Psychologists now agree that intelligence is a social construct, invented to describe individual differences in cognitive ability.
As a result, there is no universally accepted definition of intelligence.
Each culture defines intelligence in slightly different ways
emphasizing the characteristics that help people function effectively in that particular environment.
Intelligence tests measure “smart behavior” within a specific culture.
The most widely used intelligence test, called the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
measures a person’s cognitive ability on a set of six verbal tasks and five nonverbal or “performance” tasks.
The verbal and nonverbal scores are combined to produce an overall score
often referred to as an “IQ score.”
Some researchers argue that a single IQ score doesn’t adequately reflect a person’s actual profile of “multiple intelligences”.
Other researchers claim that standard intelligence tests do not really measure creativity and emotional intelligence
both of which are important for success in the workplace and in interpersonal relationships.