Type of

Intelligen
ce
General
Intelligen
ce (g)

Psychologist

Definition

Measurement

Multiple or Singular

Fixed or Malleable

Spearman
(1927)

Spearmans g,
Intelligence tests

Singular

Fluid
Intelligen
ce

Cattell
(1963), Horn
(1998)

mental energy
used to perform
any mental task,
used in
conjunction with
task-specific
abilities
Mental efficiency
and reasoning
related to the
brain structures
and functioning

Crystalliz
ed
Intelligen
ce

Cattell
(1963), Horn
(1998)

Multiple
Intelligen
ces

Gardner
(1983,2003,2
009)

Triarchic
Theory of
Successfu
l

Sternberg
(1985,2004),
Stemler,
Sternberg,

The ability to
apply problemsolving methods
appropriate to
your cultural
context
Separate mental
abilities- We can
have strengths
and weaknesses
in the different
abilities.

Successful
Intelligence is
more that the
mental abilities

(G + multiple abilities)

Tied to the brain

structure and
functioning: size,
myelination,
density of
dopamine
receptors, etc.
Still under
investigation
Learned skills and
knowledge

Singular

Malleable- increases
as the brain develops
and declines with age

Multiple, domain specific

Malleable- increases
as you are exposed to
more experiences

Gardener describes
8, but believes that
there may be
more.

Multiple:
Linguistic
Musical
Spatial
LogicalMathematical
Bodily-kinesthetic
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Naturalist

MalleableCombination of
natural talent and an
environment that
supports practice and
development of that
talent.

3 universal
processesmetacomponents,
performance

Multiple:
Analytic
Intelligence
Creative

Malleableintelligence is a
process.

Intelligen
ce

Grigorenko,
Jarvin, &
Sharpes,
2009)

measured by a
test. It is about
life success,
which is defined
by your own
definition of
success within
your culture.

components,
knowledgeacquisition
components

Intelligence
Practical
Intelligence
Wisdom