Aspects of Intelligence

 

Aspects of Intelligence

Although it is difficult to define intelligence, indeed it appears to have no formal definition, there is, nevertheless, at least one particularly apposite definition: the Capacity to learn and understand.

Scores from standardized intelligence tests (IQ Scores) are often used to define one’s intelligence level. It is, however, becoming increasingly accepted that they do not reveal the complete picture and only provide a snapshot of a person’s ability in the area under examination, so that, for example, someone who has scored highly on a verbal test can only be said to have a high verbal IQ and someone who has scored highly on mathematical test can only be said to have a high numerical IQ. Obviously, therefore, the more different types of disciplines that are tested and examined, the more accurately the intelligence level of the individual can be assessed.

Whilst IQ testing is broadly based on the principle of a measurable and genetically inherited intelligence that is cast in stone for every individual and does not increase throughout adulthood, there is now another school of thought which believes there are many more different types of intelligences, some of which could be as a result of our upbringing and development and some of which could be the result of a natural talent with which we are born.