Synopses & Reviews
Intelligence, a Harvard psychologist famously remarked, is whatever intelligence tests measure. The observation may have been made in jest, but its effects have been all too serious. A multi-billion dollar "intelligence testing" industry largely determines which children attend the best schools and universities. And local communities, under government pressure to produce results, promote curricula that teach to the test but leave little room for "luxuries" such as music and the arts. But what if the essential nature of intelligence is grossly distorted by the testing industry? For thirty years, Robert J. Sternberg has been among the most vocal critics of narrow conceptions of intelligence. In his most recent book, Wisdom, Intelligence, and Creativity Synthesized, Sternberg critically reviews and summarizes the best research available on human intelligence. He argues that any serious understanding of intelligence must go beyond the standard paper and pencil tests currently in use. In addition to analytical and quantitative abilities, a theory of intelligence must take account of peoples' creative abilities--their ability to go beyond given information and imagine new and exciting ways of reformulating old problems. It must also take into account peoples' ability to weigh options carefully and act prudently. Understanding one's own intellectual shortcomings and learning how to overcome, Sternberg argues, is just as important as developing one's strengths. As he weaves his way through decades of important research on these questions, Sternberg develops a vision of human intelligence that is far more nuanced and accurate than anything previously offered. Wisdom, Intelligence and Creativity Synthesized will be essential reading for psychologists, cognitive scientists, educators, and organizational researchers. Robert J. Sternberg is IBM Professor of Psychology and Education, Director of the Center for Abilities, Competencies, and Expertise at Yale University. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, of which he is also President; American Psychologoical Society; American Academy of Arts and Sciences; American Association for the Advancement of Science; and Society of Experimental Psychologists. Sternberg is the author of numerous books, book chapters, and articles.
Review
'\"Sternberg\'s engaging writing style and his references to cross-cultural examples and contemporary events will help readers understand such complex topics as the \'explicit\' and \'implicit\' aspects of his topics\' interrelationships. He closes this admirable book by describing how wisdom-related skills can be included in school curricula; the case he makes in a time \'plagued with conflict aand turmoil\' is hard to refute. Highly recommended.\" Choice'
Review
"Sternberg recognizes the limitations of traditional testing and approaches the definition of intelligence from a very pragmatic perspective...Sternberg's focus on success in the real world is refreshing, and his book is powerful in its scope." Teachers College Record"Sternberg's engaging writing style and his references to cross-cultural examples and contemporary events will help readers understand such complex topics as the 'explicit' and 'implicit' aspects of his topics' interrelationships. He closes this admirable book by describing how wisdom-related skills can be included in school curricula; the case he makes in a time 'plagued with conflict aand turmoil' is hard to refute. Highly recommended." Choice
Synopsis
Sternberg argues that any serious understanding of intelligence must go beyond the standard paper and pencil tests currently in use. Understanding one's own intellectual shortcomings, and learning how to overcome, is as important as developing one's strengths. Sternberg develops a vision of human intelligence that is far more nuanced and accurate than anything previously offered. Wisdom Intelligence and Creativity Synthesized will be essential reading for psychologists, cognitive scientists, educators, and organizational researchers.
Synopsis
For thirty years, Robert J. Sternberg has been among the most vocal critics of narrow conceptions of intelligence. In Wisdom, Intelligence, and Creativity Synthesized Sternberg critically reviews and summarizes the best research available on human intelligence. He argues that any serious understanding of intelligence must go beyond the standard paper and pencil tests currently in use. In addition to analytical and quantitative abilities, a theory of intelligence must take account of peoples creative abilities their ability to go beyond given information and imagine new and exciting ways of reformulating old problems. It must also take into account peoples ability to weigh options carefully and act prudently. Understanding one 's own intellectual shortcomings and learning how to overcome, Sternberg argues, is just as important as developing one 's strengths. As he weaves his way through decades of important research on these questions, Sternberg develops a vision of human intelligence that is far more nuanced and accurate than anything previously offered. Wisdom, Intelligence, and Creativity Synthesized is essential reading for psychologists, cognitive scientists, educators, and organizational researchers.
Robert J. Sternberg is Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Psychology at Tufts University. Prior to being at Tufts, he was IBM Professor of Psychology and Education, Professor of Management in the School of Management, and Director of the Center for the Psychology of Abilities, Competencies, and Expertise at Yale University. This center, now relocated to Tufts, is dedicated to the advancement of theory, research, practice, and policy advancing the notion of intelligence as developing expertise, as a construct that is modifiable and capable, to some extent, of development throughout the lifespan. Author of over 1,100 articles, chapters, and books, Sternberg 's research focuses on intelligence, creativity, and wisdom, and he has studied love and close relationships as well as hate.
Table of Contents
Preface; Part I. Intelligence: 1. Background work on intelligence; 2. The theory of successful intelligence; Part II. Creativity: 3. Background work on creativity; 4. The investment theory of creativity as a decision; 5. The propulsion theory of creative contributions; Part III. Wisdom: 6. Background work on wisdom; 7. The balance theory of wisdom; Part IV. Synthesis: 8. WICS: The relations among intelligence, creativity, and wisdom; References; Author Index; Subject index.