Meaning Of Intelligence
In day to day conversation, we are considered intelligent if he/she successfully confront general life situations. What is there in intelligence that contributes towards this success? Psychologists give some of the important definitions:
“Intelligence means intellect put to use. It is the use of intellectual abilities for handling a situation or accomplishing any task” –(Woodworth and Marquis)
“Intelligence is a general capacity of an individual consciously to adjust his thinking to new requirements. It is a general mental adaptability tone problem and condition of life.” (Stem)
“An individual is Intelligent in proportion as he is able to carry abstract thinking.” (Terman)
“Intelligence is the capacity to learn and adjust to relatively new and changing conditions.” (Wagnon)
“Intelligence is the aggregate or global capacity of an individual to act purposefully, to think rationally, and to deal effectively with his environment.” –(Wechsler)
After viewing the above definitions we can say that Intelligence is the capacity of an individual to think relationally, act purposefully, and deal effectively with our environment. It’s our ability to learn and to adapt to new situations.
Ballard has remarked, “While the teacher tried to cultivate Intelligence the psychologist tried to measure Intelligence.
It is said that Intelligence is the ability when we have some aim or question in mind:
To discover relevant qualities and relation of object or ideas that are present before us and
To evoke other relevant ideas
Spearman believes that Intelligence is comprised of three abilities
Ability to observe one’s own mental processes
Ability to discover essential relations between items of knowledge whether perceived or thought of
Ability to reduce correlates
Thorndike opines that Intelligence is a capacity of making controlled association. Requiring the capacity for relational and construction thinking directed to the attainment of some end.
The definition of Intelligence can be divided into three groups.
Ability to Adapt or Adjust: Intelligence is the ability to adapt or adjust to new situations. William James, McDougall, and Goddard belong to this group.
Ability to Learn: Intelligence is the ability to learn. The more readily we are is able to learn, the more Intelligent we are Colvin and Bucking believe in these concepts.
Ability to Carry on Abstract Thinking: Intelligence is the ability to carry on abstract thinking. Bitnet Freeman and Term a represent these views.
Characteristics of Intelligence
Intelligence is an innate natural power and not acquired. The power of Intelligence differs from individual to individual.
It helps the individual in learning things and making adjustments.
It helps the man to face solve complicated and difficult problems and situations.
Heredity exercises a good deal of influence on Intelligence Socio-economic and cultural factors as well as racial differences affect Intelligence test scores.
There is no difference in Intelligence due to differences in sex. Intelligence tests have proved that generally, children are of average intelligence and ability.
The development of Intelligence ceases towards the middle of adolescence.
There is a close relationship between Intelligence and knowledge.
The knowledge that may be of practical use in life may be acquired but with the knowledge it is not possible to develop greater intelligence.