This document discusses several theories of intelligence proposed by psychologists over time. It begins by asking if one would take a pill to increase their IQ, then outlines theories by Spearman, Thurstone, Gardner, Sternberg and discusses IQ scores and distributions. Spearman viewed intelligence as a single general ability, while Thurstone proposed seven primary abilities. Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences describes eight distinct intelligences valued across cultures. Sternberg's triarchic theory defined intelligence involving analytical, creative and practical abilities. The document also outlines common IQ score ranges and their descriptions.
1. • If someone could offer you a pill to make you
more intelligent – would you take it?
• How would your life change if you woke up one
morning with a 20 point increase in your IQ?
• Are you using the full extent of the intelligence
you have?
2. • Psychologists have been puzzling over what
intelligence is for a long time.
• So, too, have parents, teachers, employers and
philosophers.
• Intelligence and intelligence tests have
implications for our lives in terms of selection,
advancement and exclusion in a range of
domains.
4. Charles Spearman & Intelligence
• At the turn of the 20th
century, Spearman came
up with his theory on
intelligence
• He referred to
intelligence as general
intelligence or ‘the g
factor’
• He concluded that
intelligence is a general
cognitive ability, finding
people scoring
consistently on different
mental tests
5. Louis Thurstone & Intelligence
• Instead of following
Spearman’s theory of one
single intelligence,
Thurstone believed we had 7
different “primary abilities”:
– Verbal Comprehension
– Reasoning
– Perceptual Speed
– Numerical Ability
– Word Fluency
– Associative Memory
– Spatial Ability/Visualization
6. Howard Gardner and Multiple
Intelligences
• Gardner believed
that intelligences
could not be
numerically
measured
• He created a
theory that
describes eight
distinct
intelligences that
are based on
skills and
abilities that are
valued within
different
cultures.
7. • Logical-Mathematical
– Logic, reasoning, numbers, etc.
• Spatial
– Recognizing patterns, visualizing,
etc.
• Bodily-Kinesthetic
– Using the body and movement to
solve problems, using mental
abilities to control body
movement
• Musical
– Performance, composition,
appreciation of musical patterns,
recognizing pitches, rhythms,
tones, etc.
• Linguistic-
– Appreciates spoken and written
language, learn languages,
expresses oneself with language
either written or spoken
8. • Interpersonal
• Understands others well, works
well with others
• Intrapersonal
– Understands oneself, control and recognizes
one’s emotions
• Naturalistic
– Recognizes types of living things
(fauna and flora), important in past
and
• Existential
– Ability and proclivity to answer
questions about life, death, and
ultimate realities
9. Robert Sternberg & Triarchic
Theory of Intelligence
• Sternberg agreed with
Gardner that intelligence
is more than one factor,
but believed Gardner’s to
be too broad
• Defined intelligence as
“mental activity directed
toward purposive
adaptation to, selection and
shaping of, real-world
environments relevant to
one’s life”
10. • Sternberg says intelligence
is comprised of three
factors:
– Analytical: this deals with
problem solving abilities
– Creative: dealing with new
situations using prior
knowledge
– Practical: the ability to
adapt to a changing
environment
11. IQ Scores and Distribution
• With several tests: the Wechsler, Stanford-
Binet, etc..; they generate a score or IQ
• The IQ is an intelligence quotient, gauging
people’s mental abilities against their age
IQ Description % of Population
130+ Very Gifted/Superior 2.2%
120-129 Gifted 6.7%
110-119 High Average 16.1%
90-109 Average 50%
80-89 Low Average 16.1%
70-79 Borderline 6.7%
Below 70 Low-Extremely Low 2.2%
12. Applications/Problems
• IQ scores are used in some school testing,
placements, job assignments, testing, etc.
• Though many people do use and advocate
the use of IQ tests, many believe they are
unfair and culturally biased, measuring
only specific aspects of culturally accepted
values.
