Application: Sexual Behavior

Running Head: PERCEPTIONS OF INTELLIGENCE Perceptions of Intelligence Joan Ruiz-Werkema Walden University 1 PERCEPTIONS OF INTELLIGENCE 2 Perceptions of Intelligence Introduction The conceptualization and measurement of components that relate to intelligence are varied among different cultures. In some cultures, an individual is considered to be intelligent based on their ability to consult more experienced people in their culture so that they can be in a position to find solutions to any challenges that might have been encountered (Sternberg & Grigorenko, 2004). Application: Sexual Behavior

Moreover, creativity, literacy as well as formal education might be the yardsticks used to measure an individual’s level of intelligence. The current paper seeks to describe various cultures and their perceptions of intelligence. It also seeks to evaluate factors that influence cultural perceptions of intelligence. A description of the cultures selected and their perceptions of intelligence According to Matsumoto (2001), the term Western Culture is often used to give a description of the belief systems, the norms that may be observed in a social setting, traditions, values and even customs which originate from Europe. There are specific traits that can be identified with Western Culture and these include the ability to think rationally, democracy, individualism, the application of modern technology in daily life activities, thinking that is based on scientific facts, capitalism, the observance of human rights and Christianity. Moreover, Western Culture focuses on legal, artistic, literary and philosophic themes or traditions. Application: Sexual Behavior

The concepts of the culture primarily emerged from the Greeks who existed in Ancient times. The Eastern culture is also referred to as Oriental Culture. In most cases, the term is used to describe some parts that are found in Asia. In geographical terms, it can be used to identify PERCEPTIONS OF INTELLIGENCE 3 countries or even cultures that are located East from Europe or in Oceania’s North. The Eastern Culture demands that its people strictly follow the provisions of time meaning that the natural order that comes about as a result of time has to be followed (Furnham & Fukumoto, 2008). Once the sequence has been decided upon relating to the activities that are to take place within a specified duration, it becomes difficult for the set schedule to be modified. Eastern cultures are based on pragmatism. Application: Sexual Behavior

People from the eastern culture are passive and submissive as opposed to being aggressive. Smith (2008) explains that there are many differences that can be noted relating to the two cultures. The variations not only relate to the personalities and the characteristics of the people but also to their identification of intelligent people among themselves. The people in Western cultures tend to believe that intelligence is a personality variable. Moreover, an intelligent person has to be capable of devising categories. The individual should be able to adequately contribute to ongoing rational debates (Sternberg & Grigorenko, 2004). The American society is based on Western Culture. In such a country, whenever an intelligent person chances upon a challenge, they should be capable of applying the knowledge they possess. Eloquence is also interpreted as a sign of intelligence. On the other hand, Eastern cultures interpret intelligence as a reflection of a person’s wisdom as well as their inherent desire to become agents championing for improvements in their societies as opposed to only focusing on personal development (Tsethlikai, 2011). The intelligent person should be in a position to easily recognize contradictions as well as complexities in their surrounding environment which would enable them to adequately fulfill their societal roles. Cultural factors that might influence how intelligence is perceived in various cultures PERCEPTIONS OF INTELLIGENCE 4 (Sternberg & Grigorenko, 2004) assert that in Eastern cultures, the traditions and cultural believes that are observed are essential in offering guidance in the identification of intelligent individuals and in the shaping of perceptions that relate to intelligence. The Confucian tradition provides the guidelines that can be used to identify an intelligent person. The person has to be one who sends the most part of his or her life building their personal character which will enable them to do what is right. Moreover, the person should on their educational and literacy levels. Most of the person’s efforts should be directed towards knowledge acquisition by learning. Concepts obtained in the learning process have to put into practice. They should be utilized in coming up with solutions for the challenges that an individual might encounter on a day to day basis. Social skills are also deemed important for the Eastern people. The possession of social skills makes an individual capable of being responsive as well as perceptive to various modifications and changes that might be occurring in their present environment. This is seen to be a mark of intelligence (Sternberg & Grigorenko, 2004). Application: Sexual Behavior

The skills make it possible for the individual to  suitably conduct themselves in the process of maintaining social relationships. On the other hand, Western cultures embrace individualism. This refers to a situation whereby the people living in a given society have loose familial bonds. An individual is perceived to be intelligent depending on the degree to which they can be in a position to look after themselves (Uichol & Young-Shin, 2006). In addition to this, their efforts should also extend to members of their respective families. Individualism is highly adopted in countries such as Britain and the United States of America. PERCEPTIONS OF INTELLIGENCE 5 Another factor that is taken into consideration is the linguistic capability of an individual. Verbal intelligence is a desirable trait among people who practice the Western Culture. Verbal intelligence is marked by the good use of vocabularies as well as eloquence. The Western people also attribute intelligence to the life attitudes that an individual might possess. An intelligent person should be able to actualize their dreams by doing what they desire. Their lives should be marked by the achievement of the goals that they will have set for themselves (Matsumoto, 2001). They should be able to make forecasts into the future and plan ahead. Achievement of the set objectives would be attributed to sound judgments and good decisions. Measurement of intelligence in various cultures and the reason for the selection of the method chosen For the Western people, intelligence can be measured in the form of an individual’s Intelligence Quotient (IQ). This becomes possible with the determination of a person’s chronological age. Varying models can be used for adults and children (Sternberg & Grigorenko, 2004). The method can be able to take into consideration different factors that are prevalent for in the Western culture. The individual’s general knowledge of varies aspects of Western Culture, ability to use technological devices, social attitudes and the adherence to social norms can be best tested using the Intelligence Quotient in the Western world. On the other hand, intelligence in the Eastern world can be measured in terms of the positive social impact that a person has in their society. All the endeavors of an intelligent person should culminate in the greater good for the society. Therefore, other parameters might not be applicable especially where a person is intelligent in the Eastern world but lives on the principles of individualism. Application: Sexual Behavior

PERCEPTIONS OF INTELLIGENCE 6 Conclusion Various parts of the world have a different understanding of intelligence. The aspects that shape their day to day life have to be adequately understood so as to draw conclusions on what is applicable to the society. This can prove helpful for people seeking to venture into regions situated in different parts of the world. 7 PERCEPTIONS OF INTELLIGENCE References Furnham, A., & Fukumoto, S. (2008). Japanese parents’ estimates of their own and their children’s multiple intelligences: Cultural modesty and moderate differentiation. Japanese Psychological Research, 50(2), 63–76. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database. Matsumoto, D. (Ed.). (2001). The handbook of culture and psychology. Application: Sexual Behavior

Oxford University Press. Smith, M. K. (2008). Howard Gardner and multiple intelligences. Retrieve from http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm Sternberg, R. J., & Grigorenko, E. L. (2004). Why we need to explore development in its cultural context Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, 50(3), 369–386. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database. Tsethlikai, M. (2011). An exploratory analysis of American Indian children’s cultural engagement, fluid cognitive skills, and standardized verbal IQ scores. Developmental Psychology, 47(1), 192–202. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the PsycARTICLES database. Uichol, K., & Young-Shin, P. (2006). Indigenous psychological analysis of academic achievement in Korea: The influence of self-efficacy, parents, and culture. International Journal of Psychology, 41(4), 287–292. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database. … Application: Sexual Behavior