The concept of multiple intelligences is widely disseminated, but in my view, it is a concept that fragments intelligence into categories that are actually expressions of the same cognitive abilities. Intelligence cannot be reduced to isolated skills, since individuals with high IQs often perform better in several areas, such as emotional, social and creative skills. This reinforces the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) as the most predominant and assertive measure for assessing human intelligence.
The Role of IQ in Measuring Intelligence
IQ testing remains the most scientific and reliable methodology for measuring intelligence. Although factors such as anxiety or neurodivergences, such as ADHD, can interfere with the results, these influences are not determinants of significant variations. For example, people with ADHD may experience momentary difficulties focusing during tests, but this does not invalidate the effectiveness of IQ measurement (Brown, 2006). Likewise, the training effect can improve scores over time, but it does not change the actual potential of the individual (Salthouse & Tucker-Drob, 2008).
Therefore, IQ is a superior indicator for assessing general cognitive ability, as it integrates fundamental elements such as logic, memory and problem-solving, which affect performance in different contexts.
Does Intelligence Go Beyond IQ?
Although IQ testing is prevalent, it does not directly assess other aspects, such as emotional intelligence (EI) and subjective creativity (SC). However, people with high IQs are more likely to develop these skills, since social and creative performance generally requires high levels of abstract thinking, self-control, and emotional sensitivity. Studies indicate that spontaneous creativity, which arises without prior learning, is also more prevalent in individuals with high emotional intensity, a trait often correlated with high IQ levels (Goleman, 1995).
Therefore, rather than separating intelligence into “multiple” categories, it makes more sense to recognize IQ as a foundation that predicts and influences other human competencies.
Limitations and Technological Complements
Neuroimaging, despite being a modern tool, still depends on interpretation and has already presented inconsistencies. Therefore, it is no more assertive than the IQ test in assessing intelligence (Schnack et al., 2015). On the other hand, genetic tests offer great potential, as they can identify biological predispositions for intelligence, but they still require advances in understanding the role of the environment in the expression of these genes (Plomin & Deary, 2015).
An Ideal Approach
If we want to define intelligence in a robust and comprehensive way, the ideal path is to combine a supervised, scientifically validated IQ test with assessments that include EI, SI, and SC, plus a genetic test and, eventually, neuroimaging as a complement. This approach would be the closest thing to a foolproof system for measuring true human potential. I have taken these combined tests myself and can say that the results are revealing.
References
• Brown, TE (2006). Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults. YaleUniversity Press.
• Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence. Bantam Books.
• Plomin, R., & Deary, I.J. (2015). Genetics and intelligence differences: Five special findings. Nature Reviews Genetics, 16(10), 627–639. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg3872
• Salthouse, TA, & Tucker-Drob, EM (2008). Implications of Short-Term Retest Effects for the Interpretation of Long-Term Change. Psychological Bulletin, 134(5), 800–823. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.134.5.800
• Schnack, HG, van Haren, NEM, Brouwer, RM, et al. (2015). Changes in Thickness and Surface Area of the Human Cortex and Their Relationship with Intelligence. Cerebral Cortex, 25(6), 1608–1617. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bht357
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB holds a post-PhD in Neuroscience and is an elected member of Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Honor Society (more than 200 members of Sigma Xi have received the Nobel Prize), as well as being a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, the Royal Society of Biology and The Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria, and the APA – American Philosophical Association in the United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology. He is also a Technologist in Anthropology and Philosophy, with several national and international degrees in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Dr. Fabiano is a member of prestigious high IQ societies, including Mensa International, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, and HELLIQ Society High IQ. He is the author of more than 300 scientific studies and 30 books. He is currently a visiting professor at PUCRS in Brazil, UNIFRANZ in Bolivia and Santander in Mexico. He also serves as Director of CPAH – Centro de Pesquisa e Análises Heráclito and is the creator of the GIP project, which estimates IQ through the analysis of genetic intelligence. Dr. Fabiano is also a registered journalist, having his name included in the book of records for achieving four records, one of which is for being the greatest creator of characters in the history of the press.