ABSTRACT
Intelligence is probably the most successful construct of psychology. This chapter introduces how the notion of intelligence, as one of the most important constructs of psychology, was scientifically conceptualised and then reconceptualised many times since the seminal work of Francis Galton. It also introduces some of the most important controversies related to intelligence: the nature/ nurture debate; the role of society, family and education in the development of intelligence; and the relationship between intelligence and sex/gender, ethnicity, culture and other factors. The chapter presents the interrelated nature of intelligence and education. The Flynn effect One of the most remarkable proofs of environmental impact is that intelligence test performance is continuously rising. In 1939 David Wechsler published the first intelligence test that was explicitly designed for an adult population. Although Howard Gardner's theory offers new approaches to human intelligence and also became very popular among psychologists, educators and everyday people, his multiple intelligence theory is seriously questioned by many experts.
