Factor Analysis Theory
Charles Spearman found positive
correlations between scores
measuring different cognitive
tasks. Verbal comprehension,
math, etc..
 In other words, if you performed
poorly on a math test, you would
also perform poorly on a writing
and reading test
Spearman concluded that this
indicates a general intelligence
factor (“G-factor”)
Louis Thurstone
• Like Spearman, Thurstone used
factor analysis to test his subjects
• Unlike Spearman, he concluded that
there was no general intelligence or
G-Factor
• It was possible to possess different
cognitive strengths & weaknesses.
• Primary Mental Abilities:
word fluency, verbal comp.,
numerical calc.,
associative memory
Robert Sternberg
• Psych. Faculty at Yale University
• Creator of Triarchic Theory
• Former APA President (2003)
"I define [intelligence]
as your skill in achieving
whatever it is you want
to attain in your life
within your
sociocultural context by
capitalizing on your
strengths and
compensating for, or
correcting, your
weaknesses.”
(July 29, 2004)
The Triarchic Theory
I. Componential or Analytical Intelligence:
verbal reasoning
• Choose one word which means either the
same as, or the opposite of, the word in
CAPS:
SOILED
a)GARDEN b)CLEAN c)PLANT d)WALK
TRIARCHIC THEORY
II. Experiential or Creative Intelligence:
ability to solve problems in insightful
ways (creativity or divergent thinking
ability)
Triarchic Theory (cont.)
III. Contextual or Practical Intelligence:
function in social situations (street
smarts)
INTELLIGENCE
Howard Gardner (director of Project Zero at
Harvard University)
Multiple Intelligence Theory
• Proposed by Howard Gardner
(Harvard University) in 1983
• Like Thurstone and Sternberg,
Gardner rejected the notion of a
“G-factor” involving intelligence
• Believed intelligences to be brain based
through hemisphere dominance and
neural connections which determine
our strengths and weaknesses
Left Brain
• Math
• Reading
• Writing Verbal
Comprehension
Right Brain
•
•
•
•
Visual Arts
Spatial Skills
Creativity
Emotional
Intelligence
Multiple Intelligences
• Verbal / Linguistic: think in words &
language
• Logical / Mathematical: analyze
arguments and problem solve
• Visual / Spatial: arranging objects
and/or pictures
• Musical: thinking in sounds or rhythms
(lyrics)
• Kinesthetic: thinking through touch or
movement manipulation
• Interpersonal: social skills and group
strengths
• Intrapersonal: knowing well and
exploring one’s own thoughts and
feelings and motivations
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
• Proposed by Dr. Daniel
Goleman, an American
psychologist, in 1995
• Concerns the ability to
manage one’s emotions
• Determines one’s ability
to socialize, get along
with others, and
maintain psychological
health.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
• Dr. Goleman’s EQ is closely tied in with
Howard Gardner’s Intrapersonal &
Interpersonal Intelligences as well as Dr.
Sternberg’s Contextual Intelligence Level
within his Triarchic Intelligence Theory.
• High Emotional EQ is often associated with
people who are great leaders and who are
able to work well with diverse groups of
people at all levels.
• Problem solvers, not complainers.
Learning & Intelligence Quiz
1. A
2. A
3. A
4. C
5. D
6. C
7. A
8. D
9. B
10. B
11. B
12. D
13. B
14. A
15. D
16. C
17. B
18. D
19. D
20. A
21. A
22. D
23. A
24. A or D
25. D