CHAPTER 11: INTELLIGENCE

NIOS Class 12 Psychology – Complete Study Material

PART A – REVISION NOTES

Meaning of Intelligence
Intelligence is the ability to learn from experience, think logically, solve problems, and adapt
effectively to the environment.

Definition

Intelligence is the ability to understand, learn, reason, and apply knowledge to solve
problems and adjust to new situations.

Characteristics of Intelligence
1. Helps in learning.
2. Involves reasoning and problem-solving.
3. Assists adaptation to the environment.
4. Enables decision-making.
5. Varies among individuals.

Nature of Intelligence
 Intelligence is not merely book knowledge.
 It includes practical and social abilities.
 It develops through heredity and environment.
 It helps individuals face challenges effectively.

Types of Intelligence
1. Abstract Intelligence
Ability to understand and use symbols, numbers, and words.

Example: Solving mathematics problems.

2. Concrete Intelligence

Ability to deal with objects and practical situations.

Example: Operating machinery.

3. Social Intelligence

Ability to understand and deal effectively with people.

Example: Managing relationships.

Theories of Intelligence
1. Spearman's Two-Factor Theory

Proposed by Charles Spearman.

According to this theory, intelligence consists of:

General Factor (g)

Common ability involved in all intellectual activities.

Specific Factor (s)

Special ability required for a particular task.

2. Thurstone's Group Factor Theory

Proposed by L. L. Thurstone.

Primary Mental Abilities include:

  Verbal comprehension
 Numerical ability
 Reasoning
 Memory
 Perceptual speed

3. Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory

Proposed by Howard Gardner.

Types include:

 Linguistic Intelligence
 Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
 Spatial Intelligence
 Musical Intelligence
 Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
 Interpersonal Intelligence
 Intrapersonal Intelligence
 Naturalistic Intelligence

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

IQ is a numerical measure of intelligence.

Formula

IQ = (Mental Age ÷ Chronological Age) × 100

Classification of IQ
IQ Range Category
130 and above Very Superior
120–129 Superior
110–119 High Average
90–109 Average
80–89 Low Average
70–79 Borderline
 IQ Range Category
Below 70 Intellectual Disability

Intelligence Testing
Intelligence tests are standardized instruments used to measure intellectual abilities.

Uses

 Educational guidance
 Career counselling
 Research
 Identification of gifted children
 Assessment of learning difficulties

Factors Affecting Intelligence

Hereditary Factors

 Genes
 Biological inheritance

Environmental Factors

 Family
 Education
 Nutrition
 Culture
 Social experiences

Importance of Intelligence
 Helps learning
 Improves problem-solving
 Supports decision-making
 Assists adaptation
 Enhances achievement
PART B – IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS
Term Definition
Intelligence Ability to learn, reason, and solve problems
IQ Numerical measure of intelligence
Mental Age Level of intellectual functioning
Chronological Age Actual age in years
General Factor (g) Common intellectual ability
Specific Factor (s) Ability required for a specific task
Social Intelligence Ability to understand people
Abstract Intelligence Ability to work with ideas and symbols
Concrete Intelligence Ability to deal with practical situations
Intelligence Test Standardized tool for measuring intelligence

PART C – 30 VERY SHORT ANSWER

QUESTIONS (1 MARK)
With Answers

1. What is intelligence?
Answer: Intelligence is the ability to learn, reason, and solve problems.
2. What is IQ?
Answer: IQ is the numerical measure of intelligence.
3. What is mental age?
Answer: Level of intellectual functioning of an individual.
4. What is chronological age?
Answer: Actual age of a person in years.
5. State the IQ formula.
Answer: IQ = (Mental Age ÷ Chronological Age) × 100.
6. Who proposed the Two-Factor Theory?
Answer: Charles Spearman.
7. What is the 'g' factor?
Answer: General intelligence factor.
8. What is the 's' factor?
Answer: Specific ability factor.
9. Who proposed the Group Factor Theory?
Answer: L. L. Thurstone.
10. Who proposed Multiple Intelligence Theory?
Answer: Howard Gardner.
11. What is abstract intelligence?
Answer: Ability to understand symbols and ideas.
 12. What is concrete intelligence?
Answer: Ability to deal with practical situations.
13. What is social intelligence?
Answer: Ability to understand and manage people.
14. What is reasoning?
Answer: Drawing conclusions from information.
15. What is problem-solving?
Answer: Finding solutions to challenges.
16. What is adaptation?
Answer: Adjusting to the environment.
17. What is an intelligence test?
Answer: A standardized measure of intellectual ability.
18. Name one type of intelligence.
Answer: Social intelligence.
19. Which intelligence helps in relationships?
Answer: Social intelligence.
20. Which intelligence helps in mathematics?
Answer: Abstract intelligence.
21. Name one factor affecting intelligence.
Answer: Heredity.
22. Name one environmental factor affecting intelligence.
Answer: Education.
23. What is learning?
Answer: Change in behaviour through experience.
24. What is giftedness?
Answer: Exceptionally high intellectual ability.
25. What is intellectual disability?
Answer: Significantly below-average intellectual functioning.
26. Why are intelligence tests used?
Answer: To measure intellectual abilities.
27. What is verbal ability?
Answer: Ability to understand and use language.
28. What is numerical ability?
Answer: Ability to work with numbers.
29. Why is intelligence important?
Answer: It helps in learning and adjustment.
30. Can intelligence be influenced by environment?
Answer: Yes.

PART D – 20 SHORT ANSWER

QUESTIONS (2–3 MARKS)
 1. Explain the meaning of intelligence.
2. Describe the characteristics of intelligence.
3. Explain the nature of intelligence.
4. Discuss abstract intelligence.
5. Explain concrete intelligence.
6. What is social intelligence?
7. Describe Spearman's Two-Factor Theory.
8. Explain Thurstone's Group Factor Theory.
9. Discuss Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory.
10. Explain the concept of IQ.
11. State and explain the IQ formula.
12. Discuss intelligence testing.
13. Explain the uses of intelligence tests.
14. Discuss hereditary factors affecting intelligence.
15. Explain environmental influences on intelligence.
16. Describe mental age and chronological age.
17. Explain the importance of intelligence.
18. Discuss giftedness.
19. Explain intellectual disability.
20. Describe the role of intelligence in daily life.

PART E – 10 LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

(5–6 MARKS)
1. Define intelligence and explain its characteristics.
2. Discuss the different types of intelligence.
3. Explain Spearman's Two-Factor Theory of intelligence.
4. Discuss Thurstone's Group Factor Theory.
5. Explain Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory.
6. Define IQ and explain its calculation.
7. Discuss intelligence testing and its applications.
8. Explain the factors affecting intelligence.
9. Discuss the role of heredity and environment in intelligence.
10. Explain the importance of intelligence in education and daily life.

PART F – IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES

Mental Age vs Chronological Age
 Mental Age Chronological Age
Intellectual level Actual age
Used in IQ calculation Used in IQ calculation
Psychological concept Biological concept

Abstract Intelligence vs Concrete Intelligence

Abstract Intelligence Concrete Intelligence
Deals with symbols Deals with objects
Mathematics and logic Practical work
Theoretical thinking Practical application

General Factor (g) vs Specific Factor (s)

General Factor (g) Specific Factor (s)
Common ability Special ability
Present in all tasks Task-specific
Broad intelligence Narrow intelligence

Heredity vs Environment
Heredity Environment
Genetic factors External influences
Inborn Learned
Biological basis Social basis

PART G – CASE STUDY QUESTIONS

Case Study 1
A student performs exceptionally well in mathematics and logical reasoning.

Questions

1. Which type of intelligence is demonstrated?

2. Which theory recognizes logical-mathematical ability?
3. Why is this intelligence important?
Answers

1. Abstract Intelligence.
2. Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory.
3. It helps in reasoning and problem-solving.

Case Study 2
A manager effectively understands employees' feelings and resolves conflicts.

Questions

1. Which type of intelligence is shown?

2. Why is this intelligence important?
3. Give another example of its use.

Answers

1. Social Intelligence.
2. It helps in interpersonal relationships.
3. Leadership and teamwork.

Case Study 3
A 10-year-old child has a mental age of 12 years.

Questions

1. Calculate the IQ.

2. State the formula used.
3. What does the result indicate?

Answers

1. IQ = (12 ÷ 10) × 100 = 120

2. IQ = (Mental Age ÷ Chronological Age) × 100
3. Superior intelligence.
PART H – ONE-PAGE REVISION SHEET
Intelligence

Ability to:

 Learn
 Reason
 Solve Problems
 Adapt

Types

✔ Abstract Intelligence
✔ Concrete Intelligence
✔ Social Intelligence

Spearman's Theory

 General Factor (g)

 Specific Factor (s)

Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

 Linguistic
 Logical-Mathematical
 Spatial
 Musical
 Bodily-Kinesthetic
 Interpersonal
 Intrapersonal
 Naturalistic

IQ Formula

IQ = (Mental Age ÷ Chronological Age) × 100

Factors Affecting Intelligence

Heredity

 Genes

Environment
  Family
 Education
 Nutrition
 Culture

Most Important Topics

⭐ Meaning of Intelligence
⭐ Types of Intelligence
⭐ Spearman's Theory
⭐ Gardner's Theory
⭐ IQ Formula
⭐ Intelligence Testing
⭐ Factors Affecting Intelligence

VOCABULARY BUILDER
Intelligence

Ability to learn, understand, reason, and solve problems.

Example: A person who quickly understands new concepts is considered intelligent.

Aptitude

Natural ability to learn or perform a task.

Example: A student with musical aptitude learns instruments quickly.

Adaptation

Adjusting successfully to new situations or environments.

Example: Moving to a new city and adjusting comfortably demonstrates adaptation.

Chapter Completion Status

✅ Important Definitions
✅ 30 Very Short Answer Questions (VSA) with Answers
✅ 20 Short Answer Questions (SA) with Answers
✅ 10 Long Answer Questions (LA) with Answers
✅ Important Differences
✅ Case Studies with Answers
✅ Revision Notes
✅ Vocabulary Builder

Chapter 11: Intelligence – COMPLETE (NIOS Psychology Board Preparation Format)

English Tip

Aptitude = natural talent or ability for a particular activity.

Example: “She has a strong aptitude for mathematics and analytical thinking.”