Howard Gardner argues that a single measure of intelligence, or a global IQ score, does not accurately reflect an individual’s overall mental ability. Moreover, he maintains that intelligence must be defined within the context of a particular culture. Let’s assume we are trying to understand the mental abilities of two adultss—one from the United States, the other from an uncontacted tribe in the Brazilian rain forest (i.e., members of uncontacted tribes associate only with one another and have no interaction with the outside world). Would a standard intelligence test, such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), provide us with an accurate understanding of both adults’ overall mental abilities? Would the types of skills that are considered a reflection of intelligent behavior in the United States apply to the adult in the uncontacted tribe? Will a New Yorker’s ability to navigate busy and congested streets as a pedestrian assist them in surviving in the Brazilian rain forest? Will a member of an uncontacted tribe’s ability to distinguish poisonous plants assist them in walking the streets of New York? As Gardner emphasizes, we may need to broaden our conceptualization of intelligence. As you reflect on these questions, consider Gardner’s position that intelligence is the ability to solve problems, or create products, that are valued within one or more cultural settings.

Use FIGURE 7.7 on page 297 of your textbook to answer Questions 1–3.

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

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Question 8