Three Major Intelligence Theories AP Psychology

What Are the Components of Intelligence? Some psychologists believe that the essence of intelligence is a single, general factor, while others believe intelligence is best described as a collection of distinct abilities

Psychometric Theories of Intelligence g Factor – (innate) A general ability, proposed by Spearman as the main factor underlying all intelligent mental activity

Psychometric Theories of Intelligence Crystallized intelligence – The knowledge a person has acquired, plus the ability to access that knowledge. Increases w/ age Fluid intelligence – The ability to see complex relationships and solve problems. High uses of creativity. Decreases w/age

Cognitive Theories of Intelligence Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences

Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory Practical IntelligencePractical Intelligence Ability to cope with the environment; “street smarts”

Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory Analytical IntelligenceAnalytical Intelligence Ability to analyze problems and find correct answers; ability measured by most IQ tests

Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory Creative IntelligenceCreative Intelligence Form of intelligence that helps people see new relationships among concepts; involves insight and creativity

Intelligence Savant syndrome – Found in individuals who have a remarkable talent even though they are mentally slow in other domains

Howard Gardner Studied brain-damaged individuals. Gardner believes mental abilities are independent of each other and cannot be accurately reflected in a single measure of intelligence. There are Multiple Intelligences.

Howard Gardner 1.Linguistic intelligence Ability to understand and use words Often measured on IQ tests with reading comprehension and vocabulary tests Writers, poets, effective public speakers

2. Logical-mathematical intelligence Ability to perform mathematical, computational, or logical operations Often measured on IQ tests with analogies, math problems and logic problems Scientists, engineers, computer programmers, navigator.

3.Musical intelligence Ability to analyze, compose, or perform music. Ability to perceive and create patterns of rhythms and pitches. Musicians, singers, composers. Wolfgang Mozart: earliest composition was at age 5.

4.Spatial intelligence Ability to perceive spatial relationships and arrange objects in space. Sculptor, painter, expert chess player, architect

5.Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence Ability to control bodily movements and manipulate objects skillfully. Athlete, dancer, craftsperson, mechanics.

6.Interpersonal intelligence Ability to relate effectively to others and to understand others’ moods and motives. Politician, effective business person/sales, clinical psychologist.

7.Intrapersonal Intelligence (self smart) Ability to understand one’s own feelings and behavior (self- perception). Essayist and philosopher.

8.Naturalist intelligence Ability to discern patterns in nature. Ecologist, zoologist, botanist, and biologists. Ex. Charles Darwin

Gardner’s Two New Intelligences Spiritual intelligence Existential intelligence

M.I. Theory