Question

Discuss the different views on the nature of intelligence.

Answer 1

1. Spearman believed intelligence has two components. A general ability used across tasks and specific abilities for particular activities.
2. Thurstone rejected a single factor and identified several primary mental abilities like reasoning, memory, and verbal comprehension.
3. Gardner proposed multiple intelligences, suggesting intelligence exists in different forms such as linguistic, musical, spatial, and interpersonal. Sternberg offered the triarchic theory, viewing intelligence as analytical, creative, and practical.
4. Cattell distinguished between fluid intelligence (reasoning and problem-solving) and crystallized intelligence, which is acquired knowledge. These views show that intelligence is best seen as a combination of abilities rather than a single trait.