ability
• Numerical Ability
• Reasoning Ability
• Memory Ability
• Spatial Ability
• Word Fluency

Guilford’s Multi-dimensional

Content: Figural, Symbolic, Semantic, Behavioural

Operation: Cognition, Memory, Convergent thinking, Divergent thinking, Evaluation

Products: Units, Class, Relations, Systems, Transformation, Implication

Main Characteristics of intelligence:

Ability to learn

Ability to understand

Ability to adjust

Ability for abstract thinking

 Ability for logical thinking

Types of Intelligence

§         Spatial

§         Linguistic

§         Logical/Mathematical

§         Bodily/ Kinesthetic

§         Musical

§         Interpersonal

§         Intrapersonal

§         Naturalistic

§         Existential

Tests in Intelligence: Binet and Simon Test in 1905

has following type test items:

Visual Coordination

Recognition of objects

Naming objects in picture

Suggestibility

Definition of familiar objects

WAIS Test: has following type test items:

            Vocabulary

            Information

             Arithmetic

            Comprehension

            Similarities

             Digit Span

Non Verbal Test

    Block Design

    Picture Arrangement

     Picture Completion

     Object Assembly

     Maze

Classification of Tests:

          Individual Test: One person is tested at a time.

           Features: Time Consuming, Costly, Reliable, Valid, Good in testing child, mentally weak and shy persons

  Group Test: Many persons can be tested at a time.

Features:  Less Time Consuming, Less Costly, Less Reliable, Less Valid, Not Good in testing child, mentally weak and shy persons

 Other Classification:

   Verbal Test: Words are used in testing.

   Features: Culture Specific, Cannot be used with persons not having same language

Performance Test: Words are not used. Instead some performance is tested.

Features: Not Culture Specific, Can be used with persons not having same language