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Intelligence tests
Intelligence, narrowly defined, can be measured by intelligence tests (see IQ). They are
among the most accurate (reliable and valid) psychological tests, but
they are not intended to measure creativity, personality, character, or wisdom. Intelligence tests take many forms, but they all
measure the same intelligence. The general factor measured by each intelligence test is known as g (see g theory).
Some researchers have proposed that intelligence is not a single quantity or concept, but really consists of a set of
relatively independent abilities. Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner's
theory of multiple intelligences,
for example, breaks intelligence down into the seven different components: logical, linguistic, spatial, musical, kinesthetic,
intra-personal and inter-personal intelligences. Daniel Goleman and several other researchers have developed the concept of
emotional intelligence and claim it is at least as
important as more traditional sorts of intelligence.
Proponents of multiple-intelligence theories often claim that g is, at best, a measure of academic ability. Other types of
intelligence, they claim, might be just as important outside of a school setting.
In response, g theorists have argued that multiple intelligences have not been borne out when actually tested (Hunt 2001) and
that g actually has a substantial impact on personal affairs, including job performance (Campbell 1990).
Controversies
Researchers in the field of human intelligence have encountered a considerable amount of public concern and criticism; much
more than many scientists would be accustomed to or comfortable with. Some of the controversial topics include:
- the relevance of psychometric intelligence to the common sense understanding of the topic
- the importance of intelligence in everyday life
- the genetic and environmental contributions to individual variation in intelligence (see Nature versus nurture).
- differences in average measured intelligence between racial groups and sexes; and the source and meaning of these differences
(see Race and intelligence).
References
- Campbell, J. P. (1990). The role of theory in industrial and organizational psychology. In M. D. Dunnette & L.M Hough
(Eds.). Handbook of industrial-organizational psychology 2nd ed.), Vol. 1 (pp. 39-74). Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists
Press.
- Hunt, E. (2001). Multiple views of multiple intelligence. [Review of Intelligence reframed: Multiple intelligence in the 21st
century.] Contemporary Psychology, 46, 5-7.
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