2. “Intelligence” is overrated
Gardner (1983) began a revolution regarding what intelligence is, and questioned if it can actually be represented by a single IQ number (or G-factor). Whether his Multiple Intelligences theory is correct is irrelevant —with Fischer’s Dynamic Skill Theory (1980), it becomes obvious that although humans can display optimal levels of cognition that can be tested for, we usually only perform at our functional levels. This means that intelligence tests that are not conducted in optimal contexts can provide only dubious results. In fact, it is highly questionable if there can be a standardized system for testing intelligence, because intelligence is domain specific, therefore, it is much too elusive for standardized testing formats. This flows into the next maxim.
Q. How has the IQ test influenced your thinking regarding intelligence? What do you think about it now?
Gardner (1983) began a revolution regarding what intelligence is, and questioned if it can actually be represented by a single IQ number (or G-factor). Whether his Multiple Intelligences theory is correct is irrelevant —with Fischer’s Dynamic Skill Theory (1980), it becomes obvious that although humans can display optimal levels of cognition that can be tested for, we usually only perform at our functional levels. This means that intelligence tests that are not conducted in optimal contexts can provide only dubious results. In fact, it is highly questionable if there can be a standardized system for testing intelligence, because intelligence is domain specific, therefore, it is much too elusive for standardized testing formats. This flows into the next maxim.
Q. How has the IQ test influenced your thinking regarding intelligence? What do you think about it now?