question_answer

Explain the term intelligence. Describe the triachic theory of intelligence.

Or

Explain briefly the theory of multiple intelligences.

Answer:

Intelligence is defined as the global and aggregate capacity of an individual to think rationally, act purposefully and to deal effectively with his/her environment.

Gardner and Sternberg have suggested that an intelligent individual not only adapts to the environment, but also actively modifies or shapes it.

Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

The theory was given by Robert Sternberg. According to this theory, there are three basic types of intelligence, i.e., Componential, Experiential and Contextual.

Contextual Intelligence: Also called practical intelligence, involves the ability to deal with environmental demands encountered on daily basis. It can be called ?street smartness? or ?business sense? Persons high on this, easily adapt to their present environment or select a more favourable environment than existing one, or modify the environment to fit their needs.

Componential Intelligence: Also called analytical intelligence, it is the analysis of information to solve problems. Persons high on this, succeed in schools and think analytically. It has three components each serving a different function.

(i) Knowledge acquisition component responsible for learning and aquisition of the ways of doing things.

(ii) Meta or higher order components involve planning concerning what to do and how to do.

(iii) Performance components involve actually doing things.

Experiential Intelligence: Also known as creative intelligence, is involved in using past experiences creatively to solve novel problems. Persons high on this aspect integrate different experiences in an original way to make new discoveries and inventions. They quickly find out which information is crucial in a given situation.

Or

Theory of Multiple intelligences

Howard Gardner proposed the theory on multiple intelligences. According to him, intelligences is not a single entity rather distinct types of intelligences exist. Each intelligences are independent of each other. A person exhibits different intelligences some at high or some at low level.

Gardner said that different type of intelligences interact and work together to find a solution to a problem.

(i) Linguistic Intelligences: It is the capacity to use language fluently and flexibly to express one?s thinking and understand others. Poet and writers are high on this type of intelligences.

(ii)   Spatial Intelligence: it refers to the abilities involved in forming; using, and transforming mental images. The person high cm this can easily represent the spatial world in the mind. Example: Sailors, pilots, sculptors, painters, architects, surgeons, etc.

(iii) Logical-Mathematical: Person, can think logic ally and critically. They engage in abstract reasoning and can manipulate symbols to solve mathematical problems. Scientists and Nobel Prize winners are likely to be strong in this component.

(iv) Musical Intelligence: Capacity to produce, create and manipulate musical patterns. Persons high on this intelligence are sensitive to sounds and vibrations. Example: Singers and musicians.

(v)  Bodily-Kinesthetic: This consists of the use of the body or parts flexibly and creatively tor display or construction, of products and. problem solving. Atheletes, dancers, actors, sports person and surgeons are likely to have such kind of intelligence.

(vi) Interpersonal Intelligence: Sensitivity to subtle aspects of other?s behaviours, skill of understanding the motives, feelings and behaviours of other people. Psychologists, counsellors, politicians and religious lead are likely to possess high interpersonal intelligence.

(vii) Intrapersonal Intelligence: It refers to the knowledge of one?s internal strengths and limitations and using it effectively to relate to others. Persons high on this ability have finer sensibilities regarding their identity human existence and meaning of life. Philosophers and spiritual leaders possess this intelligence.

(viii) Naturalistic Intelligence: This involves complete awareness of our relationship with the natural world. It is useful in recognising the beauty of different species of flora and fauna, and making subtle discriminations in the natural world. Hunters, farmers, tourists, botanists, zoologists and bird watches possess more of naturalistic intelligence.