Thinking & Intelligence

1. Thinking & Intelligence Dr : Amir El-Fiky

2. "Thinking is a mental process characterized by the use of symbols and concepts to represent both inner and outer reality." • A symbol is a word, mark, sign, drawing, or object that stands for something else. • A concept is a mental category. A basic tool of thought, it is a way in which we organize and simplify information. Concepts put the world of experience into mental boxes.

3. There are three basic kinds of concepts: (1) conjunctive. (2) disjunctive. (3) relational.

4. Solving problems: • Two basic ways to solve problems are to employ either: • Algorithms: an algorithmis a formula. If followed carefully, it will always solve the problem. • Heuristic approaches: Heuristic approaches employ principles, rules-of-thumb, and insights to solve problems.

5. Logical Thinking: • Logical thinking is thinking that employs valid reasoning to reach a correct conclusion. • There are two basic kinds of reasoning involved in logical thinking: 1- Inductive reasoning: is characterized by making observations and gathering information until a general conclusion is reached. It is the basic method of sci­ence. 2- Deductive reasoning: is reasoning in which a conclusion follows from a premise. The underlying structure of deductive reasoning is if-then.

6. Creative Thinking: • The core feature of the creative process is divergent thinking, thinking that follows new pathways and explores alternative possibilities.

7. Intelligence: • Intelligence is the global ability of the individual to think clearly and to function effectively in the environment.

8. Theories of intelligence: • General Intelligence (Charles Spearman): He concluded that intelligence is general cognitive ability that could be measured and numerically expressed. described a concept he referred to as general intelligence, or the g factor.

9. Primary Mental Abilities (Louis L. Thurstone): • Thurstone's theory focused on seven different "primary mental abilities". The abilities that he described were: • Verbal comprehension. • Reasoning • Perceptual speed • Numerical ability • Word fluency • Associative memory • Spatial visualization

10. Multiple Intelligences (Howard Gardner): • His theory describes eight distinct intelligences that are based on skills and abilities that are valued within different cultures. • The eight intelligences Gardner described are: • Visual-spatial Intelligence. • Verbal-linguistic Intelligence. • Bodily-kinesthetic Intelligence. • Logical-mathematical Intelligence. • Interpersonal Intelligence. • Musical Intelligence. • Intra personal Intelligence. • Naturalistic Intelligence.

11. Triarchic Theory of Intelligence (Robert Sternberg): • Sternberg proposed what he refers to as 'successful intelligence,' which is comprised of three different factors: • Analytical intelligence: This component refers to problem-solving abilities. • Creative intelligence: This aspect of intelligence involves the ability to deal with new situations using past experiences and current skills. • Practical intelligence: This element refers to the ability to adapt to a changing environment.

12. The Concept of an Intelligence Quotient(IQ): • IQ = CA ̸ MA X100 70 80 90 100 110 120 130

14. Factors affecting Intelligence: Evidence of genetic influences: Twin studies suggest that identical twins have more similar IQ's than fraternal twins. Siblings reared together in the same home have more similar IQ's than those of adopted children raised together in the same environment.

15. Evidence of environmental influences: Identical twins reared apart have less similar IQ's than identical twins reared in the same environment. School attendance has an impact on IQ scores. Children who are breast fed during the first three to five months of life score higher on IQ tests at age 6 than same-age children who were not breastfed.

16. Thank You