Theories of Intelligence

Theories of Intelligence

Abstract
Theories of intelligence have been studied and researched by numerous psychologists. This essay will discuss the different theories, the person(s) who formulated them, and the relevance of each. This essay will also be used to show how important human interaction and the environment can be in overall human intelligence.

Theories of Intelligence There will be four theories of intelligence discussed throughtout this essay. First, Charles Spearman theorized that intelligence had two factors that he labeled as “g” and “s” (Rathus, 2013, p. 174). It is from these two factors that that his model for intelligence is derived. His theory is based off of general intelligence and specific intelligence. Secondly, there is Howard Gardner and his theory delved more into the idea of there being, more than one intelligences. Rathus (2013) states, “ Gardner refers to each kind of intelligence in his theory as an intelligence, because they can differ so much” (174-175). He thought almost everything a person did had a relationship with their intelligence. For instance, a person 's language learning ability, musical talents, and mathematical reasoning were all separate intelligences (Rathus, 2013, p. 175). Next, Robert Sternberg, approach to human intelligence differed from the previous two. His theory was that of three abilities: analytical, creative, and practical intelligence (Rathus, 2013, p. 175). In his theory, analytical intelligence is strictly critical thinking and problem-solving. Creative thinking is more situational awareness and a person’s flexibility towards different problems. Practical intelligence is dealing with other people and adaptive behavior (Rathus, 2013, p. 175). Finally, there were two psychologists, Peter Salovey and John Mayer, that not only is academic intelligence a part of human intelligence but also their emotional intelligence. Psychologist Robert Sternberg 's triarchic theory of intelligence gives a very thorough analysis of the human intelligence aspect. It takes into account an academic and environmental approach to human intelligence. The first of the ideas is that of the analytical intelligence of a person. The idea shows how a person receives the information, process information, and solutions for the problems from this information. This idea shows how some people are “quick on their feet” or “cool under pressure.” Creative intelligence allows people to look at a problem or situation from all angles and reach quick decisions. Lastly, his idea of practical intelligence derives from the interactions between people. This idea follows closely with how some people are considered to have “book smarts” or “common sense.” Some people that rely on more book smarts have difficulties in dealing with other people. A person with common sense is generally more adaptive when dealing with another person than someone without common sense (Rathus, 2013, p. 175). This theory is very important because it values not only academic intelligence but also intelligence involving people, places, or things. There is one thing for a person to be able to do long division in their head, remember numerous times, or dates. The true test of a person’s intelligence is how they apply it into everyday life. This is when creativity and practicality play a pivotal role in human intelligence. Being able to relate information from different angles or when adding the interpersonal aspect of life can cause an analytical person to become frustrated. This theory is very skilled or hands-on based. This theory’s true essence will not show up on a standardized test. The theory is very complex and an “IQ” test may not show the creativity or practicality of a person. The analytical intelligence or academic intelligence of a person is generally shown through standardized tests. The other aspects of this theory needs to be showcased in situational based opportunities. Stress can be a great benchmark for the other two intelligences in this theory. This theory is more relevant in today’s fast moving ever changing landscape. The triarchic theory shows an accurate display of overall human intelligence.

References
Rathus, S. (2012) Psych Student Edition (3). Wadsworth, Cenage Learning. (174-175).

References: Rathus, S. (2012) Psych Student Edition (3). Wadsworth, Cenage Learning. (174-175).