Psych

“The capacity to acquire and apply knowledge.” (Webster’s Dictionary) This is the definition used to describe intelligence yet Intelligence also includes the ability to benefit from past experience, act purposefully, solve problems, and adapt to new situations. (Sparknotes 2005)There is a long history of disagreement about what actually signifies intelligence. Some researchers have suggested that intelligence is a single, general ability; while other believe that intelligence incorporates a range of aptitudes, skills and talents. The following are some of the major theories of intelligence that have emerged during the last 100 years. Charles Spearman described a concept he referred to as general intelligence, or the g factor. (Rathus, S. 2012) After using a technique known as factor analysis to examine a number of mental aptitude tests he concluded that scores on these tests were similar. (Sparknotes 2005) People who performed well on one test tended to perform well on other tests, while those who scored badly on one test tended to score badly on others. He concluded that intelligence is general cognitive ability that could be measured and numerically expressed. (Sparknotes 2005) Contemporary psychologists continue to use the term g in research such as in measurements of SAT test scores. (Rathus, S. 2012) Specific or s factors account for specific abilities music or poetry. (Rathus, S. 2012)
One of the more recent ideas to emerge is Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. Instead of focusing on the analysis of test scores, Gardner proposed that numerical expressions of human intelligence are not a full and accurate depiction of people's abilities. His theory describes eight distinct intelligences that are based on skills and abilities that are valued within different cultures. The eight intelligences Gardner described are: Visual-spatial Intelligence, Verbal-linguistic Intelligence, Bodily-kinesthetic Intelligence, Logical-mathematical Intelligence, Interpersonal Intelligence, Musical Intelligence, Intrapersonal Intelligence, and Naturalistic Intelligence.
Psychologist Robert Sternberg defined intelligence as "mental activity directed toward purposive adaptation to, selection and shaping of, real-world environments relevant to one’s life." While he agreed with Gardner that intelligence is much broader than a single, general ability, he instead suggested some of Gardner's intelligences are better viewed as individual talents. Sternberg proposed what he refers to as 'successful intelligence,' which is comprised of three different factors: Analytical intelligence, this component refers to problem-solving abilities. Creative intelligence, this aspect of intelligence involves the ability to deal with new situations using past experiences and current skills. Practical intelligence, this element refers to the ability to adapt to a changing environment. This theory is referred Triarchic Theory of Intelligence
The theory of intelligence that I feel best applies to me is the Triarchic Theory of Intelligence.

Citation Page
SparkNotes Editors. (2005). SparkNote on Intelligence. Retrieved March 14, 2013, from http://www.sparknotes.com/psychology/psych101/intelligence/
Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. New York: Basic Books.
Spearman, C. (1904). "General intelligence," objectively determined and measured. American Journal of Psychology 15, 201-293.
Sternberg, R. J. (1985). Beyond IQ: A Triarchic Theory of Intelligence. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Thurstone, L.L. (1938). Primary mental abilities. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Rathus, Spencer A. (2012). PSYCH (2nd. Ed.). Belm