{"id":1209,"date":"2023-02-14T16:47:50","date_gmt":"2023-02-14T20:47:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/key-theories-of-intelligence-explained\/"},"modified":"2023-02-14T16:47:50","modified_gmt":"2023-02-14T20:47:50","slug":"key-theories-of-intelligence-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/key-theories-of-intelligence-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Key Theories of Intelligence Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/hop.clickbank.net\/?affiliate=infohatch&amp;vendor=J1R2C\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10614 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png\" alt=\"Profit Gen\" width=\"400\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png 400w, https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px-300x163.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Scientists have been studying the brain for hundreds of years, and they\u2019ve only scratched the surface. We\u2019ve yet to figure out what this remarkable mass of advanced biological material is capable of.<\/p>\n<p>Different psychologists have proposed competing theories of intelligence over the years. These theories have proven useful in our understanding of the brain.<\/p>\n<p>Explore what the key theories of intelligence are and what scientists and psychologists have to say about the topic:<\/p>\n<p>You can discover your individual cognitive strengths, which can help propel you on a path toward better control over your own life. And as you do so, you can hone your skills, step into your true self, and live your life from a place of greater self-awareness.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"730\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2018\/11\/7916e160-theories-of-intelligence-pexels-the-lazy-artist-gallery.jpg\" alt=\"Girl reading a book\" class=\"wp-image-66450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2018\/11\/7916e160-theories-of-intelligence-pexels-the-lazy-artist-gallery.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2018\/11\/7916e160-theories-of-intelligence-pexels-the-lazy-artist-gallery-768x467.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"h-what-are-the-theories-of-intelligence\">What Are the Theories of Intelligence?<\/h2>\n<p>Intelligence is a complex thing to define. But it can be broadly thought of as the measure of a person\u2019s ability to master a specific cognitive function, such as problem-solving, logical reasoning, and self-awareness.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>My work is about transcending. It\u2019s about ending this mass hypnosis that we\u2019re not enough, that we\u2019re not smart enough, that we\u2019re not good enough. I want to disrupt and shatter that limiting belief.<\/p>\n<p><cite>\u2014 Jim Kwik, trainer of Mindvalley\u2019s <em>Superbrain <\/em>Quest<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>These are the main competing theories of intelligence to help you understand the different cognitive strengths you may possess:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Spearman\u2019s Two-Factor Theory of Intelligence<\/li>\n<li>Sternberg\u2019s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence<\/li>\n<li>Gardner\u2019s Theory of Multiple Intelligence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Let\u2019s take a closer look at each:<\/p>\n<h3>1. Spearman\u2019s two-factor theory of intelligence<\/h3>\n<p>Charles Spearman, an English psychologist, noticed that students who did well in one subject area tended to do well in corresponding subjects.<\/p>\n<p>He concluded that human beings possess a generalized form of intelligence, known as the \u201cg-factor,\u201d which can lead to other specialized forms of intelligence, measured by the \u201cs-factor.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The g-factor is a sum of s-factor scores that measure a person\u2019s abilities in one particular area. Generally accepted s-factors of intelligence include:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Memory,<\/li>\n<li>Attention,<\/li>\n<li>Verbal comprehension,<\/li>\n<li>Spatial skills, and<\/li>\n<li>Abstract reasoning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The g-factor and the s-factor are two parts of Spearman\u2019s two-factor theory of intelligence.<\/p>\n<p>IQ tests, which measure general cognitive ability, are derived from his theory of general intelligence.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Sternberg\u2019s triarchic theory of intelligence<\/h3>\n<p>The American psychologist Robert Sternberg made his name by proposing the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/triarchic-theory-of-intelligence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">triarchic theory of intelligence<\/a>. This theory asserts that human intelligence can be divided into three types: analytical, creative, and practical.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/analytical-intelligence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Analytical intelligence<\/strong><\/a> refers to a person\u2019s ability to assess information and use deductive reasoning to arrive at plausible solutions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/creative-intelligence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Creative intelligence<\/strong><\/a> draws on a person\u2019s ability to create something from nothing or to do something in a unique and novel way.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Practical intelligence<\/strong> is the intelligence of common sense reasoning, commonly referred to as \u201cstreet smarts.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Sternberg believed that a balanced measure of all three forms of intelligence would result in the greatest life success.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Gardner\u2019s theory of multiple intelligence<\/h3>\n<p>Howard Gardner is an American psychologist who first proposed his theory in the 1980s. In contrast to the two theories of intelligence we\u2019ve just examined, Gardner\u2019s theory proposes nine different <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/types-of-intelligence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">types of intelligence<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>He counters the standard psychological view of generalized intelligence by suggesting nine unique forms of intelligence:<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"h-naturalistic-intelligence\">Naturalistic intelligence<\/h4>\n<p>\u201cNaturalistic intelligence\u201d is the intelligence of the natural world. People who possess naturalistic intelligence have keen outdoor sensibilities, are born wayfinders, and have a strong connection with Mother Nature.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"h-musical-intelligence\">Musical intelligence<\/h4>\n<p>People who are musically intelligent have a natural draw to all things acoustic and musical. They have a talent for identifying sound, pitch, rhythm, and timbre.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"h-logical-mathematical-intelligence\">Logical-mathematical intelligence<\/h4>\n<p>We\u2019re all familiar with this form of intelligence. If you are logically intelligent, you\u2019re able to use deductive analysis, logical reasoning, and executive planning to your advantage. Those with this form of intelligence work well with numbers and are skilled problem solvers.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"h-existential-intelligence\">Existential intelligence<\/h4>\n<p>Those with existential intelligence have a knack for tackling the big questions of life:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What is life?\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Where does it come from?\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Who am I?\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>What should I do with my life?\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you possess existential intelligence, you have a philosophical mind and have no trouble grappling with abstract concepts and theories.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"h-interpersonal-intelligence\">Interpersonal intelligence<\/h4>\n<p>If you possess great interpersonal abilities, you possess emotional intelligence. People with this intelligence have a natural ability to understand the thoughts, actions, and motives of others.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"h-bodily-kinesthetic-intelligence\">Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence<\/h4>\n<p>This type of intelligence is displayed by those with great control over their physical bodies. Many dancers, athletes, and physical therapists possess kinesthetic intelligence. These people have mastered control over their physical form and are effective physical communicators.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"h-linguistic-intelligence\">Linguistic intelligence<\/h4>\n<p>People with linguistic intelligence are skilled wordsmiths. They\u2019re able to use words to convey different feelings, ideas, and theories with ease. They also have a predisposition for visual learning, so they can quickly master new languages.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"h-intrapersonal-intelligence\">Intrapersonal intelligence<\/h4>\n<p>Intrapersonal intelligence is the intelligence of the self. True self-awareness is rare in today\u2019s world, and those with intrapersonal intelligence know themselves more intimately than anyone else. This is the intelligence of introspection and self-knowledge.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"h-visual-spatial-intelligence\">Visual-Spatial Intelligence<\/h4>\n<p>Those with visual-spatial intelligence relate well to the world around them. They are natural-born navigators and possess a keen understanding of the visual world. They often pick up on fine details others are unaware of and can manipulate three-dimensional images in their mind\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2018\/11\/044487ef-theories-of-intelligence-pexels-cottonbro-studio.jpg\" alt=\"People looking at a laptop\" class=\"wp-image-66452\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2018\/11\/044487ef-theories-of-intelligence-pexels-cottonbro-studio.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2018\/11\/044487ef-theories-of-intelligence-pexels-cottonbro-studio-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2018\/11\/044487ef-theories-of-intelligence-pexels-cottonbro-studio-736x491.jpg 736w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2018\/11\/044487ef-theories-of-intelligence-pexels-cottonbro-studio-442x295.jpg 442w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"h-why-are-there-so-many-theories-of-intelligence\">Why Are There So Many Theories of Intelligence?<\/h2>\n<p>As there are different aspects to intelligence theories, one cannot address them all. That happens because psychological theories tend to categorize one concept from multiple points of view.<\/p>\n<p>Given the popularity of the subject of intelligence, scholars have studied it from different angles and found various ways of measuring it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, it\u2019s important to have more accessible methods of testing intelligence because there\u2019s no one size that fits all. People are different and show distinct ways of expressing their cognitive capacity; therefore, one standard, generalized test for everyone couldn\u2019t be accurate.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>We all have vast potential inside of us, untapped levels of strength, intelligence, and focus, and the key to activating these superpowers is unlimiting yourself.<\/p>\n<p><cite>\u2014 Jim Kwik, trainer of Mindvalley\u2019s <em>Superbrain <\/em>Quest<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-the-best-theory-of-intelligence\">What Is the Best Theory of Intelligence?<\/h2>\n<p>We\u2019ve given you the rundown on three different theories of intelligence. So, the question is: <strong>which theory is best?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The reality is, there\u2019s really no one-size-fits-all when it comes to intelligence.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Spearman\u2019s theory of generalized intelligence remains one of the most recognized, but newer theories, like Gardner\u2019s and Sternberg\u2019s, offer new and promising insights.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While IQ tests remain the standard test of intelligence, this may not always be the case. As our world changes and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0160289681800098\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">new theories of intelligence<\/a> in psychology continue to emerge, we may find that our assumptions about human intelligence aren\u2019t quite what we once thought.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>Your intelligence is not only malleable but dependent on your ability to cultivate a growth mindset.<\/p>\n<p><cite>\u2014 Jim Kwik, trainer of Mindvalley\u2019s <em>Superbrain <\/em>Quest<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"801\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2018\/11\/9f37496d-theories-of-intelligence-pexels-mikael-blomk.jpg\" alt=\"People working\" class=\"wp-image-66453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2018\/11\/9f37496d-theories-of-intelligence-pexels-mikael-blomk.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2018\/11\/9f37496d-theories-of-intelligence-pexels-mikael-blomk-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2018\/11\/9f37496d-theories-of-intelligence-pexels-mikael-blomk-736x491.jpg 736w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2018\/11\/9f37496d-theories-of-intelligence-pexels-mikael-blomk-442x295.jpg 442w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"h-unlock-your-unlimitness\">Unlock Your Unlimitness<\/h2>\n<p>Tuning into the great power of your intelligence enables you to unlock your unlimited potential. And the best part of it all is that the more you tap into it, the more you will have to discover.<\/p>\n<p>Mindvalley can act as a guide along the way. You can start your journey of unleashing your brain\u2019s extraordinary capacity with transformational quests like <strong><em>Superbrain<\/em><\/strong> by Jim Kwik.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Expand the potential of your memory and the amount of knowledge you can absorb.<\/li>\n<li>Learn the best methods of learning for maximum results.<\/li>\n<li>Become an expert at taking care of your brain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindvalley.com\/signup\/?utm_source=blog_inline_link&amp;utm_campaign=evergreen_freemium&amp;utm_medium=end_of_article&amp;otag=mv_blog_freemium\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>unlocking your free access<\/strong><\/a> today, you can try out classes from this program and many others. And if you get stuck along the way, you can dive into a library of guided meditations and podcasts to inspire you to go further.<\/p>\n<p>Welcome in.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/hop.clickbank.net\/?affiliate=infohatch&amp;vendor=J1R2C\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10614 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png\" alt=\"Profit Gen\" width=\"400\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png 400w, https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px-300x163.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Scientists have been studying the brain for hundreds of years, and they\u2019ve only scratched the surface. We\u2019ve yet to figure out what this remarkable mass [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1210,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1209","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-happiness"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1209","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1209"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1209\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1210"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1209"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1209"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}