Psychology concepts and applications

Psychology

How have you been labeled as a child or as an adult, and how has this impacted your identity and performance?

As a child I was always labeled as intelligent. This impacted my identity by showing me how I was different from others (because of this special talent). When I became older, this established certain standards for academic performance. I used this to push myself to do more (based upon these beliefs).

Based on the newer, broader definitions of intelligence, (such as Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences), assess your own strengths and weaknesses. Do these definitions change the way you see yourself now?

These strengths and weaknesses are showing how I meet the various categories for intelligence (according to Gardner's theory). This based upon several predetermined criteria to include: the potential for brain isolation, the presence in core operations, a place in evolutionary history, distinct developmental progression, symbolic expression, the existence of exceptional talent and support from experimental / psychometric findings. These definitions are changing the way I look at myself and intelligence. ("Howard Gardner," 2012)

Do you believe there is a link between intelligence and career choice and success?

Yes. This is because intelligence will have an impact upon the kind of occupations that everyone is working in. When this happens, it will influence their ability to successfully complete various objectives. This will have an impact on how quickly they are promoted and the opinions about their quality of work. Those who are able to embrace these kinds of attributes will become some of the leaders inside their organization.

Given the debate about nature and nurture in developing intelligence, what do you think you can do to enhance or develop your capacities?

The best way that I can enhance my capacities, is to study others who were successful and see what challenges they faced in the process. This will show me some possible weaknesses that need to be addressed. At the same time, it will provide me with insights as to how intelligence can be improved. In the future, these skills can be applied to my life on a regular basis to overcome various difficulties and understand the life lessons of success as well as failure. (Robbins, 1991)

What can you do to maximize your intellectual capabilities (if you think this is possible)?

I believe that one of the best ways to increase intellectual capabilities is through modeling. This is when we study the lives of those people who are successful. During this process, we learn about the challenges they went through and how this influenced their thinking in the future. These ideas can be used to teach everyone about the best approach for living their lives. (Robbins, 1991)