Intelligence

BY – KOMAL JOSHI
Definitions:
Intelligence came from Latin word INTELLIGERE “to understand”.

 "Intelligence is the aggregate or global capacity of the

individual to think rationally, to act purposefully and to deal
effectively with the environment" (Wechsler-1994)

 "Intelligence is the ability to master the knowledge and skills

needed to succeed with in a particular culture"(Lolurto-1991)
NATURE OF INTELLIGENCE

 It is an innate mental ability which grows and is influenced by

the environment.
 It shows the capacity to adapt to new or changed situations
quickly and correctly.
 It is the ability to carry on higher mental processes such as
reasoning, criticism, rational and judgment.
 It shows the capacity to observe the relationship and
absurdities.
 It implies the capacity to learn and solve difficult tasks and
problems.
THEORIES
TWO FACTOR OR G-FACTOR THEORY

 Two factor theory was developed by Charles

Spearman (father of factor analysis) in 1927.
 Intellectual abilities were comprised of two
factors: one general ability or common ability
known as 'G' factor and the other a group of
specific abilities known as 'S' factor.
 'G' factor is universal inborn ability. Greater 'G' in
an individual leads to greater success in life.
G-FACTOR THEORY

 "S" factor is acquired from the environment. It varies from

activity to activity in the same individual.
 These specific abilities may be represented as:
S1, S2, S3 etc.
 According to this theory:An individual's total intelligence
(A) is the sum of the general factor (G) and all his specific
abilities (S). This can be expressed as:
A = G+S1+S2+S3+.......
G Factor vs. S Factor
G factor
 It is Universal inborn ability.
 It is General mental ability.
 G factor differs from individual
to individual.
 Used in every activity of life.
S factor
 Learned and acquired from
environment.
 These are specific abilities.
 It varies from activity to
activity in same individual.
 Individuals differs in the
amount of S ability.
 Group factor or Multifactor theory

 This theory was advocated by L Thurstone in 1938.

 This theory rejected General Intelligence.
 This theory considers intelligence a combination of
numerous separate factors.
 Instead of viewing intelligence as a single, general ability.
Thurstone's theory focused on seven primary mental
abilities.
THURSTONE 7 FACTORS

 1. The Verbal Factor (V)-Found in tests involving

Verbal Comprehension.
 2. The Spatial Factor (S)-ability to imagine an
object in space.
 3. The Number Factor (N)-Ability to do Numerical
Calculations rapidly and accurately.
 4. Memory Factor (M) Involving ability to
memorize quickly.
THURSTONE 7 FACTORS

 5. The Reasoning Factor (R)-Found in tasks that require a subject to

discover a rule or principle involved in a series or groups of letters.
 6. The Perceptual Factor (P)- ability to perceive objects accurately.
 7. The Problem solving Factor (PS)- ability to solve
problemsindependently.

Based on these factors Thurstone constructed a

new test of intelligence known as:"Test of
Primary Mental Abilities (PMA).