On Intelligence

surface2air · June 1st, 2007, 05:09 PM

A rough draft for something I'm writing for my psychology class.

Ever since i heard people saying "I'm smarter than you!" or " I know way more than you will ever do!" I knew something wasn't right. Only an ignorant dried peice of turd can make such an baseless claim in a patronizing way. As if he is standing on a higher plane than me.How oblivious of them.This desire to learn about "what it means to be smart" came from the fact that I was doing horrible in college (repeating classes 2-3 times, getting C's and D's, low ACT score of 21) Being an Indian that is highly looked down upon in my culture and low grades is often associated with being a faliure. How oblivious of them. Not justifying my low grades, I now realize that my methods of studying just weren't par with the norm. So ever since that my quest began to fully understand what it means to be smart and intelligent.

I recently stumbled upon this book which talks about the theory of multiple intelligences by Howard Gardner. I'm sure most of you know what I'm talking about since this is addressed in nearly all psychology textbooks or atleast briefly summazied it in some way. He suggests that there are notably seven intelligences worthy of being taken seriously as important modes of thought. And as of right now I fully agree with everything it talks about and part of what makes Gardner's theory concretely powerful and profound (to me atleast) is the fact that he backs it up with extensive research data from the fields of cognitive/developmental psychology, anthropology, biographical studies and neuroanatomy. So I would quickly like to higlight the seven intelligences being talked about and how it is impossible to meet somebody for the first time and deduce whether he or she is smart or stupid.

Linguistic intelligence - Intelligenceof words. People who are particularly smart in this area can argue,persuade,entertain, be good at debating and don't have a problem articulating and getting their point across. Either through written or spoken word. This sort of intelligence is highly regarded in our society. Universally thought of as a good skill to have, to know words and how to use them and to have a huge vocabulary. This type of intelligence is evident in lawyers, editors,writers,poets,journalists, storytellers,etc. These people are often full of tidbits because they read voraciously all the time. I personally had the fortune of meeting and befriending couple of people like these. Heck my dad was a lexicographer. We had encyclopedias, dictionaries and theasaurus lying around the house at odd places. Word smart people will often point out grammatical and syntax errors of other people, twist words around,use puns a lot,talk in rhymes, alliteration and just generally have fun with words. Because of their huge word bank in their mind.Often heard people say your words speak loud and clear.

Logical-mathematical Intelligence - Intelligence of numbers and logic. People who posses this intelligence include scientists, engineers,accountants, computer programmers, etc. These people are very good at using logic and reasoning, thinking in cause and effect,create hypotheses, able to see numbers in their mind and able to do complex mathematical equations all in their minds. I'm sure most people have come across someone with this intelligence who rarely use a calculator and you are left with your jaw dropped thinking how did he just do it. Yes these people have a special ability to think abstracly and generally have a very rational way of looking at things. My cousins are engineers and now I totally see where they are coming from. These people have a good grasp of scientific theories and complex math formulas which most people sweat over.Often heard people say everything you say just adds up.

Music Intelligence - My favorite. Some of the key features of this intelligence are the ablitity to compose,produce,appreciate, read, perceive rhythms and melodies. People with this musical trait usually have a good singing voice and are able to follow complex musical patterns and layers. Music smart people will usually be humming their favorite tune while doing some really important task. This helps them see the picture and makes them think clearly. Music has an impact on several components of the mind like memory, creativity and imagery. For me personally, I like to put on some background music while studying. It's effective and it works for me. Music somehow stimulates the creative unconcious.Often heard people say I'm intune to what you're saying.

Visual/Spatial Intelligence - Picture smart. The core component of this type of intelligence is the ability to perceive the visual-spatial world accurately and the ability to perform transformations on one's initial perception. For example architects,artists,mechanics, athletes posses this kind of smart. Senstvity to lines, shapes,color,volume,spacepatterns, harmony and light. These people understand the wisdom of the eye and create visual images to create, remember and process information. Often heard people saying Oh I'm a visual learner or I see your point.

Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence - Intelligence of physical self. These people have a real talent in controlling one's body movements and also in handling objects skillfully, Athelets, crafts people, mechanics and surgeons possess a great measure of his kind of thinking. Body smart individuals can be skilled at sewing, carpentary or model building. Or they maky enjoy pursuits like hiking, dancing, jogging, camping, swimming or boating. Very hands-on people who need to move their bodies frequently and get gut reac tions to things. Physical movement seems to be important factor in enhancing thinking process. basically these people are always aware of their bodies. Often they would say i'm in touch with where you are coming from.

Interpersonal Intelligence - People smart. This is the ability to understand and work with other people it requires a capacity to perceive and be responsible to the moods, temperaments, intentions, and desires of others. An interpersonally individual may be very compassionate and socuially responsible or manupulative and cunning. But they all have the ability to get inside the skin ofother people and view the world from the individual's perspective . They make a wonderful networkers, teachers and negotiators. Ever wonder why some people were party animals are you are not? Well there you go.They are very good at contorlling their emotions and emotions of other people. Often they would say I can relate to that.

Intrapersonal Intelligence- Self-smart can easily access their own feelings, discriminate against different kinds of innner emotional states and use self-understand to understand the world. People with these intelligent include counselors, theologians and self employed business people. These can be very introspective and enjoy meditation, contemplation or other forms of deep soul searching. These people would want to work alone rather than in a group. Often they would say, I have a good feeling about this.

The theory of multiple intelligences say that we are born with seven intelligences and it's up to us if we want to hone it or not. Though it is possible to be reasonably efficient in all of the seven intelligences, it takes time and effort. I would recommend everyone to read about the theory of multiple intelligences to broaden this mental about this and to get an understanding about what it means to be smart. Next time someone calls you stupid or moron just remember that they are comparing you to their own standard of intelligence. Unless you are really being stupid then god help you moron.

**Spork** · June 1st, 2007, 05:18 PM

Fetuses can hiccup.

Aurovon · June 1st, 2007, 05:19 PM

Awesome read dude.

I really want to look into this.

Interpersonal/Intrapersonal intelligence seems like where I am strong at, I could be wrong though.

surface2air · June 1st, 2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aurovon

Awesome read dude.

I really want to look into this.

Interpersonal/Intrapersonal intelligence seems like where I am strong at, I could be wrong though.

That really makes me happy!

taleb · June 1st, 2007, 05:37 PM

Good Read,

I've often thought about this very subject but I've never been able to classify the various types of intelligence

Also what would be good.. is like how the various forms of intelligence relate to each other.. like how people can be very book smart, but shit around people, etc .. and what causes it

If we excel in one, does that hamper the others?

surface2air · June 1st, 2007, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taleb

Good Read,

I've often thought about this very subject but I've never been able to classify the various types of intelligence

Also what would be good.. is like how the various forms of intelligence relate to each other.. like how people can be very book smart, but shit around people, etc .. and what causes it

If we excel in one, does that hamper the others?

Yes it does to some degree. Often I have seen parents pushing their kids to excel in one area, let's say logical-mathematical and linguistic but later on in life, 20-30 years later they fail to relate to other people regarding most of the things. The trick is to see what kind of person you are and what kind of people you want to surround yourself with and then work from there. Towards improving your intelligences.

surface2air · June 1st, 2007, 05:43 PM

Various self-help books are available everywhere. I myself am working on my bodily and visual spatial knowledge. lol

chutney whore · June 1st, 2007, 05:47 PM

Dude you seriously need to blog. I dont even bother to read anything on the forums anymore, but keep posting

This is seriously interesting stuff, i've thought about it but never actually went and tried to find concrete info. Its really good for your self esteem too =)

I cant figure out where i fit in...I've always thought about myself as a very visual person, i think im a mix of Linguistic, Visual, and Logical (but not the mathematical bit

)

chutney whore · June 1st, 2007, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surface2air

Yes it does to some degree. Often I have seen parents pushing their kids to excel in one area, let's say logical-mathematical and linguistic but later on in life, 20-30 years later they fail to relate to other people regarding most of the things. The trick is to see what kind of person you are and what kind of people you want to surround yourself with and then work from there. Towards improving your intelligences.

I know exactly what you're talking about! I see this happening with my little cousins. I honestly think that they are being pushed too hard, and dont have enough time to be kids.

plus i believe that getting straight A's in junior/high school doesnt neccessarily determine the rest of your career and life. You can be really good in HS but suck in Uni, its how you learn to deal with things. For example i was really average in school and did well in the subjects i liked. In uni, i'm doing really well, but im not one of those overachievers that wants to get 100% for everything. I can deal with 75%

Getting 100% is not going to help you in real life.

soladylike · June 1st, 2007, 06:02 PM

That is very interesting. I was aware that some people are linear thinkers whereas others weren't but after reading this I understand my abilities a lot better.
Good job surface2air

bad_cheque · June 1st, 2007, 06:55 PM

Are abusive words acceptable in undergrad essays here?

Just wondering!

The rest of it is obvious.

**Irreligious Left** · June 1st, 2007, 07:39 PM

Well it is "rough" for a rough draft, I'll give it that much.

**reaz** · June 1st, 2007, 07:46 PM

Your essay needs a lot of work. To be more specific your introduction is really poor.

surface2air · June 1st, 2007, 08:24 PM

Bad Cheque, Irreligious Left and reaz I just made that intro especially for RD, the complete professional version is better.

thanks for reading though

jus_me · June 1st, 2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taleb

Good Read,

I've often thought about this very subject but I've never been able to classify the various types of intelligence

Also what would be good.. is like how the various forms of intelligence relate to each other.. like how people can be very book smart, but shit around people, etc .. and what causes it

If we excel in one, does that hamper the others?

probably because they lack the last kinda intelligence, wouldnt want to speculate too much, you cant really judge individual human nature in large sweeping generalisations, maybe they are just that way because they are, or because of how they were brought up.

man, id love to be mathematically smart.

June 1st, 2007, 05:09 PM	#1
surface2air Banned Join Date: Jan 3 2006 Location: Middle of nowhere Posts: 27,126 Reputation: 1261789 --> Rep Power: 0 Casino cash: $20760	On Intelligence A rough draft for something I'm writing for my psychology class. Ever since i heard people saying "I'm smarter than you!" or " I know way more than you will ever do!" I knew something wasn't right. Only an ignorant dried peice of turd can make such an baseless claim in a patronizing way. As if he is standing on a higher plane than me.How oblivious of them.This desire to learn about "what it means to be smart" came from the fact that I was doing horrible in college (repeating classes 2-3 times, getting C's and D's, low ACT score of 21) Being an Indian that is highly looked down upon in my culture and low grades is often associated with being a faliure. How oblivious of them. Not justifying my low grades, I now realize that my methods of studying just weren't par with the norm. So ever since that my quest began to fully understand what it means to be smart and intelligent. I recently stumbled upon this book which talks about the theory of multiple intelligences by Howard Gardner. I'm sure most of you know what I'm talking about since this is addressed in nearly all psychology textbooks or atleast briefly summazied it in some way. He suggests that there are notably seven intelligences worthy of being taken seriously as important modes of thought. And as of right now I fully agree with everything it talks about and part of what makes Gardner's theory concretely powerful and profound (to me atleast) is the fact that he backs it up with extensive research data from the fields of cognitive/developmental psychology, anthropology, biographical studies and neuroanatomy. So I would quickly like to higlight the seven intelligences being talked about and how it is impossible to meet somebody for the first time and deduce whether he or she is smart or stupid. Linguistic intelligence - Intelligenceof words. People who are particularly smart in this area can argue,persuade,entertain, be good at debating and don't have a problem articulating and getting their point across. Either through written or spoken word. This sort of intelligence is highly regarded in our society. Universally thought of as a good skill to have, to know words and how to use them and to have a huge vocabulary. This type of intelligence is evident in lawyers, editors,writers,poets,journalists, storytellers,etc. These people are often full of tidbits because they read voraciously all the time. I personally had the fortune of meeting and befriending couple of people like these. Heck my dad was a lexicographer. We had encyclopedias, dictionaries and theasaurus lying around the house at odd places. Word smart people will often point out grammatical and syntax errors of other people, twist words around,use puns a lot,talk in rhymes, alliteration and just generally have fun with words. Because of their huge word bank in their mind.Often heard people say your words speak loud and clear. Logical-mathematical Intelligence - Intelligence of numbers and logic. People who posses this intelligence include scientists, engineers,accountants, computer programmers, etc. These people are very good at using logic and reasoning, thinking in cause and effect,create hypotheses, able to see numbers in their mind and able to do complex mathematical equations all in their minds. I'm sure most people have come across someone with this intelligence who rarely use a calculator and you are left with your jaw dropped thinking how did he just do it. Yes these people have a special ability to think abstracly and generally have a very rational way of looking at things. My cousins are engineers and now I totally see where they are coming from. These people have a good grasp of scientific theories and complex math formulas which most people sweat over.Often heard people say everything you say just adds up. Music Intelligence - My favorite. Some of the key features of this intelligence are the ablitity to compose,produce,appreciate, read, perceive rhythms and melodies. People with this musical trait usually have a good singing voice and are able to follow complex musical patterns and layers. Music smart people will usually be humming their favorite tune while doing some really important task. This helps them see the picture and makes them think clearly. Music has an impact on several components of the mind like memory, creativity and imagery. For me personally, I like to put on some background music while studying. It's effective and it works for me. Music somehow stimulates the creative unconcious.Often heard people say I'm intune to what you're saying. Visual/Spatial Intelligence - Picture smart. The core component of this type of intelligence is the ability to perceive the visual-spatial world accurately and the ability to perform transformations on one's initial perception. For example architects,artists,mechanics, athletes posses this kind of smart. Senstvity to lines, shapes,color,volume,spacepatterns, harmony and light. These people understand the wisdom of the eye and create visual images to create, remember and process information. Often heard people saying Oh I'm a visual learner or I see your point. Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence - Intelligence of physical self. These people have a real talent in controlling one's body movements and also in handling objects skillfully, Athelets, crafts people, mechanics and surgeons possess a great measure of his kind of thinking. Body smart individuals can be skilled at sewing, carpentary or model building. Or they maky enjoy pursuits like hiking, dancing, jogging, camping, swimming or boating. Very hands-on people who need to move their bodies frequently and get gut reac tions to things. Physical movement seems to be important factor in enhancing thinking process. basically these people are always aware of their bodies. Often they would say i'm in touch with where you are coming from. Interpersonal Intelligence - People smart. This is the ability to understand and work with other people it requires a capacity to perceive and be responsible to the moods, temperaments, intentions, and desires of others. An interpersonally individual may be very compassionate and socuially responsible or manupulative and cunning. But they all have the ability to get inside the skin ofother people and view the world from the individual's perspective . They make a wonderful networkers, teachers and negotiators. Ever wonder why some people were party animals are you are not? Well there you go.They are very good at contorlling their emotions and emotions of other people. Often they would say I can relate to that. Intrapersonal Intelligence- Self-smart can easily access their own feelings, discriminate against different kinds of innner emotional states and use self-understand to understand the world. People with these intelligent include counselors, theologians and self employed business people. These can be very introspective and enjoy meditation, contemplation or other forms of deep soul searching. These people would want to work alone rather than in a group. Often they would say, I have a good feeling about this. The theory of multiple intelligences say that we are born with seven intelligences and it's up to us if we want to hone it or not. Though it is possible to be reasonably efficient in all of the seven intelligences, it takes time and effort. I would recommend everyone to read about the theory of multiple intelligences to broaden this mental about this and to get an understanding about what it means to be smart. Next time someone calls you stupid or moron just remember that they are comparing you to their own standard of intelligence. Unless you are really being stupid then god help you moron.

June 1st, 2007, 05:18 PM	#2
Spork Should I Consider Retiring??? Join Date: May 10 2006 Location: Bardonia, NY Posts: 28,278 Reputation: 1015807584 --> Rep Power: 101580885 Casino cash: $44605	Fetuses can hiccup. __________________

June 1st, 2007, 05:37 PM	#5
taleb Should I Consider Retiring??? Join Date: Dec 31 2005 Location: England Posts: 20,526 Reputation: 155319708 --> Rep Power: 15532068 Casino cash: $63070	Good Read, I've often thought about this very subject but I've never been able to classify the various types of intelligence Also what would be good.. is like how the various forms of intelligence relate to each other.. like how people can be very book smart, but shit around people, etc .. and what causes it If we excel in one, does that hamper the others? __________________ \| www.taleb.co.uk \| www.taleb.co.uk/blog This is a hidden message, if you can read it ... send noodz to my inbox

June 1st, 2007, 05:47 PM	#8
chutney whore Veteran Join Date: Feb 13 2007 Location: /\/````\/\ Posts: 5,708 Reputation: 273051517 --> Rep Power: 27305184 Casino cash: $24645	Dude you seriously need to blog. I dont even bother to read anything on the forums anymore, but keep posting This is seriously interesting stuff, i've thought about it but never actually went and tried to find concrete info. Its really good for your self esteem too =) I cant figure out where i fit in...I've always thought about myself as a very visual person, i think im a mix of Linguistic, Visual, and Logical (but not the mathematical bit ) __________________

June 1st, 2007, 06:02 PM	#10
soladylike Addicted Join Date: May 25 2004 Posts: 4,722 Reputation: 0 --> Rep Power: 39 Casino cash: $1300	That is very interesting. I was aware that some people are linear thinkers whereas others weren't but after reading this I understand my abilities a lot better. Good job surface2air __________________

June 1st, 2007, 05:19 PM	#3
Aurovon Banned Join Date: Mar 17 2004 Location: Houston Posts: 47,710 Reputation: 0 --> Rep Power: 0 Casino cash: $1000	Awesome read dude. I really want to look into this. Interpersonal/Intrapersonal intelligence seems like where I am strong at, I could be wrong though.

June 1st, 2007, 05:43 PM	#7
surface2air Banned Join Date: Jan 3 2006 Location: Middle of nowhere Posts: 27,126 Reputation: 1261789 --> Rep Power: 0 Casino cash: $20760	Various self-help books are available everywhere. I myself am working on my bodily and visual spatial knowledge. lol

June 1st, 2007, 06:55 PM	#11
bad_cheque Banned Join Date: Jul 11 2005 Posts: 33,074 Reputation: 10 --> Rep Power: 0 Casino cash: $1000	Are abusive words acceptable in undergrad essays here? Just wondering! The rest of it is obvious.

June 1st, 2007, 07:39 PM	#12
Irreligious Left VIP Member Join Date: Mar 17 2004 Posts: 13,926 Reputation: 2147483647 --> Rep Power: 214748441 Casino cash: $50889	Well it is "rough" for a rough draft, I'll give it that much. __________________ "The world needs more Trigs (Palin)."

June 1st, 2007, 07:46 PM	#13
reaz VIP Member Join Date: May 9 2004 Posts: 42,449 Reputation: 139388884 --> Rep Power: 13939079 Casino cash: $12769	Your essay needs a lot of work. To be more specific your introduction is really poor.

June 1st, 2007, 08:24 PM	#14
surface2air Banned Join Date: Jan 3 2006 Location: Middle of nowhere Posts: 27,126 Reputation: 1261789 --> Rep Power: 0 Casino cash: $20760	Bad Cheque, Irreligious Left and reaz I just made that intro especially for RD, the complete professional version is better. thanks for reading though

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