INTELLIGENCE PERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY 20

WHAT IS INTELLIGENCE? Dictionary defines it as the ability to acquire knowledge and skills Einstein – “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination” Socrates – “I know that I am intelligent because I know that I know nothing”

WHAT IS INTELLIGENCE? Some researchers suggest that intelligence is a single, general ability. Others argues that intelligence encompasses a range of aptitudes, skills and talents. There are several theories that have been developed regarding intelligence

Intelligence Theories General Intelligence – Charles Spearman Described a concept known as “general intelligence” or “g-factor” Examines subject’s performance on a number of mental aptitude tests People who performed well on one cognitive task tended to perform well on others – and vice versa – if a subject performed poorly on one task, they tended to perform poorly on the others. Concluded that intelligence is a general cognitive ability that could be measured and numerically expressed

Intelligence Theories Primary Mental Abilities – Louis Thurstone Thurstone’s theory focused on seven different primary mental abilities: Verbal comprehension Reasoning Perceptual speed Numerical ability Word fluency Associative memory Spatial visualization

Intelligence Theories Multiple Intelligences – Howard Gardner Argued that numerical expressions of human intelligence are not a full and accurate depiction of people’s abilities Proposed a theory that described eight distinct intelligences based on skills and abilities that are valued within different cultures.

Multiple Intelligences The eight intelligences of Gardner’s theory are: Visual-spatial intelligence Verbal-linguistic intelligence Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence Logical-mathematical intelligence Interpersonal intelligence Musical intelligence Intra-personal intelligence Naturalistic intelligence

Intelligence Theories Triarchic Theory of Intelligence – Robert Sternberg Defined intelligence as mental activity directed towards purposive adaptation to selection and shaping of real- world environments relevant to one’s life Argued that Gardner’s intelligences are more like individual talents rather than mental activities

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence Successful intelligence is comprised of three different factors: Analytical intelligence: problem-solving abilities Creative intelligence: the ability to deal with new situations using past experience and current skill Practical intelligence: the ability to adapt to a changing environment

What is IQ? IQ: Intelligence Quotient A number derived from a standardized intelligence test. Originally scores were calculated by dividing the subject’s mental age by their chronological age and then multiplying by 100. Today, scores are calculated by comparing the subject’s score to the scores of other people in the same age group

What is IQ? IQ tests are designed to measure both crystallized and fluid intelligence Crystallized intelligence: the knowledge and skills one has acquired throughout their life Fluid intelligence: one’s ability to reason, problem-solve and make sense of abstract information Subjects must complete a series of subtests designed to measure mathematical abilities, language skills, memory, reasoning skills, and information-processing skills

What is IQ? On modern IQ tests, the average score is 100 with a standard deviation of 15 This means that 68% of people will have an IQ from 85-115 and 95% of people will have an IQ between 70 and 130 While an IQ test may be a good general indicator of your reasoning and problem-solving abilities, many psychologists suggest that these tests do not tell the whole story – they do not measure practical abilities and talents.

Emotional Intelligence Refers to a person’s ability to perceive, control, evaluate and express emotions. Research suggests that it can be learned and strengthened Others suggest that it is something you are born with.

Four Branches of Emotional Intelligence Perceiving emotions: Being able to understand nonverbal signals such as body language and facial expressions Reasoning with emotions: using emptions to promote thinking and cognitive activity. Emotions help us to prioritize what we pay attention and react to – we respond emotionally to things that get our attention

Four Branches of Emotional Intelligence Understanding Emotions: interpreting the causes and meanings of emotions. For example, if your teacher is acting angry, it might mean that they are dissatisfied with your work or behavior, or it could be because her cat threw up on her new shoes and she spilled coffee on her shirt this morning before work Managing Emotions: regulating emotions, responding appropriately and responding to the emotions of others.

How do we measure EQ? Reuven Bar-On’s EQ-I A self-report test designed to measure competencies including awareness, stress tolerance, problem solving, and happiness Believed that emotional intelligence is an array of non- cognitive abilities, competencies and skills that influence our ability to succeed in coping with environmental demands.

How do we measure EQ? Multifactor Emotional Intelligence Scale (MEIS) An ability based test in which test-takers perform tasks designed to assess their ability to perceive, identify, understand and utilize emotions.

How do we measure EQ? Seligman Attributional Style Questionnaire (SASQ) Measures optimism and pessimism Was used by life insurance companies.

How do we measure EQ? Emotional Competence Inventory (ECI) Based on the Self-assessment questionnaire Involves having people who know a subject offer ratings of that person’s abilities on a number of different emotional competencies

What is your EQ? Psychology.about.com/library/quiz/bl_eq_quiz.htm Go to the following website and answer the questions. Complete the worksheet.

What determines Intelligence? Many psychologists debate the question of whether NATURE or NURTURE is responsible for determining intelligence. Nearly all psychologists agree that BOTH nature and nurture play a role in intelligence.

Evidence of Nature (genetics) Twin studies suggest that identical twins’ IQs are more similar than those of fraternal twins Siblings raised together in the same home have IQ’s that are more similar than those of adopted children living in the same environment

Evidence of Nurture (Environment) Identical twins raised apart have IQs that are less similar that identical twins raised in the same environment School attendance has an impact on IQ scores Children who are breastfed during the first 3-5 months of life score higher on IQ tests at age 6 that children the same age who were not breastfed

Are people with high IQs more successful? Many people believe that having a high IQ is a sure fire way to guarantee success in life While people with high IQs are naturally more successful, it does not guarantee success in all domains of life

Are people with high IQs more successful? Often highly intelligent people have poor social skills and struggle with mental instability. Personality factors including motivation, willingness to work hard, being committed to goals, creativity, and emotional maturity are also linked to success in life