intelligence

Intelligence is the capacity to acquire knowledge, understand ideas, reason, solve problems, and adapt to new situations. It is generally viewed as multi-dimensional and context-dependent rather than a single fixed trait.

In psychology, measurement often relies on standardized tests designed to quantify cognitive abilities. These tests yield a score associated with a general mental ability, or g, though researchers debate the extent to which g accounts for all cognitive performance and acknowledge cultural and educational influences.

Theories of intelligence vary. The psychometric tradition emphasizes g and specific aptitudes. Howard Gardner proposed multiple intelligences, including linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic. Robert Sternberg's triarchic theory posits analytical, creative, and practical dimensions.

Emotional intelligence describes the capacity to perceive, use, understand, and regulate emotions in oneself and others, and is sometimes treated as a distinct construct from cognitive intelligence.

Development and biology reflect both genetic and environmental influences. Genetics contribute to individual differences, while education, nutrition, and cultural opportunities shape cognitive growth. Neuroimaging links intelligence to networks in the prefrontal cortex and frontoparietal circuits involved in working memory and problem solving.

Applications and critiques surround intelligence testing, including concerns about bias, fairness, and cultural validity. Critics argue that tests may not capture practical or creative abilities and that social context significantly mediates performance.

The term also appears in artificial intelligence, where it denotes machine systems capable of learning, reasoning, and solving problems.