The Importance Of Intelligence

Whether the IQ test can unconditionally determine an individual’s intelligence has been debated by psychologists and researches for centuries. The intelligence quotient also known as an IQ test is regarded as an accurate assessment of an individual’s intelligence and learning potential. Based on this background, this paper is going to discuss there is more than one single type of intelligence by demonstrating how intelligence is identified, categorised and defined. This paper will initially explore how intelligence does not have a fixed definition and what the IQ test measures. It will than discuss the theory of multiple intelligences, the cultural influences, what people consider makes up intelligence and conclude by discussing other individual

The success of this scale led to what became the standard IQ test known as the Stanford-Binet Intelligence test for the next thirty years. In 1917, the Standord-Binet test was modified and then modified again for the First World War to allow testing of large groups. One test was for alpha to test literacy and the other was data, to test of numeracy. However, the original standard IQ test quantifies an individual’s ability on a variety of tasks that is scored based on an individual’s performance. The results of their performance is than compared to the score of the test average. The standard IQ test generally measures vocabulary items to measure understanding, arithmetic problems, visual and spatial tasks, and problem-solving skills involving simple algebra, multiple choice questions, and creativity, to see how far a person can change from conventional patterns (Evans & Deehan 1990). Sir Cyril Burt, an English educational psychologist who made contributions to educational psychology defined the IQ test as ‘a way of classifying people in a hierarchy of mental capacity’ (Evans & Deehan

Gardeners identified eight distinct intelligences rather than a single general intelligence (Gardener 1983). The eight types of intelligences include Linguistic intelligence, the ability to think in words and use both spoken and written language to express and appreciate complex meanings. Logical-mathematical intelligence, the ability to calculate, use logic, numbers and complete mathematical operations. Spatial Intelligence, the ability to think in three dimensions (pictures). Core capabilities include imagery, artistic and active imagination. Musical-rhythmic Intelligence, the capacity to discern pitch, rhythm and tone. There is often connection between music and emotions; and mathematical and musical intelligence that may share a common thinking process. Bodily-Kinaesthetic intelligence, the capacity to use a range of physical skills. Inter-personal Intelligence, the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. Intra-personal Intelligence, the capacity to understand oneself and one’s thoughts and feelings and use this knowledge. This intelligence is very aware of their own feelings and are self-motivated (Gardener 1983). The eighth type of intelligence proposed by Gardner in 1995, is Naturalistic intelligence, the ability to recognise flora