Ceci's theory of intelligence (GDP)

Some critics argue that Sternberg's theory is so multi-component that its individual parts do not agree with each other (Richardson, 1986). Others note that this theory does not explain how problem solving is performed in everyday contexts. Still others point out that this theory largely ignores the biological aspects of intelligence. Stephen Ceci (1990) tried to answer these questions by developing Sternberg's theory and paying much more attention to context and its Influence on the problem-solving process.

Ceci believes that there are "multiple cognitive potentials", as opposed to a single basic intellectual ability or General intelligence factor. These multiple abilities or areas of intelligence are biologically determined and impose restrictions on mental (mental) processes. Moreover, they are closely related to the problems and opportunities inherent in the individual environment or context.

According to Ceci, context plays a Central role in demonstrating cognitive abilities. By "context", he understands areas of knowledge, as well as factors such as personality traits, motivation and education. Context can be mental, social, or physical (Ceci & Roazzi, 1994). A particular individual or population may lack certain mental abilities, but if there is a more interesting and stimulating context, the same individual or population may show a higher level of intellectual functioning. Let's take just one example; in a well-known longitudinal study of children with high IQ, conducted by Lewis Terman (Terman & Oden, 1959), it was suggested that high IQ correlates with high levels of achievement. However, a closer analysis of the results found that children from affluent families performed better in adulthood than children from low-income families. In addition, those who grew up during the great depression achieved less in life than those who reached adulthood later — at a time when there were more prospects for professional growth. According to Ceci, "as a result... the ecological niche that an individual occupies, including factors such as individual and historical development, is a much more significant determinant of professional and economic success than IQ" (1990, p. 62).

Ceci also opposes the traditional view of the relationship between intelligence and the ability to think abstractly, regardless of the subject area. He believes that the ability to perform complex mental activities is related to knowledge acquired in certain contexts or areas. Highly intelligent individuals are not endowed with great abilities for abstract thinking, but have sufficient knowledge in specific areas to allow them to think in a more complex way about problems in this field of knowledge (Ceci, 1990). As you work in a specific area of knowledge — for example, in computer programming — the individual knowledge base grows and becomes better organized. Over time, this allows the individual to improve their intellectual functioning — for example, to develop better computer programs.

Thus, according to Ceci's theory, everyday or "vital" intellectual functioning cannot be Explained on the basis of IQ alone or some biological notion of General intelligence. Instead, intelligence is defined by the interaction between multiple cognitive potentials and a vast, well-organized knowledge base.

Other theories of intelligence

• Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence​​ см.→
• Anderson's theory of intelligence and cognitive development см.→
• Sternberg's triarchic theory см.→

The theory of intelligence: the results

Despite these differences, all theories of intelligence share a number of common features. All of them try to take into account the biological basis of intelligence, Whether it is a basic processing mechanism or a set of multiple intellectual abilities, modules, or cognitive potentials. см.→