Lecture on Theories of Intelligence

Overview of Intelligence Debate

• Key Debate: Is there one general intelligence or multiple aspects of intelligence?
• Consider this debate across different theories and where each theorist stands.

Theories of Intelligence

General Intelligence

• Proponent: Charles Spearman
• Concept: General intelligence (G factor) predicted by factor analysis.
  • Predicted outcomes across academic areas.
  • Evidence: High scores in one area often align with high scores in others (e.g., verbal and spatial reasoning).
• Controversy: Human abilities are diverse; one factor may not account for all.

Primary Mental Abilities

• Proponent: L.L. Thurston
• Concept: Seven factors of intelligence
  • Word fluency, verbal comprehension, spatial reasoning, perceptual speed, numerical ability, inductive reasoning, memory.
• Strength: More accurate breakdown of abilities.
• Limitation: Correlation among factors suggests a general intelligence.

Multiple Intelligences

• Proponent: Howard Gardner
• Concept: Initially seven, later nine, independent intelligences.
  • Types include linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalist, existential.
• Strength: Expands intelligence beyond book smarts.
• Criticism: Are these intelligences or talents? Lacks empirical support and testability.

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

• Proponent: Robert Sternberg
• Concept: Three intelligences tied to real-world success.
  • Analytical, creative, and practical intelligence.
• Strength: Focus on real-world application and measurability.
• Limitation: High correlation among the three types suggests general intelligence.

Reflection on General vs. Multiple Intelligences

• Research Findings: Tendency toward one general intelligence.
• Personal Reflection:
  • The term "intelligence" might not hold significant meaning.
  • Analogy to athleticism: Multiple factors contribute to success, yet there may be a general underlying ability.

Conclusion

• Theories of intelligence explore whether intelligence is singular or multifaceted.
• The debate and research continue, with varying emphasis on what constitutes intelligence and how it should be defined.