INTELLIGENCE THEORIES

Critique of intelligence theories
General Intelligence by Charles Spearman (1863-194)who was a British psychologist. In
this theory intelligence is defined as the ability to achieve success in life based on a person’s
personal standards. He used a technique known as factor analysis to examine some mental
aptitude tests and concluded that scores on the tests were almost the same. People who had a
good performance in one test also performed well on other tests while those who performed
poorly in one test, performed poorly in other tests. Thus he concluded that intelligence is general
cognitive ability and could be measured and numerically expressed. This theory has been
criticized in that even though the existence of general intelligence as a statistical regularity is
well established and uncontroversial, there is no consensus as to what causes the positive
correlations between tests.
Primary mental abilities by Louis L. Thurstone (1887-1955. Instead of viewing
intelligence as a single, general ability, Thurstone focused on seven different ‘primary mental
abilities which were: verbal comprehension, reasoning, perceptual speed, numerical ability, word
fluency, associative memory and spatial visualization. He came up with these abilities after
creating a set of 56 tests which they administered to college students and from the results came
up with the theory.
Multiple intelligence by Howard Gardner. Gardner proposed that numerical expressions
of human intelligence are not a full and accurate depiction of people’s abilities. His theory
describes eight distinct intelligences based on skills and abilities that are valued in different
cultures. They include: visual-spatial intelligence, verbal-linguistic intelligence, bodily-

INTELLIGENCE THEORIES 3

kinesthetic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, musical
intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence and naturalistic intelligences. This theory has been
criticized in that it lacks empirical support. It is argued that the literature on the intelligence
testing offers virtually no support on the idea of the eight autonomous intelligences but
overwhelming support for a single intelligence which is frequently attributed to the general
factor. This factor shows that people who perform well on a single task normally perform the
same in other tasks while those who perform poorly in one task also performed poorly in other
tasks. (Willingham 2004)
Triarchic Theory of intelligence by Robert Sternberg. He is a psychologist and he defined
intelligence as ‘mental activity directed towards purposive adaptation to, selection and shaping
of, real-world environments relevant to one’s life. He suggested that some of Gardner’s
intelligences are better viewed as individual talents. He also agreed that intelligence is broader
than a single general ability. He also proposed what he referred to as successful intelligence
involving three factors which are: analytical intelligence which refers to problem solving
abilities, creative intelligence which is the aspect of intelligence that that involves the capacity to
deal with new situations using past experience and current skills, practical intelligence which
refers to the ability to adapt to a changing environment. This theory was criticized in that he saw
it as a cognitive performance and not a measureable trait which meant that the individual’s
intelligence could vary widely according to circumstances.
Best theory to determine intelligence
The best theory for determining intelligence is the Triarchic intelligence theory. This is because
the theory analyzes the components of a person’s mental capacity or thinking ability which helps
in determining an individual’s overall intelligence. The theory uses analytical reasoning ability to

INTELLIGENCE THEORIES 4
determine the intelligence of a person. This is because the analytical reasoning ability describes a
person’s ability to effectively solve problems which is very important in solving the daily life
problems. The theory also uses a person’s creative thinking ability which is very important in
solving problems using past knowledge and present experience to solve life problems. The
theory also uses practical intelligence which involves individuals applying their abilities
depending on the problems that confront them and find solutions to such problems.
I possess the analytical intelligence, creative intelligence and practical intelligence. This is
because I have the ability to achieve success based on my personal standards and able to use my
strengths to compensate for my weaknesses. I can manage to analyze, evaluate, judge or compare
and contrast and make a fair judgment from a situation. I can also think critically and be able to
solve some life problem and make better decisions. I can also use my practical abilities to find
solutions for the problems I encounter in daily life.
Importance of assessing a child’s intelligence
Assessing a child’s intelligence is important as at will help in identifying the gifted where failure
to this might lead to underachievement and behavioral problems. Children with high intelligence
can be identified and offered a richer educational experience.
It is also important as it will help identify children will low intelligence which will help them
receive the required attention to help them lead a comfortable and normal life like any other
person.

INTELLIGENCE THEORIES 5

References

Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. New York: Basic Books.

Spearman, C. (1904). “General intelligence,” objectively determined and measured. American Journal of
Psychology 15, 201-293.

Sternberg, R. J. (1985). Beyond IQ: A Triarchic Theory of Intelligence. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press.

Thurstone, L.L. (1938). Primary mental abilities. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.