EDS 103 Theories of Learning

Module 2. THEORIES OF INTELLIGENCE

Module 2
THEORIES OF INTELLIGENCE

Intelligence is a notion closely associated with learning, particularly when it is defined as

a person’s capacity to learn, and like the concept of learning, different researchers have
different notions, definitions and issues about the nature of intelligence. Major issues that
persist pertain to a generally acceptable definition of intelligence, the causes of
intelligence, whether it can be appropriately measured, if it is innate or changeable.
In this module, we shall attempt to grasp a better
understanding of this seemingly complicated concept of “All systems of education
intelligence. Then, we shall attempt to explain how are based on some
different views about the nature of intelligence influence notions of intelligence.”
--Raty and Snellman (1995, p.
how and what do we teach and learn. 1)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this module, you should be able to:

1. develop a coherent definition of intelligence
2. comprehensibly describe the nature of intelligence;
3. explain how personal beliefs about intelligence affect various practices in both
education and personal learning

TOPICS

A. Definitions of intelligence
B. The nature of intelligence
C. The development of intelligence

Essential Questions
For a more successful engagement in learning, be guided by the following questions:
? What is intelligence? What abilities constitute intelligence?
? How is intelligence acquired and/or developed?
? How are differences in perspectives of intelligence reflected in the
approaches to education (teaching, instructional design, etc.) and learning?

Marilou R. Juachon-Panlilio, PhD | University of the Philippines Open University 1

 EDS 103 Theories of Learning
Module 2. THEORIES OF INTELLIGENCE

A. DEFINITIONS OF INTELLIGENCE (AN INTRODUCTION)

We have previously learned that learning is not exactly a simple concept, neither easy to
define nor describe in a few words.
 What Is General Intelligence (G Factor)? by Kendra Cherry (2021)
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-general-intelligence-2795210
Explains general intelligence and its components, and how it is measured (& IQ)
Presents an overview of major theories of intelligence
OR
Theories of Intelligence in Psychology (Cherry, 2019).
https://www.verywellmind.com/theories-of-intelligence-2795035
Briefly describes general intelligence; primary mental abilities; multiple
intelligences
 Human intelligence. Sternberg, R. (n.d.| Britannica)
https://www.britannica.com/science/human-intelligence-psychology
Overview of human intelligence; discussion of intelligence tests
For your convenience, the relevant section is provided below:
Human intelligence, mental quality that consists of the abilities to learn from experience,
adapt to new situations, understand and handle abstract concepts, and use knowledge to
manipulate one’s environment.
Much of the excitement among investigators in the field of intelligence derives from their
attempts to determine exactly what intelligence is. Different investigators have emphasized
different aspects of intelligence in their definitions. For example, in a 1921 symposium the
American psychologists Lewis M. Terman and Edward L. Thorndike differed over the
definition of intelligence, Terman stressing the ability to think abstractly and Thorndike
emphasizing learning and the ability to give good responses to questions. More recently,
however, psychologists have generally agreed that adaptation to the environment is the key
to understanding both what intelligence is and what it does. Such adaptation may occur in
a variety of settings: a student in school learns the material he needs to know in order to
do well in a course; a physician treating a patient with unfamiliar symptoms learns about
the underlying disease; or an artist reworks a painting to convey a more coherent
impression. For the most part, adaptation involves making a change in oneself in order to
cope more effectively with the environment, but it can also mean changing the environment
or finding an entirely new one.
Effective adaptation draws upon a number of cognitive processes, such as perception,
learning, memory, reasoning, and problem solving. The main emphasis in a definition of
intelligence, then, is that it is not a cognitive or mental process per se but rather a selective
combination of these processes that is purposively directed toward effective adaptation.
Thus, the physician who learns about a new disease adapts by perceiving material on the
disease in medical literature, learning what the material contains, remembering the crucial
aspects that are needed to treat the patient, and then utilizing reason to solve the problem
of applying the information to the needs of the patient. Intelligence, in total, has come to
be regarded not as a single ability but as an effective drawing together of many abilities.
This has not always been obvious to investigators of the subject, however; indeed, much of
the history of the field revolves around arguments regarding the nature and abilities that
constitute intelligence.

Think-Time
? How would you personally define intelligence, its nature, and what comprise it?

Marilou R. Juachon-Panlilio, PhD | University of the Philippines Open University 2

 EDS 103 Theories of Learning
Module 2. THEORIES OF INTELLIGENCE

B. THE NATURE OF INTELLIGENCE (A DEEPER LOOK)

Researchers describe intelligence in different ways. The variety of terms associated

with intelligence hint on the number of different ways that researchers attempt to
explain its nature and structure, e.g.:
 g factor (general intelligence; Spearman)
 primary mental abilities (Thurstone)
 triarchic intelligence (Sternberg)
 multiple intelligences (Gardner)
 fluid/crystallized intelligence (Cattel)
 implicit theory of intelligence (Dweck)

Major Theories of Intelligence

The concepts behind the terms have arisen from various theories of intelligence that
attempt to unravel what it is.
 Chapter 10.1 Defining and Measuring Intelligence (Stangor & Walinga.
Introduction to Psychology)
https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontopsychology/chapter/9-1-defining-and-measuring-intelligence/
Defines intelligence and lists the different types of intelligences
Describes the characteristics of a scientifically valid intelligence test
Explains the biological and environmental determinants of intelligence

 Theories of Intelligence. Washington [doc file, 8 pages]

https://www.academia.edu/8083162/Theories_of_Intelligence
A streamlined examination of the origins of some of the major theories of
intelligence and intelligence testing that have emerged during the past century
and explains how intelligence is assessed in current times, including an anlaysis
of Perkins’ theory.

OR
Theories of intelligence (KhanAcademy, 2017) [YouTube video, 7 min]
Identifies the proponent, basic tenets, key strength and weakness of the major
theories of intelligence: general intelligence, primary mental abilities, multiple
intelligences, triarchic intelligence

 Recommended but may be skipped

o Fluid Intelligence vs. Crystallized Intelligence. (Cherry, 2021). Verywell Mind
Conceptualizes intelligence to involve both “knowing” and “thinking”
Presents the notion that intelligence changes and can be improved
o Contemporary theories of intelligence. (Kaufman).
https://www.academia.edu/881253/Contemporary_Theories_of_Intelligence [PDF, pre-press]
Comprehensive discussion of contemporary theories of intelligence.
An excellent chapter, but may be excessive for our purposes.

Marilou R. Juachon-Panlilio, PhD | University of the Philippines Open University 3

 EDS 103 Theories of Learning
Module 2. THEORIES OF INTELLIGENCE

Knowing more about the IQ

The measurement of intelligence has been a controversial Is one’s IQ a permanent
subject ever since psychologist Alfred Binet developed the score? Does it describe our
intelligence holistically and
first formal IQ test. Today, many modern intelligence tests
for the duration of our lives?
are still based upon Binet's original assessment. In addition
to debating how to measure intelligence, concerns are also
centered on exactly how these results are put to use.
Thinking...
 Parents' Guide to Understanding the Intelligence Test Results (Keith, 2020)
VeryWellFamily. https://www.verywellfamily.com/parents-guide-intelligence-test-results-619334
Describes the aptitudes in the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)

 The Meaning of an IQ Test Score (Bainbridge, 2021)

https://www.verywellfamily.com/meaning-of-iq-test-scores-1449360
distance from the norm of 100—115 to 129: Mildly Gifted,...180: Profoundly Gifted

 OPTIONAL and may be skipped (interesting to know):

o (Really interesting to know; save for when you have the time)
Chapter 10.2 The Social, Cultural, and Political Aspects of Intelligence (Stangor)
Defines very high / very low intelligence and explains what it means to have them
Discusses biological / environmental explanations for gender & racial differences
Discusses stereotype threat and how it might influence scores on intelligence tests

o IQ Scores Change Your Child’s Education (Bainbridge, 2021)

Compares "mental quotient" and “intelligence quotient”
Discusses how IQ scores help determine needs for special accommodations.

o Why our IQ levels are higher than our grandparents. (Flynn, 2013). TED Talk on
YouTube (18min).
Presents arguments to explain the trend of increasing IQ scores (3 pts per decade)
Re-thinking...
 Are High IQ People More Successful? (Cherry, 2022)
“[Is] there any real evidence that an IQ can predict anything about a person’s likelihood
of success, whether it be financial, academic, or creative?”

 What Is Cognitive Training and Does It Work? (Cherry, 2023)

Does brain training really work?

 Choose one:
o Modern Misconceptions about IQ Testing (Wilson, 2017)
o Misconceptions About IQ Tests (Genius Tests, 2021)
o Five Common Misuses of Tests [pdf] (Gardner, 1989)

Marilou R. Juachon-Panlilio, PhD | University of the Philippines Open University 4

 EDS 103 Theories of Learning
Module 2. THEORIES OF INTELLIGENCE

C. THE DEVELEOPMENT OF INTELLIGENCE

Is intelligence something that we are born with, or is it something that May I buy some?
we need to cultivate and develop after birth? Where does intelligence
really come from?

Nature vs. Nurture

 How Genes Influence Child Development. (Cherry, K. 2023) Verywell Mind
“While the genetic instructions a child inherits from his parents may set out a road map
for development, the environment can impact how these directions are expressed, shaped
or event silenced.”

 Nature vs Nurture in Psychology. (McLeod, S. 2023) Simply Psychology

An extensive discussion covering the following topics:
o Nativism (Extreme Nature Position)
o Empiricism (Extreme Nurture Position)
o Behavioral Genetics
o Polygenic Inheritance
o The Nature of Nurture
o Interaction Effects
o Epigenetics

 Optional - Supplements that may be skipped:

o Is Intelligence Genetic? What the “Intelligence” Genes Mean for Critical
Thinking Skills (Battista, 2020. Cambridge Brain Sciences)
o Is Intelligence Hereditary? Scientific American.
[Plomin. Originally published in SA Mind 27, 3, 73 (May 2016)
doi:10.1038/scientificamericanmind0516-73]
o The Nature vs. Nurture Debate. (Cherry, K. 2022. Verywell Mind)

Marilou R. Juachon-Panlilio, PhD | University of the Philippines Open University 5

 EDS 103 Theories of Learning
Module 2. THEORIES OF INTELLIGENCE

Implicit theory of intelligence/ Growth mindset

Carol Dweck is a proponent of growth mindset and the closely associated implicit
theory of intelligence. Growth mindset is the idea that our brain's capacity to learn
and to solve problems can be developed and that holding this belief is gainful in the
face of failure or (intense) challenges. In contrast, a fixed mindset tends to promote
helplessness due to a belief in a permanent state of incompetence.

 Very simplified explanations from this set of 3 web pages:

1. Implicit Beliefs about Intelligence and Implications for Educators
2. Incremental vs. entity theory
3. Growth vs. fixed mindset
+ Two embedded ~1-minute YouTube videos by Carol Dweck:
1. Carol S. Dweck on how the two mindsets influence behaviour and achievement
2. The benefits of a growth mindset
 Optional - Supplements that may be skipped (good to know):
o The power of believing that you can improve. Carol Dweck, 2014 [TED Talk]
Explains the growth mindset [10-min video; transcript available]

o Carol Dweck Revisits the 'Growth Mindset'. (Dweck, 2015. Education Week)
Article explains “false growth mindset” and how to help educators adopt a
deeper, true growth mindset
Think-time!
 Is intelligence a trait that is pre-determined at birth?
 To what extent do nature and nurture determine intelligence?
 Is intellectual growth or performance outcome a matter of belief?

Stage theory of cognitive development (Piaget)

Piaget argued that cognitive development progresses through an invariant series of
age-related stages. That stage at which a child is determines the types of tasks that he
will be ready to perform or concepts that he will already be capable to understand.
Choose one article - discussion of key concepts of Piaget's theory:
o Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development: A Closer Look (Psychology Notes
HQ, 2022)
o The 4 Stages of Cognitive Development Explained (Cherry, 2023)
Background and Key Concepts of Piaget's Theory

Marilou R. Juachon-Panlilio, PhD | University of the Philippines Open University 6

 EDS 103 Theories of Learning
Module 2. THEORIES OF INTELLIGENCE

REFERENCES
Bainbridge, C. (2018). IQ Scores Can Change the Way Your Child Is Educated.
Bainbridge, C. (2019).The Meaning of an IQ Test Score.
Benisz, M., Willis, J. O., & Dumont, R. (2018). Abuses and misuses of intelligence tests: Facts
and misconceptions [abstract]. In A. B. Kaufman & J. C. Kaufman (Eds.), Pseudoscience:
The conspiracy against science (pp. 351-373). MA: MIT Press.
Cherry, K. (2017). Are People With High IQs More Successful?
Cherry, K. (2018). Does Brain Training Really Increase IQ?
Cherry, K. (2018). The Age Old Debate of Nature vs. Nurture. Verywell Mind
Cherry, K. (2018). How Genes Influence Child Development. Verywell Mind
Cherry, K. (2019). Fluid Intelligence vs. Crystallized Intelligence. Verywell Mind
Cherry, K. (2019). How Do Psychologists Define Intelligence? Verywell Mind
Cherry, K. (2019). The 4 Stages of Cognitive Development. Verywell Mind
Cherry, K. (2019). Theories of Intelligence in Psychology. Verywell Mind
Dweck, C. (2014). The power of believing that you can improve. [TED Talk]
10-min video; transcript available
Dweck, C. (2015). Carol Dweck Revisits the 'Growth Mindset'. Education Week
Explains “false growth mindset” and how to help educators adopt a deeper, true growth
mindset
Flynn, J. (2013). Why our IQ levels are higher than our grandparents. [TED Talk on YouTube,
18min]
Genius Tests (2019). Misconceptions About IQ Tests
Kaufman, S.B. (n.d.). Contemporary theories of intelligence [PDF, pre-press]
Keith, K. (2019). Parents' Guide to Understanding the Intelligence Test Results..
What components IQ tests measure
Khan Academy. Theories of intelligence. [YouTube video, 7 min]
McLeod, S. (2018). Nature vs Nurture in Psychology. Simply Psychology
Moursund, D.G. (2002). Increasing your expertise as a problem solver: Some roles of computers.
https://pages.uoregon.edu/moursund/Books/PS-Expertise/index.htm
Plomin, R. Is Intelligence Hereditary? Scientific American. [Originally published in SA Mind 27,
3, 73 (May 2016) doi:10.1038/scientificamericanmind0516-73]
Psychology Notes HQ. (2017). Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development: A Closer Look
Sternberg, R. (n.d.). “Human intelligence” in Encyclopaedia Brittannica. Retrieved from
http://www.britannica.com/topic/human-intelligence-psychology
Stangor, C. ().Introduction to Psychology: 1st Canadian Edition. Pressbooks
https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontopsychology/front-matter/about-the-book/
Washington, M. (n.d.). Theories of Intelligence. [doc file, 8 pages]
Wilson, L. (n.d.). Modern Misconceptions about IQ Testing.

Marilou R. Juachon-Panlilio, PhD | University of the Philippines Open University 7