There are many factors to intelligence, some
of which are related to your ability to reason, while others are related to
your ability to feel emotions.
Human intelligence is
unusually complex. For centuries, researchers and philosophers have tried to
define it. In modern times, researchers rely on intelligence quotient (IQ)
tests to measure people's knowledge and how quickly they use reasoning to solve
problems.
However, IQ tests alone do not necessarily say
the full power of your thinking. IQ tests also do not always predict success in
school, life, or business.
As a result, in recent decades, researchers
have expanded the definition of intelligence to include a broader range of
skills.
Over the past 20 years, the concept of
emotional intelligence (EI) has become a way to describe another set of
thinking skills. Emotional intelligence refers to your ability to recognize and
regulate emotions, as well as your ability to apply social awareness in problem
solving.
Together, IQ tests and EQ tests can give
researchers a more complete picture of human intelligence.
In this article, we will take a closer look at
these two forms of intelligence, and whether one is more important than the
other.
What is the difference between IQ and EQ
Your IQ usually refers to your intelligence. Some
of the most common IQ elements include the following capabilities:
- solve the problem with logic
- plan and develop strategies
- understand abstract concepts
- learn and adapt to change
- master and use the language
Your emotional intelligence (eq) usually
refers to your ability to perceive you are own and other people's emotions. It
also refers to how you use this awareness to guide your behavior. In general,
if you have a high emotional intelligence, you may find it easier to:
- identify the emotions of
yourself and others
- empathize with others
- adapt your feelings and
behaviors to different situations
- control your impulses
- resist temptation and delay
gratification
- resolve conflicts with others
- communicate effectively
How are IQ and EQ measured?
There is a lot of debate about the accuracy of
IQ and EQ measurements.
Many factors influence test results, which has
led some to question whether these tests actually measure innate abilities. For
example, the following factors can have an impact on test results:
- economic conditions
- social inequality
- enter education
- children's nutrition
- childhood trauma
- other environmental factors
The most commonly used IQ tests include:
- on the stanford-binet
intelligence scale
- Woodcock Johnson III Cognitive
Ability Test
- Merriam Webster adult
intelligence scale
- merriam-webster personal
achievement test
These IQ tests typically measure two different
intellectual abilities, called:
- Crystallized wisdom. This type of intelligence is based on your language
skills and knowledge and usually improves with age.
- Fluid intelligence. This is your ability to reason, think abstractly, and
solve problems without pre-existing knowledge.
Other IQ tests, such as general nonverbal
intelligence and raven's progressive matrix, attempt to measure intelligence
without regard to language ability.
Emotional intelligence is typically measured
by the following tests:
- Mayer-Salvoes-Caruso Emotional
Intelligence Test
- situational testing for emotion
management
- situational tests of emotional
understanding
- nonverbal diagnostic analysis
These tests sometimes
distinguish your:
- Ability intelligence. How good are your ability to use social and emotional
skills to solve problems?
- Trait intelligence. Your self-reported analysis of your typical behavior.
many eq tests rank your abilities in five
ways:
- self-awareness
- self-regulation
- motivation
- sympathize
- social skills
Some EQ and IQ tests can only be performed in
a professional environment, while others are commercially available.
Is one more important than the other?
Historically, IQ test scores have been linked
to better academic performance, higher salaries, and better job performance. Newer learning, however, calls into
question these conclusions.
Emotional intelligence is associated
with a successful and more satisfying relationship at work.
There is also evidence that emotional intelligence can help you deal with
stress. A review of a 2019 study concluded
that emotional intelligence could help you recover more quickly from acute
stress.
Both of these intelligences can greatly affect
your quality of life and achievements. Understanding and developing these two
intelligences may be your best bet to increase your odds of success in all
areas of your life.
Can you improve your IQ and EQ?
Again, scientists have some debate on this
point. Some argue that IQ can be
improved. Other researchers say there is
no accurate way to measure whether your basic intelligence has actually
improved after some kind of intervention.
While it's hard to say exactly how much of an
impact these steps will have, if you want to improve your EQ and IQ score, here
are some strategies to consider.
Develop
your problem-solving skills
Consider working with an instructor or taking
an online course to improve your problem-solving skills.
In 2019, a group of researchers reanalyzed
data from an experimental program conducted in the late 1980s. They found that
during a 3-year weekly creative problem-solving exercise, students scored about
15 points on IQ tests, and their scores were higher than theirs before the
course.
Emory university, Harvard extended school, and
the university of Minnesota all offer creative problem-solving programs.
Alternatively, if you prefer to practice on
your own, you might consider reading about the topic. Michael Michalko's "Thinker
toys" is a popular choice for learning creative thinking skills.
TRY
EI TRAINING IN THE WORKPLACE
Multiple studies have shown that when
colleagues participate in ei-related training programs, they may help improve
their:
- teamwork
- conflict management
capabilities
- job performance
- overall job satisfaction
Read
Reading gives you the opportunity to immerse
yourself in the experiences of other people – whether these people really exist
or fictional characters.
Research suggests that reading may help
improve your social thinking skills,
which researchers believe is important for building empathy.
Practice
the relationship framework activity
The researchers found that when people
practiced looking for relationships between ideas and objects, their scores on
general intelligence measures tended to improve.
Relationship framework activities include:
- compare and contrast images and
ideas
- sort events into before/after
patterns
- analyze opposites
- look for relationships between
unrelated images
In a small 2016 study, students
engaged in such activities scored significantly on the wechsch children's
intelligence scale.
Are there other types of quotients?
While there are not many studies to define or
measure these concepts, some researchers believe that people may have other
types of intelligence, including mental intelligence (SQ) and physical
intelligence (PQ).
What
is spiritual wisdom?
Spiritual intelligence usually includes the
following consciousness:
- significance
- stick to your personal values
- grateful
- faith or devotion
- commitment to ethics
- expression of sympathy
Some learning has shown that
mental intelligence training can improve health outcomes and job satisfaction
in a nursing setting.
What
is physical intelligence?
In his seminal 1983 book, mental frameworks:
multiple intelligences theory, Howard Gardner proposed the concept of physical
intelligence, or a range of abilities related to the body.
Bodily intelligence is often described as
awareness of:
- posture
- breathe
- strength
- level
- harmonize
Gardner argues that people with high physical
intelligence can learn through exercise and physical interaction.
While some educators and psychologists
question whether PQ is an independent intelligence, others say there is
some neurological evidence to
support the idea.
Conclusion
There are many factors to intelligence, some
of which are related to your ability to reason, while others are related to
your ability to feel emotions.
IQ tests measure your ability to solve
problems, use logic, and grasp or communicate complex ideas. The emotional
intelligence test measures your ability to recognize emotions in yourself and
others and uses this awareness to guide your decisions.
Both of these intelligences can affect your job performance,
relationships, and overall well-being. Understanding and developing these two
intelligences can be the key to your success in many areas of your life.