Currently, researchers in Asia, America and elsewhere across the globe have discovered that people in non-western culture perceive ideas regarding intelligence differently from those who appreciates and lives in accordance to Western culture. The definition of intelligence according to Gardener has accommodated cultural settings through provision of extended way of testing Intelligence. When analyzing intelligence among culture in different continent, race is a vital aspect to consider. This question has been raised over time when comparing the Intelligence quotient between Asians and Americans. The theory of intelligent as proposed by Gardner has included non-academic test of intelligent that varies from practical ability to personality development. The view of intelligence has evolved as nations grows economically (Shao,2015). Economic status of a nation plays an important role in measuring IQ level.
Discussion
Gardner dimension of intelligence
Gardner divided intelligence into nine group with some types of intelligence challenging education system that assumes things can be learn the same way and be tested using a uniform model across the world (Anderson,2017). The discussion will only tackle three dimensions and compare them with different cultures across the globe.
Logistical- mathematical Intelligence
The aforementioned type of intelligence denotes the capability to quantify, calculate, consider hypothesis and proposition and the ability to perform complete mathematical operations. It enables human to perceive connections and relationships and to apply symbolistic thoughts; sequential reasoning skills; and deductive and inductive pattern of thinking.
Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence
This type of intelligence encompasses the ability to manipulate objects by use of physical skills. This intelligent involves the importance of timing and skills perfection. Examples include, surgeons, dancers and crafts people who show good development of the bodily kinesthetic knowledge.
Spatial Intelligence
This is the capability to think in three dimensions. The main aspect of capabilities entails, spatial reasoning, mental imagery, active imagination, artistic skills and image manipulation. Painter, programmers, sculptors and architects all demonstrates spatial skills.
Comparing intelligence amidst cultures
Intelligence is currently measured by I.Q, the test of intelligence relies on many speculative factors such as economic, educational and social results. For instance, in America today, an individual will be more interested in determining the children I.Q level regardless of her parents educational and economic status, that is if he is interested in determining whether the child will drop out of school or not.
Similarity among notion of intelligence amidst all races comes in when an employer either Asian or American is to recruit employee based on one aspect. In this case the I.Q score will be based on score than a resume, letter of recommendation, college transcript or even a job interview.
The implication of genetics and environment are of a great discussion when determining the I.Q of different cultures (Lee,2015). Comparing American and Asian the verbal performance of both are almost equal but American show high capabilities to understanding words and logics. Higher population of Americans excel in history and literature as compared to Asian. Thus, they tend to pursue journalism, law and politics in school.
Asian score higher on visuospatial as compared to Americans. The academic performance of Japanese related to visuospatial are higher than those of American. This has been evident by a high number of Asian being abound in engineering, science and medical school and less number in law schools and graduate programs in social science and humanities. The comparison of intelligence changes according to environment. It is not possible to compare the Asians and Americans living in the same environment since they all have the same system of education and socio-economic factors also tend to match. The environment in Asia favored adoption of spatial skills (Hsin,2014). Since past, Asians tradition has continually adopted images as a way of communication, while Americans who were good in literature encouraged verbal form of expression.
Comparing the bodily kinesthetic intelligence, Asian performs better than American. This can be discussed based on body-based skills. Currently Chinese are doing well in games than American, this is evident through Gymnesians’. Chinese culture embraces body flexibility making them good dancer with high ability to manipulate their body activities. Comparing to American, Asians community are good in modelling and crafts making.
Asian conception of intelligence is rooted in Eastern Traditions. Traditions and culture determines perception of intelligence in that location. Asia is a continent that comprises a variety of cultural distinctions and beliefs. Western conceptions are historically based and evolved as human adapted to the current western culture. Western culture is grounded on technology and most intelligence is perceived in terms of abilities and skills.
According to Gardner, I.Q only measures mathematical and logical capabilities. This measure has favored one side of intelligence and ignored the minor abilities that are also forms of intelligence. The modern I.Q have been greatly influenced by Cattell-Horn-Carroll Theory which gives overall, I.Q by giving score for many shallow abilities.
Conclusion
Different culture views intelligence differently. The aspect of intelligence has been subsequently identified using environment as a way of comparison. Another significant factor to consider is the socioeconomic status of a nation. Asian nations have currently shown an increase in I.Q level evident by their economic growth.
Reference
Hsin, A., " Xie, Y. (2014). Explaining Asian Americans’ academic advantage over whites. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(23), 8416-8421.
Lee, S. J. (2015). Unraveling the" model minority" stereotype: Listening to Asian American youth. Teachers College Press.
Anderson, B. (2017). Using Dr. Howard Gardner's Theory Of Multiple Intelligences To Connect 4th-8th Grade Students To Nature.
García‐Redondo, P., García, T., Areces, D., Garmen, P., " Rodríguez, C. (2017). Multiple Intelligences and Videogames: Intervention Proposal for Learning Disabilities. In Learning Disabilities-An International Perspective. InTech.
Shao, B., Doucet, L., " Caruso, D. R. (2015). Universality versus cultural specificity of three emotion domains: Some evidence based on the cascading model of emotional intelligence. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 46(2), 229-251.
