Intelligence Testing: Theories and Effectiveness Essay

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Introduction

Intelligence refers to psychological skills that make it possible for individuals to attain their goals and utilize their abilities and acquaintance in an array of cultural settings. Scientists assert that intelligence is an indispensable skill that enables living things to adapt to their natural environment (Deary, 2006). In psychology, the psychometric concept assumes that intelligence can be evaluated and assigned an arithmetic value. With respect to the concept, cognitive characters are built-in and achieve expression based on genetic programming and ecological manipulations. In this article, three articles related to intelligence testing are analyzed. Through this, two theories of intelligence and the effectiveness of intelligence testing are highlighted.

Articles used

In the analysis, three articles were utilized. The first article was The PASS Theory of Intelligence and the Acquisition of a Complex Skill (Fein & Day, 2004). The article stated that intelligence is the addition of cognitive procedures that comprise of programming information, scheduling, awareness, and stimulation. As such, the article is related to the topic of intelligence testing because the author centered on redefining a person’s intelligence using an experientially supported and medically valuable option to the g-based concepts of cognitive skills (Fein & Day, 2004). The second article was Intelligence, Destiny, And Education (Deary, 2006).

The article asserted that scientists and psychologists had undertaken numerous studies to evaluate how intelligence can be evaluated. As such, the article’s focus was to identify how humans have perceived and evaluated intelligence from the early civilizations to the present civilizations (Deary, 2006). The article is related to the subject topic because it highlights the means through which intelligence has been gauged by past generations.

The third article was Issues Raised in Developing and Using a Test of Intelligence (Hunt, 2009). The article focused on a number of problems that have been identified with respect to intelligence testing. As such, the article pointed out some recommendations that can be adopted to solve the issues. The article was related to the subject topic because it sought to improve the effectiveness of intelligence testing.

Theories of intelligence

The two theories of intelligence identified in the above sources are Gardener’s intelligence theory and Sternberg’s triarchic theory of intelligence (Hunt, 2009). Howard Gardner suggested the first theory. In theory, Gardner postulated an unconventional view of intelligence. His suggestion expanded the customary meaning to include associations, songs, arithmetic, linguistic skills, and interpersonal acquaintance (Hunt, 2009). The theory identified seven bits of intelligence portrayed by humans. In theory, Gardner claimed that instead of working disjointedly, the intelligence functions concomitantly and synergistically. Through this, the intelligence harmonizes as persons gain knowledge, progress, and create and master abilities. Robert Sternberg developed the second theory. Sternberg was a famous person in the explorations of human intelligence. His theory was renowned because it was the first to refute the conventional psychometric concept of intelligence.

The theory was based on the cognitive approach. The theory perceived intelligence as psychological actions focused on purposive adjustment to natural selection and real-world surroundings applicable to individuals’ lives. Based on the definition, intelligence can be evaluated with respect to how persons tackle ecological modifications all through their life spans. The second theory is made up of three parts. The parts are componential, experimental, and practical. Sternberg asserted that the theory aims at balancing the three parts to attain triumphant relations within a socio-cultural perspective.

Effectiveness of intelligence testing

Binet’s first standardized research confirmed that intelligence testing is very effective (Hunt, 2009). The research showed that a psychologist could evaluate how their clients comprehend, reason, and recollect information. Intelligence testing is very useful in a learning context. In schools, intelligence testing is very useful in determining children’s abilities to learn. Through this, the teachers can identify the most appropriate teaching approaches for those with learning disabilities. Similarly, intelligence testing and medical observations may aid psychologists to investigate the best approaches to aid children with learning disabilities in their day-to-day activities.

With respect to adults, intelligence testing is very effective in evaluating the ability of their mental processes. Through this, a psychologist can evaluate how their clients comprehend, reason, and recollect information. Based on the above illustrations, it is apparent that the intelligence test is very useful for education experts. When appropriately administered, the evaluation can detect an individual’s creativity level, personality, and abilities. A number of employees from education sectors, military, and police departments utilize the test during their recruitment processes. The test enables them to select the best recruits among multiple applicants for their programs.

During the test, the instructors should note that intelligence evaluation is not the only snapshot to determine an individual’s skills. As such, the findings from the evaluation do not forecast an individual’s accomplishment in life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it should be noted that intelligence refers to psychological skills that make it possible for individuals to attain their goals and utilize their abilities and acquaintance in an array of cultural settings. As an indispensable skill, intelligence has enabled living things to adapt to their natural environment (Deary, 2006). In the above analysis, three articles were utilized. The articles highlighted how humans perceive and evaluate intelligence. The two theories of intelligence identified in the above sources are Gardener’s intelligence theory and Sternberg’s triarchic theory of intelligence. When appropriately administered, the evaluation can detect an individual’s creativity level, personality, and abilities.

References

Deary, I. J. (2006). Intelligence, destiny and education: The ideological roots of intelligence testing. Intelligence, 34(6), 621-622. Web.

Fein, E. C., & Day, E. A. (2004). The PASS theory of intelligence and the acquisition of a complex skill: a criterion-related validation study of Cognitive Assessment System scores. Personality and Individual Differences, 37(6), 1123-1136. Web.

Hunt, E. (2009). Issues raised in developing and using a test of intelligence. Intelligence, 37(1), 115-119. Web.

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