Intelligence Paper

Authors Cohen & Swerdlik define, "intelligence as a multifaceted capacity that manifests itself in different ways across the life span” (Cohen & Swerdlik, 2010). Achievement is the process of using intelligence to achieve goals and meet educational and social milestones. In this paper the following areas will be discussed, the definitions and theories of intelligence, ethical considerations and an analysis of intelligence and achievements by comparing and contrasting assessments. The assessments chosen for this paper are the Das-Naglieri Cognitive Assessment System, The Multiple Intelligences Development Assessments Scales (MIDAS), the Stanford Achievement Tests, and the Wechsler Individual Achievement test.

Definitions and Theory of Intelligence

Intelligence is the ability to process and assimilate information. To use it with facility to solve problems, produce abstract thought, and formulate hypothesis and test them. According to authors Cohen & Swerdlik, “in general, intelligence includes the abilities to:

• acquire and apply knowledge

• reason logically

• plan effectively

• infer perceptively

• make sound judgments and solve problems

• grasp and visualize concepts

• pay attention

• be intuitive

• find the right words and thoughts with facility

• Cope with, adjust to, and make the most of new situations (Cohen & Swerdlik, 2010).

There are many theories of intelligence. One theory was developed by the developmental psychologist Jean Piaget. Piaget theorized that there are four stages of cognitive development; sensor motor, preoperational, concrete operational and formal operational (Cohen & Swerdlik, 2010). There is also the theory of multiple intelligence which is a theory developed by Gardner, discuss intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligence (Cohen & Swerdlik, 2010). Raymond Cattell also developed a theory of intelligence, “the theory

References: Cohen, R. J. & Swerdlik, M. E. (2010). Psychological testing and assessment: An introduction to tests and measurement (7th ed.). New York: McGraw Hill. Naglieri, J. A., & Das, J. (1997). Das-Naglieri Cognitive Assessment System. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Pearson. (2009). Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-Third Edition. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Harcourt Assessment, I. (2003). Stanford Achievement Test, Tenth Edition. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Shearer, C. (2005). MIDAS: The Multiple Intelligences Development Assessment Scales [Revised]. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.