INTELLIGENCE

Meaning and definition of Intelligence:
It is very difficult to define Intelligence in exact words. Different definitions have been given by different persons. It is defined as `an innate all-round development of efficiency’. According to Wagnon, ``Intelligence is the capacity to learn and adjust to new or changing conditions or situations”. It is a general ability to new problems and conditions of life’’.
Wordsworth says,’` Intelligence means Intellect put to use to gain abilities for handling a situation or accomplishing a task”. In short ``It is the capacity to acquire and apply knowledge”. For example, an intelligent student masters his subjects and scores higher marks. Similarly, an intelligent nurse staff in the operation theatre shows her extra talent in assisting the doctor as needed.
Freeman’s classification of Intelligence:
i) Ability to learn (easily, quickly, at high level)
ii) Ability to adjust (with the environment to new problems and situations in life)
iii) Ability for abstract thinking Effective use of symbols and concepts in problem
Solving situations)
Features or characteristics of Intelligence:
i) It is an inborn mental ability which grows further with environment.
ii) It is the right perception of a situation at right time to achieve the goal.
iii) It gives a capacity to adapt to new situations quickly and correctly.
iv) It enhances the higher mental processes like reasoning, application and judgment.
v) It develops the capacity to learn difficult tasks and difficult problems.
vi) It assures a capacity to observe relationships between different problems.
vii) It promotes the capacity for abstract thinking.
viii) It increases the power of making appropriate responses to stimuli.
Measuring Intelligence:
Intelligence can’t be directly measured but only in terms of behaviors as follows:
i) Easy adjustments to new situations.
ii) Fast improvement in learning.
iii) Quick understanding and grasping.
iv) Showing originality and resourcefulness.
v) Concentration of mind.
vi) Application of principles and rules.
vii) Making wise judgments.
viii) Solving problems quickly.
Tests of Intelligence:
Intelligence varies with persons. It varies in quality and quantity also. The measuring should be unbiased, accurate, systematic and scientific. The tests are as follows:
i) Verbal (language) tests for individuals Ii) Verbal tests for individuals
iii) Non-Verbal (Performance) tests for group iv) Non-Verbal tests for group.
Uses of Intelligence tests:
i) To select students for various courses
ii) To classify students according to mental age
iii) To identify superior, average and dull.
iv) To provide vocational guidance.
v) To give remedial treatment.