Intelligence Part One
Intelligence Part One
IntelligenceHow do YOU define intelligence? With the person
sitting next to you, craft a short definition of “intelligence,” and write it down.
Trukese tribe members in the South Pacific Ocean can precisely navigate from island to island without a compass
or any other sailing tools. Is this intelligence?
Amy is charming and people are always happy to be with her. She is good at understanding other people, talking to other
people, and making new friends. Is this intelligence?
Members of the Detroit Pistons react quickly to events taking place around them. They coordinate their movements
well, and have muscle memory for certain physical skills. Is this intelligence?
It is clear that “intelligence” is a difficult concept to define. Today, we recognize that having
intelligence does not simply mean that you know lots of things.
Intelligence:The capacity to understand the world, think rationally, and use resources effectively when
faced with challenges.
Crystalized Intelligence: The accumulation of
information, skills, and strategies that are learned
through experience and that can be later applied in
different problem-solving situations. (This related to
the acquired prior knowledge that we store in long-term
memory.)
Fluid Intelligence: Information processing capability, reasoning, and
memory. If we are asked to memorize something, solve a problem, categorize items, or identify patterns, we are using fluid intelligence. (Fluid
intelligence does not require any prior
knowledge!)
Intelligence Theories
Intelligence TheoriesAs we age, crystalized
intelligence continues to increase. Fluid intelligence, however, begins to decline
in early adulthood.
This theory was developed in
1963, and most IQ tests attempt to measure fluid and crystallized
intelligence.
Intelligence TheoriesIn 1983, Howard Gardener proposed his Theory of
Multiple Intelligences to explain the aptitudes humans have for things other than logic and problem-solving.
Humans show intelligence in
many ways, and the way we test for intelligence needs to consider this.
Multiple Intelligences Theory
Gardener’s theory states that there are at least
eight different kinds of
intelligence that are distinct from
one another.
We each possess ALL of these, but
in different amounts.
Multiple Intelligences Theory
Gardener’s theory states that there are at least
eight different kinds of
intelligence that are distinct from
one another.
We each possess ALL of these, but
in different amounts.
Logical/Mathematical Intelligence
Skills involving problem solving and logical or scientific
thinking. Logical reasoning is closely
linked to “fluid intelligence.” People with this intelligence may be good at math
problems, critical thinking, and reasoning.
Linguistic Intelligence
Skills involving the production and use of language. People with this intelligence are
good at reading comprehension,
writing, and memorizing written words. They may be good at speaking and
organizing information.
Musical Intelligence
Skills involving music. People with this intelligence have
sensitivity to sounds, tone, pitch, melody, harmony, meter, and rhythm. They may be
good at playing, singing, or
composing music.
Visual-Spatial Intelligence
Skills involving space and spacial configurations.
People with this intelligence are
good at envisioning things in their heads. They may be good
at art, design, architecture, or
navigation.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Skills involving control and use of the body. People
with this intelligence may be coordinated, or good at activities like sports, dance, acting, surgery, or
creating something by hand.
Naturalist Intelligence
Skills involving nurturing, or the ability to identify and classify
patterns in nature. People with this
intelligence might classifying natural forms (such as animals, plants, rocks, or geographical features). They may be
good farmers, botanists, chefs, hunters, etc.
Interpersonal Intelligence Skills involving
interactions with others and sensitivity
to others. People with this intelligence can easily understand how others are feeling
and relate to them. They communicate
effectively and empathetically with others.
Intrapersonal Intelligence
Skills involving knowledge of oneself and one’s own feelings and emotions. People with this intelligence know their strengths and weaknesses, what they want in life, and
what makes them unique. They may be
reflective and introspective.
“Your understanding of
your inner self holds the meaning
of your life.”- TOLSTOY
Other Types?Gardener believed there could be other types of intelligence beyond
the 8 he described. Here are two more that have been proposed:
Practical Intelligence:
Intelligence related to overall success in living. Knowing how to act in
different situations, when to act, and what actions will
produce the results that you want. (“Street Smarts.”)
Existential Intelligence:
Intelligence related to spirituality. Ability to think deeply about cosmic questions such as how did we get here, why do we die, and what is the purpose of human life?
The theory of MI translates into a focus on different student learning styles.
Howard Gardener