Introduction to Intelligence

Noah Carter
5 min read
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AP Psychology: Intelligence - The Ultimate Study Guide ๐ง
Hey! Let's dive into the fascinating world of intelligence. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the exam. We'll break down complex theories, connect the dots, and make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace it! Let's get started!
What is Intelligence?
Intelligence is tricky to define โ it's not just about being "smart." It's your ability to learn, adapt, and use knowledge. It's shaped by your environment and culture. Think about it: is street smarts or book smarts more valuable? It depends on the context!
Remember that individualistic cultures value personal achievement, while collectivist cultures prioritize group success. This cultural lens impacts how we define and measure intelligence.
Different Theories, Different Perspectives
There are many ways to think about intelligence, leading to various theories. Let's explore the main ones:
General Intelligence (g)
Charles Spearman: The "g" Factor
Charles Spearman proposed that we have one general intelligence factor, "g," that underlies all specific mental abilities. If you're good at one thing, you're likely to be good at others. He used factor analysis to identify clusters of abilities that correlate with each other. Think of it like a single engine powering all your cognitive skills ๐ก
Multiple Abilities
L.L. Thurstone: 7 Primary Mental Abilities
L.L. Thurstone disagreed with Spearman, suggesting that intelligence is made up of seven distinct clusters:
- Word fluency ๐
- Verbal comprehension ๐
- Spatial ability ๐บ๏ธ
- Perceptual speed ๐
- Numerical ability ๐งฎ
- Inductive Reasoning ๐ญ
- Memory ๐ง
Even though he divided intelligence into clusters, he still thought that someone who is good in one category is likely to be good in others, suggesting a general factor.
Howard Gardner: 8 Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner took it a step further, arguing against a single "g" factor. He proposed 8 independent intelligences, supported by the existence of Savant syndrome, where individuals excel in specific areas despite overall cognitive limitations. Here they are:
- Linguistic ๐ฃ๏ธ
- Logical-Mathematical ๐งพ
- Musical ๐ต
- Spatial ๐
- Bodily-Kinesthetic โ
- Intrapersonal (self-awareness) ๐ค
- Interpersonal (social skills) ๐ค
- Naturalist ๐ฟ
Think of Gardner's intelligences as different "smarts" โ book smarts, street smarts, people smarts, etc. This helps to remember that it is not just one type of intelligence.
Think of Sternberg's theory as the "3 A's": Analytical, Artistic (Creative), and Applied (Practical).
Image Courtesy of Adioma.
Daniel Goleman: Emotional Intelligence
Daniel Goleman introduced the concept of emotional intelligence, which fits well with Gardner's interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences. It involves:
- Perceiving emotions (recognizing them in faces, voices, music) ๐
- Understanding emotions (how they work and change) ๐คท
- Managing emotions (regulating your own and expressing them) ๐ข๐
- Using emotions (to create and express yourself) ๐ค
Emotional intelligence is linked to social intelligence and success in relationships and life. People with high emotional intelligence can empathize with others and delay gratification.
Robert Sternberg: Triarchic Theory
Robert Sternberg agreed with multiple intelligences but proposed a triarchic theory with three main components:
- Analytical Intelligence (problem-solving, academic skills) ๐ค
- Creative Intelligence (generating new ideas and solutions) ๐จ
- Practical Intelligence (common sense, adapting to daily life) ๐ญ
Image Courtesy of Fatima Medeiros.
Raymond Cattell: Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence
Raymond Cattell proposed two types of general intelligence:
- Fluid Intelligence: Ability to solve problems logically and think abstractly. It involves quick thinking and processing speed.
- Crystallized Intelligence: Accumulated knowledge and skills over a lifetime. This relies on heuristics and past experiences.
Fluid intelligence tends to decrease with age, while crystallized intelligence increases.
Summary Table
Here's a quick table summarizing the key theories:
| Theory | Summary | Strengths | Other Considerations

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Question 1 of 15
What are the core components of intelligence according to the provided note? ๐ค
Only the ability to memorize facts
The ability to learn, adapt, and use knowledge
The ability to perform well on standardized tests
Only the ability to adapt to a new environment