Definition of Intelligence

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Intelligence

Linda Jones

Walden University

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The textbook definition of intelligence is the Global capacity to think rationally, act purposefully, overcome obstacles and adapt to a changing environment. ( Shiraev & Levy, 2010) My personal definition of intelligence is being able to adapt to different situations and quickly solve problems. This topic is very controversial and the concept is not perfectly defined. It's my opinion that intelligence need to reflect the mental attributes, emotion and physicality across cultures. Due to me being African American my IQ level is perceived lower than that of a white person in American society. Take for example in my small rural town which is still in a sense segregated because the white and black children go to different schools. This makes me feel as if the white kids are more superior and if you are black than you can't be educated on the same level. I hope one day this barrier is broken and everyone is viewed as equal.

To me there are some similarities and differences between the American and Asian communities. Both share strong values in family. The American community reinforces their children to excel in their studies but the Asian communities take dignity in achieving a 4.0 grade point average in their studies. This is due to the American community being more relaxed with their study habits and the Asian see it as a priority.

The online intelligence tests were not appropriate for the use of people of all cultures. Some of the questions did not make sense to me because I was not from the particular community.

It's believed that environmental factors can cause intelligence differences in social classes. Lower classes come form a deprived environment like low quality schools, less learning resources and no motivation to excel. Socioeconomic status is a major factor in

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influencing intelligence. Socioeconomic factors are connected through academic opportunities, neighborhood and home environment. It seems that people with high intelligence levels come from middle income homes and the low levels come from low income homes.

Intelligence can be viewed as