Personality, Intelligence, and Divergent

Over the past several weeks, we have been discussing personality and intelligence. In the realm of personality, there are four theories that explain it. The trait perspective maintains that personality is rooted in traits. The Freudian model asserts that inner forces shape our personality and motivate our drives or behavior, and our actions and behavior are a response to the interplay between these various inner forces. The humanistic perspective focuses on self-actualization and that all people are inherently worth something, and the social-cognitive perspective (based on Albert Bandura) integrates the principles of learning, cognition, and social influence to explain personality.

In intelligence, there are two primary ways to explain the roots of intelligence. The "generalists" believe that intelligence is an inherent mental capacity that is specific to the realm of mathematical and verbal abilities. There is a single overall ability that is measured using psychometric testing and factor analysis, and a small number of dimensions, clusters, or factors within a larger set of dependent variables exist. One can determine a statistical relationship between different measures of abilities.  Charles Spearman identified this single, underlying ability as the "g factor," a common skill set that overarches over specific mental abilities and is measured by every task on an intelligence test.

On the other hand, the "multiplists" argue that intelligence should be divided into various areas of aptitude and talent. Howard Gardner introduced that the types of intelligence come in different "packages." However, this is based on case studies and is therefore not conclusive. Gardner believed that aspects of intelligence were not linked, and that specialized regions of the brain control specific aspects of intelligence.

Robert Sternberg agreed that there is more to success than traditional intelligence, and concurred with Gardner’s idea of multiple intelligence. But he proposed a triarchic theory of three intelligences: Analytical (problem-solving) intelligence, assessed by intelligence tests, which present well-defined problems that have a single right answer. Such tests predict school grades reasonably well and vocational success more modestly. Creative intelligence is demonstrated in reacting adaptively to novel situations and generating novel ideas. Practical intelligence is required for everyday tasks, which may be ill-defined, with multiple solutions. Sternberg and Richard Wagner’s test of practical managerial intelligence measures skill at writing effective memos, motivating people, delegating tasks and responsibilities, and promoting one’s own career.

Recently, I have been reading the captivating Divergent trilogy. For all of those who have read the books, you are most likely familiar with the five factions that comprise post-apocalyptic Chicago: Amity (the peaceful), Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), and Erudite (the intelligent). Those who belong to each faction exemplify the characteristics each faction possesses. In order to assess this, an aptitude test is given to each resident at 16 to indicate (using the results) which faction the test-taker should enter based on his/her predominant characteristic. Typically, each test-taker gets one result and this is taken into account, although the decision is left up to him/her.

However, every once in awhile, a Divergent comes along and messes with the system. The Divergent receive more than one result, as they manipulate the simulation that is the aptitude test. They diverge from the normal standards and do not have loyalty to one faction. This threatens the utopian aspect of the society, and begins a massive witch-hunt that leads to another two books.

I thought this was a super cool connection to both personality and intelligence, due to the fact that the test-takers' personalities are measured by an intelligence test. On a side note, the results are usually based on the traits each taker possesses, usually displayed throughout childhood and adolescence. For example, those who belong to Abnegation families are known to express selflessness in all realms of their life.

Anywho, those who are interested in probing more into the debate that is the aptitude test should read the book (before seeing the movie, of course). It's really engrossing and fascinating. It also incorporates many more psychological aspects, which is a great plus!

Have a nice weekend, folks.

A glimpse into the aptitude test.