What is Intelligence?

September 25, 2007

Intelligence, according to Merriam -Webster is the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria. Many psychologists have their own definition view on what intelligence really is and debate over its true definition is very controversial. Tests were created to measure one's intelligence, but these tests are not always completely accurate.

Alfred Binet was one of the first psychologist to create an intelligence test. overtime, the Binet test has been changed and modified by many other psychologists some tests are designed to test aptitude, while others are designed to predict  achievement.  The most widely used intelligence test today is the Wechscer Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised. This test, although prominent in intelligence testing, have flaws.  a  major flaw it possesses is its culturally biased because many questions seemed to be a product  of American  culture and may not be understood by those from different background. Because of this, Raymond B. Cattell and Florence Goddenough created a culture-free intelligence test, although they don't completely eliminate it. also, these tests are not always very accurate.

The Confucian  societies of East Asia believe the nurture theory which states that differences and achievement are thought to be largely to effort. In the West, however, many believe that intelligence is inborn. The nature theory  that a person is born with a certain intelligence is inherited.

Environment  is another factor that is hypothesized to influence intelligence. Home environment and styles of parenting can also  influence intelligence, so as  social classes, maybe because more opportunities were provided to those  in the higher social class.

Personally, I believe that  these factors accounts for intelligence: genetics,environment and health. Many characteristics and traits are passed on through genes and I believe intelligence because encouragement from the parents and other people in your environment can help stimulate intelligence. Health also influences one's intelligence because a physically, emotionally, or mentally ill person can't accurately show their intelligence. Intelligence varies from one person to another, so no one test can accurately measure a person's intelligence. perhaps we can really never measure intelligence. Let's just leave it to God's hand.