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Different Intelligences

Intelligence has traditionally been defined in terms of intelligence quotient (IQ), which measures a narrow range of verbal/linguistic and logical/mathematical abilities. There are different kinds of intelligence which falls under three main broad headings - 'Biological Intelligence', 'Psychometric Intelligence' and 'Social/Practical Intelligence'.

If we are to discuss about Biological Intelligence than we must also consider genetic factors which are closely related to this kind of intelligence. So let us now discuss in detail about different kinds of Intelligence.

BIOLOGICAL INTELLIGENCE

Intelligence is expected to have a significant genetic component, and a wealth of evidence indicates that IQ scores, for example, are strongly influenced by heredity. Genetic Factors like familial relationship, inbreeding depression and Heterosis are few main genetic factors which are responsible for one's IQ which in turn determines one's level of intelligence.

Biological Intelligence plays a vital role in a person's life in terms of his intelligence. Its only with his intelligence that he is able to solve problems, rationalize his ideas, learns different kinds of things which requires a quick mind to grab new things.

PSYCHOMETRIC INTELLIGENCE

Psychometric Intelligence is the Intelligence as measured by an IQ-type test, typically assessing the accuracy of a response (and not the speed).

In the psychometric view, the concept of intelligence is most closely identified with g, or Gf ("fluid g").

There is a variety of concepts about intelligence, however among all of them the most influential approach to the understanding of intelligence is based on Psychometric testing.

Psychometric Intelligence is influenced by a number of factors, namely: cultural, educational, familial and socioeconomic factors to name only a few.

  • Differences in genetic endowment contribute substantially to individual differences in (psychometric) intelligence, but the pathway by which genes produce their effects is still unknown. The impact of genetic differences appears to increase with age, but we do not know why.
  • Culture determines what parents and schools will teach their children based on the needs of the community.
  • The children of older dads produce lower scores on key intelligence measures, even after adjusting for socioeconomic status, a study has found.
  • Cryptograms

PRACTICAL / SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE

Practical intelligence is the ability that individuals use to find the best fit between themselves and the demands of the environment. In other words it is the ability to use the ideas and implement them effectively.

One can develop practical intelligence by the following ways:

  • Knowing your strengths and weaknesses: For this you have to be honest with yourself. Ask yourself what you are best in. Never attempt activities which are outside your strengths.
  • Believe In Yourself: It's all in the mind! You must have heard this phrase before. Believe me this phrase is true. You have to believe in yourself if you want to accomplish your dreams. So just Get-Set-Go!!
  • Work on your skills in which you excel also improve those skills which you are not good at: If you are really good at singing than practice it regularly so that you become master of singing. Also if you are for example not so good at reading than practice reading till you are satisfied with your reading skill.

Social intelligence is influenced by a number of factors such as:

  1. Socioeconomic status
  2. Motivation
  3. Health
  4. Cultural Factors
  5. Personality
  6. Education
  7. Mental Disorders
  8. Family Background
  9. Coping Strategies
  10. Drinking Habits

Let's first briefly talk about the first factor mentioned above. If one is a drunkard than it is impossible for him to rank high on IQ even if his IQ is good enough to succeed.

Likewise, if a person has never been motivated and appreciated than it is likely that he will have to loose on his intellectual advantages. Similarly if a person is suffering from a severe mental disorder than it is impossible for him to score high on IQ even if he had a record of having a superb IQ level.

There are too many of these factors to name them all; some are noted in the list above.

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