Wit. Sense. Brains. Intelligence.
The only facet that distinguishes us, Homo sapiens, from other species.
The most imperative and enticing matter to scrutinize and ponder over.
The true nature of intelligence has been debated more intensely then ever over the last
century. As the science of psychology has developed one of the biggest questions it had
to answer concerned the nature of Intelligence.
Intelligence can’t be defined in one way. However, It is the process of cognition. It is the ability to
learn about, learn from. It is the process of using one’s skills to be ahead among of all. To
adjust to the environment and survive.
So how to measure intelligence? Is it measurable being a natural aspect of the mind?
The measurement of intelligence is dogged by controversy and disagreement. While
there are a number of different methods for measuring intelligence, the standard and
most widely accepted method is by measuring a person’s ‘Intelligence Quotient’ or IQ.
Intelligence Measurement
The IQ test has been in use throughout the 20th century and serves as an accepted
measure of a person’s intelligence. Because intelligence is such an important individual
difference dimension, psychologists have invested substantial effort in creating and
improving measures of intelligence, and these tests are now the most accurate of all
psychological tests.
IQ Test
It is used by institutions such as schools and the army to screen people’s level of
intelligence and decisions are made based on that. Moreover, The IQ test consists of a series of
questions regarding certain skills such as vocabulary, mathematics, spatial relations. The
scores that a person gets on these tests depend on the amount of questions that a
person answers correctly. The actual score that a person gets is dependent on how
others in that age group do on those particular questions. This is one of the best method for Intelligence Measurement.
Moreover, The brain processes underlying intelligence are not completely understood, but current
research has focused on the potential factors. Studies have shown that smarter people
have bigger brains. The brains of more intelligent people operate faster or more
efficiently than the brains of the less intelligent.
Although intelligence is not located in a specific part of the brain, it is more prevalent in
some brain areas than others. Primarily in the outer parts of the cortex, the area of the
brain most involved in planning, executive control, and short-term memory.
Moreover, Genetics plays a bigger role than does environment in creating IQ differences among
individuals. These studies have found that between 40% and 80% of the variability in IQ is
due to genetics.
However, The fact that intelligence becomes more stable as we get older provides evidence that
early environmental experiences matter more than later ones. Indicating that individuals
are not born with fixed, unchangeable levels of intelligence.
All things considered, I believe, is that we can all agree that intelligence is multifaceted.
Intelligence is also relative and, ever changing as we continue to learn new things.
Moreover, Intelligence experts may never agree on a formal definition of intelligence or how to
measure it.
So, after hundreds of studies, the question still hangs over-
Is intelligence nature or nurture?
Maybe both of them.