Intelligence is the highest attribute of human beings. Different psychologists have defined intelligence differently.
Lewis Terman explains intelligence as, “an ability to think on an abstract level.”
David Wechsler defines intelligence as, “the aggregate or global capacity of an individual to act purposefully, to think rationally and to deal effectively with his environment.”
E. L. Thorndike put forth three independent abilities that can be called intelligence.
- Abstract intelligence – It refers to the ability to engage in verbal and symbolic thinking.
- Social intelligence – It refers to the ability to communicate with people, understand and perform social relations.
- Concrete (mechanical) intelligence – It refers to the ability to effectively control one’s body and to manipulate objects.