Chapter 1. Understanding Intelligence

Short Description

The video clip opens with a discussion about Bernadette, who is an artist diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome. Down’s Syndrome is a genetic disorder resulting from an extra chromosome, trisomy 21. Bernadette travels the country selling her artwork and inspiring others.

Long Description

A discussion of intelligence is presented and how intelligence should be properly defined. Some say intelligence is the ability to solve problems, others say it is “book smarts,” however, the research suggests multiple theories of intelligence. In contemporary society, intelligence is often inaccurately viewed as an IQ number, but rather there are multiple types of intelligence that are factored into our current intelligence testing. It is important that intelligence represents different skills sets, both verbal and nonverbal. Intelligence tests were initially developed to identify individuals in need of help and support in their academic progress. Intelligence tests typically take an individual’s respective scores and compare to a normative sample to gain a global score of their overall intellectual ability. IQ scores typically fall within a bell curve shape, with 50% of individuals falling into the average range. Over the last several decades, efforts have been made to adapt intelligence tests to be more culturally fair and sensitive, given the different educational resources throughout the country and world.

There are many famous theorists associated with intelligence. Sternberg developed is triarchic theory of intelligence: analytic, practical, and creative in 1988. Gardner developed a theory of multiple intelligences ranging from musical intelligence to interpersonal intelligence. In each theory, the mix and interaction of nature and nurture is present and discussed. However, the exact balance or impact of nature and nature on intelligence is still unclear. Parenting can also have an impact on the genetic expression of intelligence, given exposure to other cultures and forms of expression. It is also noted that determination, perseverance, and motivation are key factors in success outside of intelligence.

Questions