Defining the concept of intelligence, which is so commonly used, tends to be difficult. In everyday usage, it is used in various ways and is always defined differently. This is due to the fact that there are different types of intelligence that are included under this term.
What is intelligence?
In everyday and professional life, intelligence fulfills an important function. It describes how well a person is able to deal with tasks and problems. In principle, intelligence is nothing more than a collective term used in psychology. At the highest level of definition, psychologists refer to intelligence as a person’s cognitive ability. The term comes in its origin from Latin and means something like “to choose between something”. This is more conducive to a definition in the narrower sense. Intelligence is measured by a person’s actions and defined in terms of what he chooses – what he “chooses.” However, since the delimitation of cognitive abilities is in itself a point of contention among experts, it is problematic to come up with a universally valid, schoolable definition. Superficially speaking, intelligence is the ability to cope with different situations and to solve problems by thinking. Neuropsychology as well as general and differential psychology deal with intelligence, drawing on various methods of developmental and brain research. With so-called intelligence tests, the intelligence quotient (IQ) of a person can be measured. Here, various thinking tasks from different areas are posed, which must be solved. The IQ is measured on the basis of the result. One of the best-known models of intelligence is a theory by Charles Spearman, according to which there is a connection between the various abilities of a person, which he describes as factor g. This general factor of intelligence determines the intelligence level of a person. Other psychologists speak of multiple intelligences, which can be seen as relatively independent of each other.
Function and task
To a good extent, intelligence can be seen as a benchmark. Psychologists assume that the intelligence quotient of the population is on average 100. On the basis of measurements in individuals, doctors and psychologists check whether there is a deviation from the average intelligence. A difference of 15 IQ points corresponds to typical fluctuations. In everyday and professional life, intelligence fulfills an important function. It describes how well a person is able to deal with tasks and problems that are regularly set for him or thrown his way. Thus, on average, intelligent people have better grades in school and enter higher positions in professional life. Nevertheless, other factors also play into this area, so that we can indeed only speak of benchmarks here. Diligence and ambition can balance out a lower IQ. A certain basic intelligence is nevertheless necessary for this. Statistically, intelligent people also live healthier lives and thus reach a higher age. Intelligence also plays an important role in social interaction. It influences the interaction with others and thus often decides with whom individuals voluntarily surround themselves. In many cases, intelligence correlates with social class and thus can hardly be described as static. However, both heredity and environmental influences play a large role in this question. In addition, the current state of mind and concentration play a decisive role in intelligence tests. In addition, thinking tasks can be learned and practiced to a certain extent. Experts have not yet found a clear answer to the question of the extent to which the intelligence quotient is associated with mental illness. However, studies found that both particularly intelligent and less intelligent people are affected by them.
Illnesses and disorders
It is not uncommon for especially gifted people to suffer from their intelligence. The reasons for this are manifold, but are often related to a lack of understanding of their environment. Apart from the mediated feeling of not being on the same wavelength with others, in many cases highly gifted people lack someone with whom they can discuss certain topics at a similar level. They often encounter ignorance or a lack of understanding.In addition, there are various personality disorders that are said to be linked to high intelligence. These include schizoid personality disorder, which is associated with a lack of social interaction skills. Various disorders and diseases cause reduced intelligence. These include autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and various genetic defects. Genetically caused disabilities also often trigger a reduction in intelligence. This is the case, for example, with trisomy 21. Reductions in intelligence abilities become noticeable through social, motor and linguistic disorders. About 15% of the population suffers from a learning disability, also known as borderline intelligence. Those affected have an average IQ of around 70 and have difficulty learning material at school. Doctors distinguish between different levels of intelligence impairment. With an IQ of less than 20, one speaks of a most severe intelligence reduction, which becomes apparent in the ability to speak, continence and movement. Diseases that can cause a reduction in intelligence include rubella, meningitis, epilepsy, pregnancy trauma, prematurity and maternal smoking during pregnancy. But metabolic diseases can also have a negative effect on intelligence. In addition, malnutrition can be to blame for reduced brain performance. The reason for this is often a deficiency in vitamin D levels. There are different methods of support or help for people with severe intelligence impairment. Integrative measures and therapy programs as well as assisted living offer them an opportunity to establish social contacts. Placement in institutions is no longer common.
