Contemporary Intelligence Theories

Question 1

Gardner’s MI Theory

Answer 1

We have multiple intelligences that are expressed in distinct ways depending on our cultural context. Each intelligence resides in part of the brain but can interact and can be measured. Includes linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, naturalistic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, bodily-kinaesthetic and existentialist intelligences.

Question 2

Criticisms of MI Theory

Answer 2

No measures developed to test each intelligence, no neurological evidence of distinct regions, confounds talent with intelligence, doesn’t describe the underlying process and lacks empirical support.

Question 3

Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory

Answer 3

Intelligence consists of three parts, componential, experiential and contextual.

Question 4

Componential Intelligence

Answer 4

Also called analytical intelligence. Consists of three components. Metacomponents direct attention and allocates resources, performance components provide the ability to complete the task and knowledge acquisition components identify, encode, store and retrieve information.

Question 5

Experiential Intelligence

Answer 5

Also called creative intelligence. The ability to deal with novelty and automate skills.

Question 6

Contextual Intelligence

Answer 6

Also called practical intelligence. The ability to adapt, select and shape the environment to suit own needs and preferences.

Question 7

Criticisms of Triarchic Theory

Answer 7

Overlaps with other factors (eg motivation/resources to shape environment), cannot be measured (Sternberg Triarchic Ability Test isn’t published and correlates with “g”, so there is an underlying factor of all three components.