CHAPTER 1

PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND Introduction Even before the concrete conceptual definition of intelligence has come to what is known today, several debates had already arose over the past centuries in order to formulate a consensus on such. Henceforth, its origin as well as the factors that constitute intelligence which hand in hand appears to be controversy-bound became the frame ground of extensive studies and researches for a long time. Several psychologists viewed intelligence as a product of heredity in which individuals at the time of conception are already carrying in them a set-in intelligence that is basically determined with that of their parents (Hennstein and Murray, 1994; Jensen, 1980). Furthermore, there were also some who viewed such as being influenced by the

social environment and that through what is known as due to experience (Gordon and Bhattacharyya, 1994; Humphreys, 1986; Dilomin, 1989). known nature-versus-nurture argumentations. Such views are matters of the

Modern researches have come up with a

consensus that it is a product of both notions and that is determined based from the collaboration of both genes and environment; potential and actualization and likewise that of nature and nurture.

As the concept of nature and nurture evolves, intelligences of the individuals should however, be actualized in order to attain the development of human potential. As long as the presence of individual differences retains its constancy, every individual will remain to have his own unique way of perceiving and learning. Over the

recent years, the distinctions of intelligences flourished. For instance, Sternbergs Triarchic Theory (1982) with intelligence, wisdom and creativity to describe intellectual ability; Guilfords theory (1967) on the structure of intellect with 180 separate mental abilities; as well as the most well-known Theory of Multiple Intelligences of Howard Gardner (1999). Gardners theory broke the myth that intelligence is only limited to only two dimensions which is the Verbal Linguistic and Logical Mathematical; for his view included eight (8) dimensions namely: Linguistic (Verbal), Musical, Spatial, Logical/Mathematical, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Interpersonal and Intrapersonal and the Naturalistic Intelligence. As influenced by Psychologists Jean Piaget and Jerome Bruner, Philosopher Nelson Goodman and Gardner co-founded the Project Zero in 1967 which was called as the Project on Human Potential which aims to address the state of scientific knowledge concerning human potentials and its realizations. From such project, Gardner had the

idea of Multiple Intelligences (MI) upon which he gave emphasis on as his most remarkable contribution in Psychology. He then published his Theory of Multiple

Intelligences at its first full length in his book Frames of Mind in 1983. Not to be outdone by such commentaries, Gardner has opened doors for possibilities of inclusion for new arising intelligences. Extensive discussions and analytical procedures are being held in order to determine such. In 1999, Gardner and

his colleagues introduced three possible candidate intelligences: Spiritual, Existential and Moral. Moral intelligence includes ethics, humanity and the value of life.

Likewise, as being defined by David King in 2008, Spiritual Intelligence, as set of mental capacities which contribute to the awareness; integration; and adaptive application of the nonmaterial and transcendent aspects of ones existence, is leading to such outcomes as deep existential reflection; enhancement of meaning; recognition of a transcendent; self ; and mastery of spiritual states. Existential intelligence subsequently includes religion and the ultimate issues. However, such phenomena is subjected to more extensive researches and that it appears to the established definitions and criteria of intelligence per se so as to provide more robust evidences on its inclusion in Gardners Multiple Intelligences.

Shortly, after its birth, however, several criticisms were raised against the Multiple Intelligences Theory. It is prescribed to help explain the variety of individual differences in different types of mental performance. It is based in developmental, clinical, case study, and educational evidence. These commentaries either recognized or ridiculed such contribution. Issues in the use of Multiple Intelligences include not

"labeling" people by their preferred intelligences, not matching intelligences to careers too early, and encouraging individuals to develop less-preferred intelligences (Armstrong 1994; Shearer 1999). Mantzaris (1999) found that adults involved in Multiple Intelligences activities broadened the parameters of their career choices. Rather than focusing on the "right fit," learners found that the self-discovery inspired by MI added multiple dimensions to the process of career choice. Moreover, another variable involved in this study is the career preference of the subjects. As it is, intelligence plays a vital role in determining the occupational level One study done by Austin and

that the individual will attain later in the adult life.

Hanisch in 1990 introduced certain factors that mainly determined the career choice of the individuals. This revealed that general mental abilities were the next most important factor but was not even as important as gender and the familys socio-economic status.

These latter factors point to the operation of an opportunity to influence later occupational attainment. Given opportunity, higher education, which in turn is

required for entry into higher-level occupations (Moises, 2001). However, there had been debates whether general mental ability or interest should be accorded when making choices. Nowadays, career counselors considered

intelligence as a minor role and that the stream of interest of the individual should be given focus. Research evidences perceived it the other way around and that greater

accordance to intelligence and specific abilities should dominate over the point of interest. Most individuals nowadays are easily adorned by careers which promise a high paying salary. Among the rich and famous, the family heir loom must continue to generations to come. These caused the majority of the students to take the demand courses likewise of those in the field of Medicine, Business, Law and Computer related fields causing the individuals to have the tendency to take courses which deviates the span of their interests. As a result, there is an increase in the rate of unemployment and underemployment most especially in the country. Such phenomena might also be a cause of limited knowledge, activities, and exposures among young minds when it

comes to the available opportunities that are responsive to their nature and encompassed

within the scope of their intelligences and interests. According to Montalvo (2004), it is worth noticing that job experience is less and less an antidote against unemployment among young population. Just between 2001 and 2002 only the proportion of young people unemployed that have had a previous job jump from 48.3% to 54.7%. This research would be of interest in the respective field of Psychology for it encompasses significant outcomes for the different personalities such as the students, teachers and educators, guidance counselors and parents. Such study, being

unblemished of ethical and moral considerations, may bring several positive responses. Likewise, it is also considered to be novel. Even though numerous researches and studies on Multiple Intelligences were already conducted, it is its first time to be combined with Spiritual Intelligence as it is still infant in the world of Psychology and in relation to Career Preference. The population which involved the senior science secondary students also has contributed to the uniqueness as they are labeled Academic Achievers intended for the purposes of the study. One of the instruments used which was the Multiple Intelligences Inventory added up to such novelty for it was compiled, modified and developed by the researchers, themselves. Indeed, Multiple Intelligences

and Career Preference in one study provided a complex design. Such study may also be

considered interest-bound for it would give much emphasis on the so-called Brain-Based Management Program for Career Preference.