Evolution of Intelligence Theories in Psychology

Early Concepts of Intelligence

In psychology, the concept of intelligence has evolved over time and is defined in different ways according to various authors.

Francis Galton: Biological Fitness

One of the first was Francis Galton (19th century), who defined intelligence as a general biological fitness, determined by genetic factors considered unmodifiable. Galton thus argued that education and teaching could not change this inherent intelligence.

Binet and Simon: The First IQ Test

In the 20th century, Binet and Simon published the first modern intelligence test. Its main objective was to identify students needing help to meet school requirements. In collaboration with Simon, Binet published revisions of his intelligence scale.

Factorial Theories of Intelligence

Spearman: General (G) and Specific (S) Factors

In 1904, Charles Spearman introduced his theory, proposing that intelligence was composed of a general factor (G) and specific factors (S). The G-factor is the inherited intellectual capacity influencing general performance. The S-factors are responsible for differences in performance on specific tasks, such as mathematics.

Thurstone: Primary Mental Abilities

Challenging Spearman's G-factor, Louis Thurstone proposed a multifactorial theory in 1938. He identified seven primary mental abilities:

• Verbal Comprehension (V)
• Number Facility (N)
• Perceptual Speed (P)
• Associative Memory (M)
• Reasoning (R - covering inductive and deductive)
• Word Fluency (W)
• Spatial Visualization (S)

These factors were not organized hierarchically.

Guilford: Structure of Intellect Model

A later 20th-century theory came from J.P. Guilford, who developed a three-dimensional Structure of Intellect model. It comprised approximately 120 factors resulting from the interaction of operations, contents, and products.

Modern Perspectives on Intelligence

Moving into the late 20th and early 21st centuries, we encounter the theories of Robert Sternberg and Daniel Goleman.

Sternberg: Information Processing and Triarchic Theory

Sternberg developed an information-processing model, outlining the steps taken when solving problems:

• Encoding
• Inference
• Mapping (configuring cognitive relationships)
• Application
• Justification
• Response

In his Triarchic Theory of Intelligence, Sternberg emphasized that it's as important to know how to apply intellectual capacities in various tasks, situations, and contexts as it is to possess them. Sternberg argued that intelligence is shaped by both heritage and environment and can be modified throughout life.

Goleman: Emotional Intelligence (EI)

Finally, Daniel Goleman introduced the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI): the ability to perceive, understand, manage, and utilize emotions in oneself and others. According to Goleman, EI results from five key skills:

• Self-awareness (recognizing one's own emotions)
• Self-regulation (managing emotions)
• Motivation (including initiative and perseverance)
• Empathy (understanding others' emotions)
• Social Skills (managing relationships)