Intelligence & Its Theories
Intelligence is the global capacity of an individual to think rationally, act purposefully, and deal effectively with the environment (Wechsler). It is the ability to learn, reason, and adapt.
Don't read this page — work through it. Each block asks you to commit to an answer before it tells you anything.
Start here: what do you already know?
Intelligence — true or false?
6 statements · 9s each
Work the IQ formula
Key definitions
- Stern: "Intelligence is the general ability to adjust to new situations."
- Terman: "Intelligence is the ability to think in abstract terms."
- Binet: intelligence involves direction, adaptation, and self-criticism.
Theories of intelligence
| Theory | Theorist | Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Unifactor / one-factor | Binet, Terman | Intelligence is a single ability |
| Two-factor | Spearman | g (general) + s (specific) factors |
| Multifactor / PMA | Thurstone | 7 Primary Mental Abilities |
| Group factor | Thurstone | Abilities cluster in groups |
| Multiple Intelligences | Gardner | 8+ independent intelligences |
| Triarchic theory | Sternberg | Componential, Experiential, Contextual |
| Structure of Intellect | Guilford | 3-D model (operation × content × product) |
Gardner's Multiple Intelligences (8): Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical, Spatial, Musical, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Naturalistic.
Measuring intelligence — IQ
IQ (Intelligence Quotient) was given by Stern and popularised by Terman:
IQ = (Mental Age ÷ Chronological Age) × 100
- Mental Age (MA) concept was given by Binet.
- Average IQ ≈ 90–110.
| IQ range | Classification (traditional) |
|---|---|
| Above 140 | Genius |
| 120–140 | Very superior / gifted |
| 90–110 | Average / normal |
| 70–90 | Below average / dull |
| Below 70 | Intellectually disabled |
Types of intelligence tests
- Individual vs Group tests.
- Verbal vs Non-verbal / Performance tests.
- Examples: Binet–Simon scale (first, 1905), Stanford–Binet, Wechsler scales, Raven's Progressive Matrices (non-verbal).
Explore the theories
Every one of these has been asked as a "who gave what" question. Tap through them, then use Compare on Spearman vs Gardner — the two most confused.
Practise the IQ formula
Exam tip: g and s factors → Spearman; Multiple Intelligences → Gardner; Triarchic → Sternberg; IQ formula → Stern; Mental Age → Binet.