Intelligence is defined as the capability to learn and apply knowledge. The ability for an individual to benefit from past experiences, solve problems, act purposely, and adapt to new situations are included in intelligence (Passmore, Tong, & Wildflower, 2011). Intelligence is amongst the highly talked about subjects in psychology, but there has not been a standard definition of what precisely forms intelligence. There have been two different definitions from researchers in regards to intelligence. One defines intelligence as a single general ability, and the other believes that it covers a range of skills, aptitude, and talents. Theories of intelligence emerged around 1904 when psychologist Charles E. Spearman published his first article on intelligence.
The best theory for determining intelligence is the multiple intelligence theory. The theory does not focus on one single general factor, but rather on different factors. The theory was proposed by Gardner (2011), and he believed that intelligence could be described based on a person's skills and abilities. This led him to develop eight different kinds of intelligence namely linguistic, musical, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, bodily, logico-mathematical, and naturalistic intelligence. This is the best theory for determining intelligence because it not only concentrates on IQ tests, but it also considers the fact that people are different and have different capabilities. Using this theory one can easily explain why people have different talents and they excel in various fields. One cannot be good at all the eight intelligences defined within the theory. There is a need to have a methodology for determining intelligence that is not dependent on tests. The multiple intelligence theory can be applied to individuals with paralysis, impairment, or other disabilities. Determining the intelligence of such individuals would not be possible using general intelligence.
The psychometric tests in use only examined logical, linguistic, and spatial intelligence. It was, for this reason, that Gardner (2011) developed the multiple intelligence theory. Various facets of intelligence like musical talent, athleticism, and social awareness were not covered in the psychometric tests. These are all valid areas of intelligence, and they determine an area an individual would excel in apart from class. A child who easily learns how to multiply is not more intelligent than one who has difficulty learning the same.
Intelligence possessed
The intelligences possessed are interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence. The reasoning behind these choices is that I am able to interact with other easily, and I can connect with others on a more personal and emotional level. As an individual, I am able to cooperate and work with others in a team in order to support the group effort. People who possess interpersonal intelligence are natural leaders or followers. These individuals have the ability to empathize and communicate easily with others, which makes others like them and want to interact with them. Discussion and debate is their main area of excellence, and they are able to present their ideas in a clearly and easily understood manner. The careers best suited for people with high interpersonal intelligence are social workers, lecturers, counsellors, managers, sales persons, and teachers.
Having an intrapersonal intelligence means that the individual is more aware of their strengths and weaknesses. A person with intrapersonal intelligence would be able to predict their reactions in different situations. Having a good grasp of one's emotions is essential because it enables the individual to control their emotions even in intense situations. Understanding one's own weaknesses would prevent them from undertaking activities that would result in total failure. Instead, the individual would lean more towards their capabilities and strengths.
The pros and cons of each theory
When one uses the general intelligence theory to define intelligence, they are making using of aptitude tests. These tests are varied, and they cover different aspects, which makes the tests applicable for various situations. The tests reaffirm that no matter the test if an individual excels in one they will excel in all the others. The limitation of this intelligence is that it discriminates against individuals with disabilities (Rickert, Meras, & Witkow, 2014). There are people who due to their disabilities might not have the capability to perform well on the tests, but they do excel in other areas. Therefore, there should be a modality for testing intelligence and incorporate an individual's current state. There have been cases of individuals scoring high in one specific ability and performing dismally in the others. For this reason, one can perceive that the theory is limited and does not cover or explain the discrepancies.
The multiple intelligence theory attempts to incorporate different ways of measuring intelligence based on biology. This ensures that an individual's intelligence is not only determined by their class ability. Measuring using different intelligences allows for the discovery of hidden talents, which can be cultivated early. People are different, and it is vital there be a different methodology for measuring intelligence. The cons of using multiple intelligence is that the abilities are mostly talents and not kinds of intelligence. A person who is good in music does not mean they are intelligent in music, but rather that they have a talent of music. Measuring intelligence in terms of talents would leave other individuals at a disadvantage since they might not possess the talents listed within the theory.
You’re 80% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.