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This is actually the case with all the abstract feelings and abilities that we know. Intelligence for example is one of these abstract words that puzzles researchers. There are a variety of researches that discuss the meaning of intelligence and how to develop it and also where are the intelligence centers in our brain. In medical terms intelligence is considered one of our cognitive abilities. The exact meaning of the word "Cognitive" is simple, it means they couldn't explain this ability, so it is another synonym for abstract !!!
So what is different between "Intelligence" and all the other abstract feelings and abilities? The only difference is that many scientists are not only trying to understand it but also measure it too!!!
They are trying to measure it by the famous intelligence quotient or what is known as "IQ" tests. The first IQ test was made in the early 1900s. So, we are still -until now- having trouble understanding what is intelligence or where exactly is the center for our intelligence in the brain, but we created a tool to measure it !?!?!
Now allow me enumerate some of the questions that comes in mind about these IQ tests;
All these questions and more come in mind. So, do these IQ tests really -if at all -measure our intelligence?
In my opinion, it does not....but anyway that is my opinion...so what do you think?
Now I will leave you with these nice articles:
A Qualitative Bias Review Of The Adaptation Of The Wais-Iii For English-Speaking South Africans
Development of the WAIS‐III: A Brief Overview, History, and Description
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Image Credit by Alexander Krainov via Wikimedia Commons.
@ Ilona Thanks a lot... I find the topic very interesting too...thanks also for this nice book and interesting interview....and I will be looking forward to read this new topic :)
@Mary... I am not speaking about faith...you have all the right to be confused...I meant "fate"...I just was writing fast...please forgive me....the child fate in schools and learning chances :)
Great topic, Doaa!
Measuring IQ is fraught and perhaps a fools errand, for sure. For anyone who wants a delightful and accessible read on the subject, I highly recommend this book:
The Genius in All of Us by David Shenk
http://geniusblog.davidshenk.com/
(it includes a history of measuring intelligence, and how complex the issue is, as well as how culturally defined it is.)
We interviewed Shenk when the book came out, which you can listen to here:
http://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/natureedcast/episode_6_the_atlantics_david
We plan to develop more on this topic before the end of the year in the Scitable Topic Room Library--material on brain development and our understanding of human potential. Stay tuned!
In your comment, "a child's faith is measured over it (IQ test)," are you referring to religious faith? How is it possible to measure that especially since it is a cultural/family preference or choice. How does I.Q relate to faith?
Thanks a lot Salma, I will look for this book, I am really annoyed by this idea of IQ testing, because in many countries now, a child's faith is measured over it and that is not fair
:) Loved this article, Doaa!
i think alot about this issue with IQ, i also believe it shouldn't define how smart we are. it's very over rated. I liked your questions :) worth reflecting on.
There's a great book called 'The Element' for Dr. Ken Robinson. it also proves how over rated IQ is. It's one of my favroites, totally recommend it :)
Thanks Josh, it is really interesting how she explained it...it is true creativity can't be explained but it can really be suppressed by fear...which is exactly my point...when somebody tries to test you, you really lose it. exactly how she feels now upon writing this sequel ...very well put...thanks again josh
Enjoyed your reflection and ideas on the abstractness of intelligece! Some of these questions have crossed my mind as well but I haven't really thought too long about these things. But here is a talk I watched a couple of months back and I thought you might find atleast some parts of it interesting!
http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html
Exactly Eucharia, it is never the same with me too...one day I am super genius and another day I just can't do a simple calculation.... that is why i am planning to discuss this intelligence issue futher....thanks a lot :)
I am wondering same thing too. Sometimes i wake up with my head blank i can not come up with any brilliant idea of any sort no matter how hard i tried. And some days i will wake up with load of ideas. Will one say that those bad days that my intelligent quotient is low? Because on those bad days i feel really terrible and crossed with myself. i just get this feeling that im doing badly i am not reading hard enough and thing. But i quite agree with you now its just an abstract thing.