Chapter 31 - Intelligence in Worldwide Perspective

Summary

This chapter first summarizes some of the main points and findings from studies on implicit theories of intelligence, adding new evidence from recent studies, particularly originating in East Asia. It then reviews some new developments in measures of intelligence in different countries from different continents. It analyzes views on the ways in which culture affects people's perception of intelligence and the practice of measuring intelligence. Western lay people's implicit theories of intelligence have gradually evolved from primarily focusing on cognitive abilities to emphasizing a comprehensive list of attributes including social competence and moral components of intelligence. Conceptions of intelligence are more inclusive than they used to be. Although there will always be multiple views regarding intelligence, knowing how people from different parts of the world define intelligence will only enhance our ability to capture the concept better, and to measure it more accurately.