Multiple Intelligences and Intelligence

Intelligence tests provide a means of assessing a person's intelligence. However, it may not be as useful to measure everyone's intelligence. For example, those that are economically disadvantages or part of a minority may score lower versus others lending to underrepresentation in talented/gifted programs. While IQ tests may provide a basis from which to assess degree of intelligence, it may not be an accurate representation of an individual's intelligence. This is because the current, most used IQ tests are not formed keeping in a mind a plausible theory on how a human brain operates. Nor is there a means of measuring more modern ideas of intelligence.

Modern ideas of intelligence consist of an expanded view of multiple intelligences. Gardner's theory has gained great traction in the last two decades. It proposes there are at minimum, eight distinct areas where a student may be skilled. (Tirri and Nokelainen) Unlike in Western countries, non-Western countries focus on memorization. For example, Asian schools make students memorize rules, facts, poems, concepts. Western schools focus on creating a deeper level of understanding in their lessons and enabling students to apply what is learned in life. These are two different ways of learning that can lead to expansion of varying levels and areas of intelligence.

If all students across the world were taught in the exact, same manner, an intelligence test would be able measure intelligence throughout the world more accurately. However, that is not the case. Intelligence tests lean towards intelligence learned in the style of western schools. Theory and application is a main area an intelligence tests focuses on that may prove problematic for those that learn in non-Western schools. Should memorization not be a main determiner of intelligence in an IQ test, than a student used to memorization as a main form of learning may score poorly.

Still, there are some advantages to using intelligence tests, especially within a single culture. When IQ is measured, it allows a student to predict success within a multitude of activities as well as to measure a student's ability to compete economically and perform socially. Intelligence tests reveal a student's weaknesses and strengths as well as highlights talents a person may not be aware he or she had. Although the test is not as accurate as it can be in identifying gifted students, it can provide clarity on the topic.

Outside the culture it can create a standard of learning that can promote cohesion. It can also show how intelligence is measured in areas that may not be emphasized in other countries. Still there are decidedly disadvantages to intelligence tests. For instance, there are severe limitations to intelligence tests due to the restriction in understanding of intelligence. Intelligence tests do not test all scenarios where intelligent behavior may be demonstrated and measured.