PEANUT BUTTER + POLYMATHS
How do you measure intelligence?
Psychologists have been trying to answer this question for generations. Today’s guest, Henry Neidermeier, explains the origins - and shortcomings - of one of the most traditional metrics, the IQ test. Then, he compares this perspective to a modern concept, Howard Gardner’s Frames of Mind. Contrary to popular belief, psychologists’ definition of intelligence has expanded over time. This means you can throw out the idea that suggests, "if you are not excelling at STEM, you are not intelligent." Rather, you might have a lesser-known flavor of intelligence. Everyone brings something to the table!
We also touch on the nature versus nurture debate. Are we born with intelligence or is it earned through practice? While we toy with the idea of genetic intelligence, we consider the impacts of intergenerational trauma. When we play with idea of earned intelligence, we touch on Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000 Hour Theory. Lastly, we venture back to our roots, asking the same chicken-or-the-egg question, but for creativity.
To listen to this episode, search Curiositea on Spotify!
QUESTIONS WE ASK
+ What is a polymath?
+ Is IQ an accurate measure of intelligence?
+ What are Gardner’s Frames of Intelligence?
+ What is the difference between interpersonal intelligence and intrapersonal intelligence?
+ Is intelligence inherited or gained through practice? Or a combination of nature and nurture?
+ Can intelligence be equated with awareness?
+ Should people stovepipe themselves or be open to intellectual exploration?
+ How does generational trauma impact intelligence?
LEARN MORE
+ Stanford-Binet and the IQ Test
+ Gardner’s Frames of Intelligence
+ Generational Trauma & Biology
FOLLOW YOUR CURIOSITEA
00:37 Episode Intro
01:32 Cheers!
02:55 Henry’s Background
05:01 The Concept of Intelligence
05:23 Polymaths and Unlimited Capacity for Development
10:25 The Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
10:53 Criticism of the IQ Test
11:10 Gardner’s Frames of Intelligence
11:16 Kinesthetic Intelligence
11:52 Spatial Intelligence
12:11 Musical Intelligence
12:54 Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Intelligence
13:54 Goldman’s Concept of EQ in Frames of Intelligence
14:08 Naturalistic Intelligence
15:08 The Gift of Fear
16:05 Pausing Before Answering Questions
17:58 Nature Versus Nurture: Is Intelligence Inherent or Earned?
22:25 Is Intelligence Awareness?
24:07 Success in a Capitalistic Society: Stovepiping Yourself
25:29 Choices are Power
26:31 Malcom Gladwell’s 10,000 Hour Theory
27:54 “Curious people increase their capacity for building different kinds of intelligences”
28:42 Inherited Intelligence and Intergenerational Trauma
29:35 PubMed Shows Biological Element of Intergenerational Trauma
30:00 Tangents are “How We Roll”
30:55 Recap
31:09 Can Creativity Be Taught?