week 5 td1 psychology

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Intelligence is a complex concept that is difficult to define and even more difficult to measure. In fact, after years of research, psychologists can’t even agree on a single definition of intelligence. “Viewed narrowly, there seem to be almost as many definitions of intelligence as there were experts asked to define it” (Sternberg 1987): Alfred Binet – the capacity (1) to find and maintain a definite direction or purpose, (2) to make necessary adaptations? that is, strategy adjustments? to achieve that purpose, and (3) to engage in self-criticism so that necessary adjustments in strategy can be made David Wechsler – the global capacity to act purposefully, to think rationally, and to deal effectively with his environment Lewis Terman – the capacity to form concepts and to grasp their significance Charles Spearman – the ability to educe either relations or correlates Howard Gardner – the ability or skill to solve problems or to fashion products which are valued within one or more cultural settings Robert Sternberg – mental activities involved in purposive adaptation to, shaping of, and selection of real-world environments relevant to one’s life If we can’t define it, how can we know if/when intelligence exists? What is intelligence? View the following video, is this intelligence? The Boy With the Incredible Brain In this discussion, you will complete an online intelligence test (remember, these types of tests may or may not be reliable and/or valid so interpret the results with caution). There are a variety of sites offering online intelligence tests; I recommend IQ Test Labs, Classic IQ Test, Queendom IQ Tests, Mensa Workout, or Wizard Realm. After completing one of these intelligence tests, reflect on the types of questions asked and the structure/format of the test. Reflect on your outcome (do not share your score), and respond to the following questions: Was this an accurate assessment? Did this test measure your conceptualization of intelligence? Is “intelligence” a meaningful concept? What is the value, if any, of measuring intelligence?