Types of Intelligence
Intelligence is an intellectual ability which helps every human being to think, take decisions and solve problems etc. There is noone who doesn’t have intelligence as all are capable of doing something which is possible because of the presence of intelligence. However, 3 types of intelligence and level of intelligence may vary which is commonly known as IQ.
Every individual’s is different and that’s why they need different study material, learning styles and methods etc to enhance the cognitive abilities.
It is important to study the types of intelligence because it helps the educational department to make plans, decisions which helps the children to grow intellectually.
Psychologists have given many types but most significant types are given by Thorndike. Thorndike has also given his groundbreaking theory of connectionism.
Related:- Thorndike’s Law of learning
E.L. Thorndike has mentioned 3 types of intelligence in his book as follows:
1. Social Intelligence:
Social intelligence refers to the ability to understand people and behave appropriately with them. A person capable of communicating effectively with others possesses social intelligence.
Individuals with social intelligence quickly and easily adjust to other people, understand others, and make themselves understood, often become effective leaders, teachers etc.
2. Concrete Intelligence:
Also known as gross intelligence, concrete intelligence involves understanding real situations, problems, and responding accordingly.
This type of intelligence is essential for daily life tasks, such as operating various equipment, tools, managing finances, and utilizing resources.
Individuals with concrete intelligence often excel as successful businessmen.
3. Abstract Intelligence:
Abstract intelligence means the ability to understand signs and symbols and use verbal and mathematical symbols. People with abstract intelligence think abstractly and solve problems without needing concrete objects.
The highest form of abstract intelligence is seen in mathematics and science formulas, equations, and philosophical thoughts. Such people are often artists, thinkers, teachers, and philosophers.
Abstract intelligence and concrete intelligence are seen mostly in people but the level is different.
Related:- what is intelligence & its 3 aspects
Factors Determining Intelligence
Whether intelligence is innate or acquired remains debated. Some psychologists attribute intelligence primarily to heredity, while others consider it environmentally influenced. This disagreement is known as the Nature-Nurture Controversy.
1. Heredity
British scientist Sir Francis Galton studied the family histories of exceptional individuals and discovered many were blood relatives. He concluded that high-level intelligence often clusters within specific families.
A family with high IQ tends to produce children with similarly high IQ, whereas those with lower IQ produce children with comparable cognitive abilities. Galton proposed that parental genes determine their children’s intelligence level.
In his 1866 publication, Galton asserted that biological inheritance solely accounts for intelligence variations. Terman and Goddard supported this perspective, suggesting heredity significantly influences intelligence. In 1966, Arthur Jensen concurred, concluding that heredity predominantly determines intelligence.
Heredity encompasses traits inherited from parents through genes, such as eye color, hair color and nose shape.
However, is heredity solely responsible for intelligence?
2. Environment
Wellman, Coffy, Scholes, Fillmore, and Williams proposed that mental ability develops exclusively in favorable environments. Many researchers believe that heredity alone cannot account for intelligence; environmental factors also play a crucial role.
A child with high intelligence, deprived of educational opportunities, may struggle to develop their skills. In contrast, a child with lower intelligence, surrounded by abundant opportunities, can enhance their cognitive abilities.
Psychologists emphasize that providing a supportive environment until age 4 significantly boosts IQ.
3. Interaction Between Heredity and Environment
Most psychologists involved in creating IQ tests view intelligence as an innate trait. In contrast, psychologists developing learning theories argue that intelligence is largely influenced by environmental factors.
This is a massive debate regarding the interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental influences on intelligence.
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