4 Foundations of Psychlogy Eng Sem 1-114-140
4 Foundations of Psychlogy Eng Sem 1-114-140
4 Foundations of Psychlogy Eng Sem 1-114-140
4
Intelligence and Creativity
Dr. Shatarupa Chakraborty
Research Associate
Government of India
Email-Id: c.shatarupa1992@gmail.com
STRUCTURE
4.1 Learning Objectives
4.2 Introduction
4.3 Intelligence
4.4 Theories of Intelligence
4.5 Measurement of Intelligence
4.6 Emotional Intelligence
4.7 Nature of Creativity
4.8 Concept of Creativity
4.9 Key Features of Creativity
4.10 Measurement of Creativity
4.11 Summary
4.12 Glossary
4.13 Answers to In-Text Questions
4.14 Self-Assessment Questions
4.15 References
4.16 Suggested Readings
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Notes
4.2 Introduction
The relationship between intelligence and creativity is a topic that has
been explored by psychologists and researchers for many years. While
intelligence and creativity are distinct constructs, there is some overlap
and interaction between the two. Intelligence generally refers to cognitive
abilities, such as logical reasoning, problem-solving, and the ability to
acquire and apply knowledge. It involves the capacity to think critically,
analyze information, and make connections between different concepts.
Intelligence is often measured through standardized tests like IQ tests.
On the other hand, creativity involves the generation of novel and valu-
able ideas, the ability to think divergently, and the capacity to approach
problems in unconventional ways. It includes skills such as originality,
flexibility, fluency, and elaboration of ideas. Creativity is often associated
with activities like art, music, writing, and innovation.
While intelligence and creativity are different, research suggests that
they are not completely independent of each other. Some studies have
found a positive correlation between intelligence and creativity, indicating
that individuals with higher intelligence tend to exhibit higher levels of
creativity. This suggests that there might be certain cognitive processes
and abilities shared by both intelligence and creativity. However, it is
important to note that intelligence and creativity are not synonymous.
Highly intelligent individuals may not necessarily be highly creative, and
highly creative individuals may not necessarily have high intelligence
scores. Creativity often involves thinking beyond traditional boundaries
and embracing unconventional ideas, whereas intelligence is more focused
on logical and analytical thinking. Moreover, creativity often flourishes
in environments that provide freedom, autonomy, and opportunities for
exploration and experimentation. In contrast, intelligence tests often em-
phasize convergent thinking and finding the single correct answer, which
may not fully capture the divergent thinking and open-ended nature of
creativity. Overall, while intelligence and creativity are related to some
extent, they are separate constructs with their own unique characteristics.
Both intelligence and creativity play important roles in human cognition
and contribute to individual differences and achievements in various
domains.
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Notes
4.3 Intelligence
Intelligence is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses various
mental abilities, including the capacity to learn, reason, problem-solve,
perceive, and adapt to new situations. While there is no universally ac-
cepted definition of intelligence, researchers and scholars have proposed
different perspectives and definitions over the years.
One widely recognized definition of intelligence is provided by the
American Psychological Association (APA). According to the APA, in-
telligence is “the ability to understand complex ideas, adapt effectively
to the environment, learn from experience, engage in various forms of
reasoning, and overcome obstacles by taking thought” (Neisser et al.,
1996). This definition emphasizes cognitive abilities and the capacity to
apply knowledge in practical situations.
In psychology, intelligence is a multifaceted concept that encompasses
the cognitive abilities and mental processes involved in learning, prob-
lem-solving, reasoning, and adapting to new situations. It is a complex
construct that is difficult to define precisely, but it generally involves the
capacity to acquire and apply knowledge, understand abstract concepts,
think critically, and adapt to changing circumstances. Intelligence is not
limited to a single skill or attribute but is rather a combination of var-
ious mental abilities, such as memory, attention, perception, language,
and logical reasoning. It is not solely determined by innate factors but
is also influenced by environmental factors, including education, cultural
background, and life experiences. Psychologists study intelligence to bet-
ter understand the mechanisms underlying human cognitive functioning.
They explore how intelligence develops across the lifespan, the factors
that contribute to individual differences in intelligence, and the role of
intelligence in various aspects of life, such as academic achievement,
problem-solving, and decision-making.
Intelligence tests are commonly used in psychology to assess an individ-
ual’s cognitive abilities. These tests measure different aspects of intelli-
gence and provide scores that are compared to a standardized sample to
determine an individual’s relative standing in terms of intellectual ability.
Intelligence has been defined in several ways, thereby encapturing the
several aspects of the concept. Some important definitions are given below:
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Notes Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon (1905): Alfred Binet, a French psy-
chologist, and Theodore Simon developed the first modern intelligence
test, known as the Binet-Simon Scale. According to Binet and Simon,
intelligence is defined as “the capacity of an individual to engage in
abstract thinking, understand complex ideas, adapt effectively to the
environment, and learn from experience.”
David Wechsler (1958): David Wechsler, an American psychologist,
developed several widely used intelligence tests, including the Wechsler
Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). Wechsler defined intelligence as “the
global capacity of an individual to act purposefully, think rationally, and
deal effectively with their environment.”
“Intelligence is the ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and
use knowledge to adapt to new situations.” - American Psychological
Association (Neisser et al., 1996)
“Intelligence is the ability to comprehend complex ideas, reason, plan,
solve problems, think abstractly, learn quickly, and learn from experi-
ence.” - Linda Gottfredson (1997)
“Intelligence is a general mental capability that involves the ability to
reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas,
learn quickly, and learn from experience.” - Arthur Jensen (1998)
“Intelligence is the ability to find and solve problems and create products
that are valued within one or more cultural settings.” - Robert Sternberg
(2003)
“Intelligence is the aggregate or global capacity of an individual to think
rationally, to act purposefully and to deal effectively with the environ-
ment.” - David Wechsler (1944)
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Notes refers to the capacity to solve new problems, think abstractly, and reason
independent of prior knowledge. Crystallized intelligence, on the other
hand, involves acquired knowledge, skills, and information that are ac-
cumulated over time. This theory suggests that intelligence is comprised
of both innate, biologically influenced abilities (fluid intelligence) and
acquired knowledge and skills (crystallized intelligence). Fluid intelligence
refers to the ability to solve new problems, think abstractly, and adapt
to novel situations. It involves processes such as pattern recognition,
reasoning, and abstract thinking. Fluid intelligence is considered to be
independent of specific cultural or educational influences and is thought
to have a strong genetic and biological basis. Crystallized intelligence,
on the other hand, refers to the knowledge, skills, and information that
are acquired through education, cultural exposure, and life experiences.
It includes verbal and numerical abilities, general knowledge, and ex-
pertise developed through learning and exposure to one’s environment.
Crystallized intelligence draws upon and builds upon the foundation of
fluid intelligence. According to Cattell, fluid intelligence is believed
to be most influential in early life and tends to decline with age, while
crystallized intelligence continues to develop and increase throughout a
person’s lifespan.
Triarchic Theory of Intelligence: Robert Sternberg proposed a triarchic
theory of intelligence, which consists of three components: analytical
intelligence (analyzing and evaluating information), creative intelligence
(generating novel ideas and solutions), and practical intelligence (adapting
to the demands of the environment). According to Sternberg, these three
aspects of intelligence are interrelated and work together in a dynamic
manner. Individuals may possess varying degrees of strength in each
aspect, and the combination and integration of these aspects influence
their overall intelligence. This theory emphasizes the importance of re-
al-world problem-solving and the application of intelligence in practical
contexts. It highlights that intelligence extends beyond traditional academic
or cognitive measures and includes the ability to adapt and succeed in
diverse environments.
Analytical Intelligence: Analytical intelligence, also known as com-
ponential intelligence, focuses on the cognitive processes involved in
problem-solving and reasoning. This aspect of intelligence involves
skills such as analyzing information, evaluating evidence, comparing
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Notes
4.6 Emotional Intelligence
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Notes
4.7 Nature of Creativity
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Notes the ability to think divergently, and the capacity to transcend traditional
boundaries or constraints. It is “the ability to produce work that is both
novel (i.e., original, unexpected) and appropriate (i.e., useful, adaptive
concerning task constraints)” (Plucker, Beghetto, & Dow, 2004, p. 90).
It can also be understood as “the ability to generate ideas, products, or
solutions that are both novel and appropriate within a specific context or
domain” (Amabile, 1983). Csikszentmihalyi (1996) defined creativity as
the “process of bringing something new into being. It involves transform-
ing ideas or materials into something original and valuable”. According
to Runco and Jaeger (2012), “creativity refers to the ability to produce
work that is both original (i.e., novel, unique) and valuable (i.e., useful,
meaningful, or appreciated by others)”.
Individuals have varying levels of creative thinking, leading to a lack of
consensus on the definition of “creativity.” Given the multitude of ways
in which people can exhibit creative behavior, it is unsurprising that there
are numerous definitions of creativity, none of which are universally ac-
cepted. To provide a general overview of the function of creativity, its
definitions can be broadly categorized into five groups.
Creativity as a Talent: Carl Rogers defined the creative process as the
generation of rational and innovative outcomes. Similarly, Rhodes described
creativity as a process and a talent possessed by certain individuals.
Creativity as a Process: Maslow suggested that creativity is a precon-
scious process involving elements of assessment and correction. Taylor
Chambers described creative thinking as a bipolar process, emphasizing
the interaction between the individual and the environment.
Creativity as a Novel Idea: Thurston, Stein, and Raina defined creativity
as the emergence of new ideas. It involves responding to novelty that has
some level of statistical frequency or adoption. It pertains to something
that is new rather than merely unexpected or untraceable.
Creativity as New Thinking: Getzel proposed that creativity consists
of two crucial components: convergent thinking and divergent thinking.
Convergent thinking refers to intellectual ability, while divergent thinking
refers to the strategies individuals employ to achieve their goals. Torrance
described creative thinking as the ability to perceive gaps, identify chal-
lenges, search for solutions, formulate hypotheses, test and retest them,
and communicate the results.
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The verification stage may also involve seeking feedback from others Notes
and making necessary modifications. In other words, the verification
stage involves the following activities to take place mentally:
Evaluation and Critique: In the verification stage, the individual
critically evaluates the creative idea or solution. They assess its
potential strengths and weaknesses, considering factors such as
practicality, feasibility, and alignment with the problem or task
requirements. The individual engages in self-reflection and seeks
external feedback to gain a more objective perspective on the
creative outcome.
Refinement and Revision: Based on the evaluation, the creative
idea or solution may undergo refinement and revision. The
individual works on improving and fine-tuning the initial concept
to enhance its effectiveness and address any identified limitations.
This stage involves iteratively modifying and adjusting the creative
outcome to ensure it aligns with the desired goals and objectives.
Testing and Implementation: In the verification stage, the creative
idea or solution is put to the test through practical implementation.
The individual may create prototypes, conduct experiments, or
engage in trial and error to assess the viability and functionality
of the creative outcome. Testing provides valuable insights and
allows for adjustments to be made before the final implementation.
Feedback and Iteration: During the verification stage, feedback
from stakeholders, experts, or users becomes crucial. The individual
seeks feedback on the implemented creative solution, gathering
insights on its effectiveness and impact. This feedback loop allows
for further refinement and iteration, incorporating suggestions
and addressing any unforeseen challenges or issues that arise.
Finalization and Communication: Once the creative idea
or solution has undergone thorough evaluation, refinement,
and testing, it is finalized and prepared for communication
or implementation. The individual communicates the creative
outcome to relevant parties, such as colleagues, clients, or the
public, depending on the nature of the creative endeavor. Clear
and effective communication helps ensure a shared understanding
and acceptance of the creative solution.
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Notes The verification stage completes the creative process by confirming the value
and effectiveness of the generated idea or solution. It involves a systematic
evaluation, refinement, testing, and implementation process that aims to
transform the initial creative concept into a practical and valuable outcome.
It’s important to note that creativity is a dynamic and iterative process,
and individuals may move back and forth between these stages or expe-
rience them in a different sequence.
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upon initial concepts. Elaboration enhances the clarity, feasibility, and Notes
practicality of creative ideas (Cropley, 2006).
Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is an essential feature of creative
thinking. It involves the ability to evaluate and analyze ideas objectively,
identify strengths and weaknesses, and make informed judgments. Creative
thinkers engage in critical thinking to assess the viability, relevance, and
value of their ideas. This critical evaluation helps refine and improve
creative solutions (Sternberg, 2003).
Risk-Taking: Creative thinking often involves a willingness to take
risks and step outside one’s comfort zone. Creative thinkers embrace
uncertainty and are open to exploring uncharted territories. They are not
afraid of failure or making mistakes, recognizing that risks can lead to
breakthroughs and new discoveries. Taking calculated risks is an integral
part of the creative thinking process (Csikszentmihalyi, 1996).
Persistence: Creative thinking requires persistence and perseverance in
the face of challenges and setbacks. Creative thinkers exhibit a high level
of determination, resilience, and motivation to overcome obstacles and
pursue their ideas. They embrace a “never-give-up” mindset, constantly
refining and iterating their creative solutions until they achieve their
desired outcomes (Amabile, 1996).
These key features of creative thinking collectively contribute to the gen-
eration of innovative and original ideas. By fostering fluency, flexibility,
originality, elaboration, critical thinking, risk-taking, and persistence,
individuals can enhance their creative thinking abilities and unleash their
creative potential.
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3. Which of the following is not one of the branches of the Four Notes
Branch Model of Emotional Intelligence?
(a) Perceiving Emotions
(b) Understanding Emotions
(c) Demonstrating Emotions
(d) Managing Emotions
4. Who gave the following definition of intelligence - “Intelligence
is the aggregate or global capacity of an individual to think
rationally, to act purposefully and to deal effectively with the
environment.”
(a) Arthur Jensen
(b) Alfred Binet
(c) Robert Sternberg
(d) David Wechsler
4.11 Summary
Creativity and intelligence are two distinct yet interconnected aspects
of human cognition. While intelligence refers to the ability to acquire
knowledge, solve problems, and think critically, creativity involves the
generation of original and valuable ideas or solutions. Intelligence often
encompasses logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and the application
of existing knowledge. It involves the ability to comprehend complex
concepts, make connections, and solve problems using established frame-
works. Intelligence can be measured through traditional IQ tests or as-
sessments that focus on cognitive abilities. On the other hand, creativity
involves divergent thinking, the ability to think outside the box, and the
generation of novel ideas. It encompasses imagination, flexibility, and
the willingness to take risks. Creativity allows individuals to approach
problems from unconventional angles, envision new possibilities, and
bring forth innovative solutions.
While intelligence and creativity are distinct, they are not mutually ex-
clusive. In fact, they can complement and enhance each other. Creative
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4.12 Glossary
Creativity: Creativity refers to the ability to generate novel and
valuable ideas, solutions, or expressions. It involves thinking in
original and unconventional ways, making connections between
seemingly unrelated concepts, and producing unique and innovative
outcomes.
Crystallised Intelligence: Crystallized intelligence refers to the
accumulation of knowledge, skills, and expertise gained through
learning and experience. It involves the application of acquired
information, facts, and cultural understanding to solve problems
and make decisions.
Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence refers to the ability
to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively express emotions
in oneself and others. It involves being aware of one’s emotions,
empathizing with others, regulating emotions, and using emotions
to guide thinking and behavior.
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Notes
Fluid Intelligence: Fluid intelligence refers to the ability to think
flexibly, solve new problems, and adapt to novel situations. It
involves the capacity for abstract reasoning, pattern recognition,
and mental flexibility.
Intelligence: Intelligence is a multifaceted construct that encompasses
the capacity for learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and adapting
to new situations. It involves cognitive abilities such as memory,
attention, comprehension, logical thinking, and the application of
acquired knowledge.
4.15 References
Neisser, U., Boodoo, G., Bouchard, T. J., Boykin, A. W., Brody, N.,
Ceci, S. J., Halpern, D. F., Loehlin, J. C., Perloff, R., Sternberg,
R. J., & Urbina, S. (1996). Intelligence: Knowns and unknowns.
American Psychologist, 51(2), 77-101. doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.51.2.77.
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