Intelligence (trait)

Intelligence is usually said to involve mental capabilities such as the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend ideas and language, and learn. Although nonscientists generally regard the concept of intelligence as having much broader scope, in psychology, the study of intelligence generally regards this behavioral trait as distinct from creativity, personality, character, or wisdom.

Controversies

Researchers in the field of human intelligence have encountered a considerable amount of public concern and criticism - much more than many scientists would be accustomed to or comfortable with (for examples, see Gottfredson, 2005). Some of the controversial topics include:

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• the relevance of psychometric intelligence to the common-sense understanding of the topic.
• the importance of intelligence in everyday life (see IQ).
• the genetic and environmental contributions to individual variation in intelligence (see Nature versus nurture).
• differences in average measured intelligence between different groups and the source and meaning of these differences (see Race and intelligence and Sex and intelligence).