Intelligence, Giftedness, and Intellectual Disability By: Darien Estuar, Lisa Hill, and Erikka Hogan-Sokolowski

1. Intelligence,
Giftedness, and
Intellectual
Disability
BY: DARIEN
ESTUAR, LISA
HILL, AND
ERIKKA HOGAN-
SOKOLOWSKI

2. Intellectual Properties
-Intelligence is a term that is difficult to be defined because of how unquantifiable it is.
-It is loosely defined as “The ability to solve problems and to adapt and learn from experiences”
(Santrock, 2023).
-The main criticism is that the definition is too broad and does not sufficiently define the term.
-Robjert J. Sternberg was one American psychologist who criticized the definition and wanted to
expand upon by explaining how it was the know-how of solving problems and adapting to new
problems. He divided a person’s intelligence in his theory Triarchic theory of intelligence.
-The three categories are analytical, creative, and practical intelligence.
-Sternberg theorized that depending on your affinity to one of the three categories will
determine one’s success and strengths for any particular task.

3. Intelligence Measured
-Intelligence is hard to be quantified, but various tests referred to as IQ tests were made to
assess intelligence.
-Tests include the blind test which was made by Alfred Binet and it consisted of 30 items where
the individual would perform receptive instructions, tests of memory, and one’s ability to define
abstract concepts.
-Another test would be the Wechsler Scales test which was designed by David Wechsler and it
involved verbal comprehension, working memory, processing speed, fluid reasoning, and visual
spatial.

4. Pros and Cons of IQ Tests
-They create a standard to compare one’s abilities to preform across several categories.
-They are used as a predictor for academic success, work performance, economic growth, and
more.
-Critiques of IQ tests include the accuracy of the tests. Studies show that IQ test are only 10-30
percent accurate in determining a person’s success in any field.
-An explanation for such low accuracy is that people do learn to adapt and be successful with
more experience.
-External factors that also may decrease performance during IQ tests include motivation,
physical and mental health, and social skills which are all not considered during assessments.

5. Other Factors of IQ
- Howard Gardner was a psychologists who suggested that IQ tests are not an adequate
representation of intelligence.
-Gardner proposed the idea of multiple intelligence.
-Gardner suggested that intelligence has several categories and they include verbal,
mathematical, spatial, bodily kinesthetic, musical, intrapersonal, naturalist, and existentialist.
-Another form of intelligence includes emotional intelligence which was popularized by Daniel
Goleman
-Emotional intelligence was originally developed by Peter Salovey and John Mayer.
-Key points of emotional intelligence include, ability to perceive and express emotion accurately,
understand emotion and emotional knowledge, use feelings to convey thoughts, and
management of emotions.

6. Giftedness
-Giftedness is defined as exceptional ability or aptitude at outstanding levels performed by an
individual .
-One can be typically gifted in one or more domains.
- There has been no proven relation to giftedness and mental disorders.
-Giftedness in children were categorized by Ellen Winner in three categories which include
precocity, marching to their own drummer, and a passion to master.
-The fourth category can include information-processing skills.
-A trait of gifted individuals is that most people that are gifted are well adapted and show
aptitude in a singular or few domains rather than being brilliant in other domains.

7. Intellectual Disabilities
-Intellectual disability is defined as limited mental ability in an individual.
-Key components of intellectual disability include a low intelligence quotient , typically a score below
70 on a traditional IQ tests. The person has problems with functioning in everyday life, and will
typically exhibit both of these characteristics prior to the age of 18.
-Intellectual disabilities are categorized into four types. These include mild, moderate, severe and
profound. Each level correlates to a IQ range.
-There are two types of intellectual disabilities. One that is an organic intellectual disability and occurs
when an extra chromosome is present.
-The second has no evidence of organic brain damage and is considered cultural-familial intellectual
disability. This intellectual disability is typically explained by having a less enriching environment
conducive to learning creating deficits in one’s intelligence.

8. Works Cited
Santrock, J. W. (2023). A topical
approach to life-span development.
McGraw Hill Education.