The American Chronicle – Human Intelligence: Going Beyond Mere IQ

The ability to excel at a variety of tasks, with a particular emphasis on academic success, is intelligence. A more detailed definition emphasizes that intelligence is the mental capacity to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend ideas and language, and learn. In psychology, the study of intelligence is generally regarded as distinct from creativity, personality, character, or wisdom.
…….In a report of a task force established by the Board of Scientific Affairs of the American Psychological Association (Intelligence: Knowns and Unknowns, 1995) it was determined that there is a positive correlation between intelligence tests and school performance. A positive correlation also exists between intelligence quotient tests and the length of education. A negative correlation exists between intelligence quotient tests and juvenile crime.
However “successful school learning depends on many personal characteristics other than intelligence, such as persistence, interest in school, and willingness to study” (Intelligence: Knowns and Unknowns, 1995). In other words, an individual can be intelligent and still do poorly in school if he is bored or does not apply himself. Can someone who does poorly in school or carries a low GPA still be intelligent? Absolutely! Even students with learning disabilities can be intelligent.

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