Intelligence & IQ

Intelligence & IQ

The present essay highlights the psychological discussion surrounding intelligence. Evidently, intelligence, cognitive process as well as cognitive and other skills and abilities, are topics of particular interest to psychologists, whether in the social psychology, cognitive psychology or neuroscience branches of the social science. But what is intelligence? Does it predict behaviour? Does it guarantee success? Can one be too smart for one’s own good, as in paralysis by analysis? Is it an innate ability to adapt to one’s environment? Psychologists have looked at the matter tirelessly, and it seems that intelligence is a malleable construct, or institutions of higher learning or vocational skill acquisition would be a waste of time. Indeed, practice makes perfect!

Thus, aside from the multiple intelligences theory covered in introductory level courses on cognition, intelligence may be seen as several aspects of one’s thoughts, but also, and perhaps even more importantly behaviour, such as resourcefulness. Anatomically, intelligence may be related to grey matter, which corresponds to neuronal cells, or neurons, the cells’ bodies (called soma) to be more thorough and precise. Alternatively, white matter is composed of myelinated axons and comprise the connections between brain cells. However, brain compartmentalization refers to the different correlates of the cortex for diverse, largely independent attributes, such as implicit vs. explicit memory, spatial, verbal, mathematical intelligence, artistic skill and so on.

An intelligent lady. Illustration by Elena

Moreover, a discussion of human intelligence seems incomplete without addressing IQ (intelligence quotient), although the variable underscores only part of the larger picture. For example, two people may have the same IQ scores, but only one can draw perfect circles without a compass, an aspect of intelligence overlooked by psychometric tests measuring raw IQ. Statistically, IQ distribution in the general population is bell shaped, with most individuals ranging close to the middle, with a smaller proportion of individuals at extremes of the continuum. However, IQ scores have been consistently correlated with academic achievement, even though broader success in life fails to be predicted by the operational variable.

Perhaps a topic of even greater interest and importance is whether intelligence can be increased and developed. While IQ scores are fairly stable across the lifespan, give or take some changes with intellectual stimulation or lack thereof, memory and intelligence can be developed through cognitive exercises. Indeed, the statement comes as no surprise, or people would not spend countless hours on education, literature and quantitative problem solving. Along these lines, mnemonic techniques, such as the method of loci, improve memory. Incidentally, the method of loci consists of visualizing a house with several rooms when preparing for a speech delivered in public. Each idea discussed in the presentation is attributed a room, as one mentally walks through the house, one discusses the topics associated with each room. Additionally, studies have shown that with continual efforts, working memory simultaneous item holding limit could be enhanced. Thus, the paper above presents some of the ideas contributing to theories about intelligence in the literature.