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What is Intelligence?
While intelligence is one of the most talked about subjects in psychology, there is no standard definition of what exactly constitutes intelligence. Some researchers have suggested that intelligence is a single, general ability. Others believe that intelligence encompasses a range of aptitudes, skills, and talents.
Intelligence has been a controversial topic throughout psychology's history. Despite the substantial interest in the subject, there is still considerable disagreement about what components makeup intelligence. In addition to questions of exactly how to define intelligence, the debate continues today about whether accurate measurements are even possible.
At various points throughout recent history, researchers have proposed some different definitions of intelligence. While these definitions can vary considerably from one theorist to the next, current conceptualizations tend to suggest that intelligence is the ability to:
While psychologists often disagree about the definition and causes of intelligence, research on intelligence plays a significant role in many areas. These areas include decisions regarding how much funding should be given to educational programs, the use of testing to screen job applicants, and the use of testing to identify children who need additional academic help.
Contact therapists & counselors now.
Source: Cherry K., Theories of intelligence in psychology. Updated October 2019; Jaarsveld S, Lachmann T. Intelligence and Creativity in Problem Solving: The Importance of Test Features in Cognition Research. Front Psychol. 2017
While intelligence is one of the most talked about subjects in psychology, there is no standard definition of what exactly constitutes intelligence. Some researchers have suggested that intelligence is a single, general ability. Others believe that intelligence encompasses a range of aptitudes, skills, and talents.
Intelligence has been a controversial topic throughout psychology's history. Despite the substantial interest in the subject, there is still considerable disagreement about what components makeup intelligence. In addition to questions of exactly how to define intelligence, the debate continues today about whether accurate measurements are even possible.
At various points throughout recent history, researchers have proposed some different definitions of intelligence. While these definitions can vary considerably from one theorist to the next, current conceptualizations tend to suggest that intelligence is the ability to:
- Learn from experience: The acquisition, retention, and use of knowledge is an important component of intelligence.
- Recognize problems: To put knowledge to use, people must be able to identify possible problems in the environment that need to be addressed.
- Solve problems: People must then be able to take what they have learned to come up with a useful solution to a problem they have noticed in the world around them.
While psychologists often disagree about the definition and causes of intelligence, research on intelligence plays a significant role in many areas. These areas include decisions regarding how much funding should be given to educational programs, the use of testing to screen job applicants, and the use of testing to identify children who need additional academic help.
Contact therapists & counselors now.
Source: Cherry K., Theories of intelligence in psychology. Updated October 2019; Jaarsveld S, Lachmann T. Intelligence and Creativity in Problem Solving: The Importance of Test Features in Cognition Research. Front Psychol. 2017
