General Psychology

Nature and
Approaches to
Intelligence

Objectives
The

students should be able to identify the

different approaches to intelligence.

Learn

what is intelligence according to

different psychologists.

A. Nature and Approaches to

Intelligence
Psychologists define intelligence in many different
ways. If you really think about it, who do we actually
consider intelligent? Albert Einstein, perhaps, but so
are painters, writers, actors and actresses, and
dancers. Can we consider people who excel at sports
as intelligent? Psychologists have attempted many
times to come up with at least a simple definition that
can make even a minority to agree, but to no avail;
although one thing is for sure - intelligence is mainly
about cognitive processes (that is, problem solving,
the use of higher-order mental processes, and
memory).

Different Approaches to
Intelligence

Spearmans g- factor theory

He noted that all mental ability test are positively associated

correlated.

Intelligence comprised of 2 factors g and s.

This theory is also known as two factor theory of intelligence.

S-3

G
S-1

S-2

Thurstones theory of intelligence

Verbal Comprehension

Word fluency

Perceptual speed

Memory

Numerical ability

Spatial Ability

Reasoning

Fluid and crystallized intelligence

In 1966, Raymond B. Cattell and John

Horn developed theFluid and
CrystallizedIntelligence theory. That
is, Intelligence consists of two parts,

The fluidis thebiologicalaspect of

intelligence and it is measured by
calculating the speed of reasoning
and memory capacity. Also, it is
increased into adulthood and
decreased with aging.

The crystallized intelligence is

theexpansion skillthrough learning
and experience. The sources of new
knowledge and new experiences are
unlimited, so this type increases
unlimitedly over time.

Gardners Multiple-factor Theory

Robert Strenbergs (1985)

Triarchic Theory

states that intelligence can be divided into

three ways of gathering and processing
information. These are :

1.

Analytical or logical thinking skills which are

measured by traditional intelligence tests

2.

Problem-solving skills which need creative

thinking

3.

Practical thinking skills which help in the

adjustment process of the individual.

Thank You!

Presented By : Julius Robert C. Javier

BSCpE 2-1 (BSME 1-3)