Lay People's Understanding and Use of Intelligence: An Indian Perspective

Ashok K. Srivastava and Girishwar Misra
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Ashok K. Srivastava: Department of Educational Research and Policy Perspectives, National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi, India
Girishwar Misra: University of Delhi, Delhi, India

Psychology and Developing Societies, 2001, vol. 13, issue 1, 25-49

Abstract: This study explored the meaning of the notion of "intelligence" as understood and used by the lay people in India. In a multi-centric study, participants (n=1,885), varying along the dimensions of ecological context (rural/urban), schooling, age and gender, from five localities, volunteered. Responding to an open-ended question, participants described the characteristics of an intelligent person. Analysis revealed four major dimensions of intelligence: cognitive competence, social competence, competence in action, and emotional competence. Intelligence was conceptualised in terms of socio-affective regulation of one's conduct. It was considered an important attribute contributing to the well-being of the individual and the society. Results have implications for expanding the concept and assessment of intelligence to make it more inclusive encompassing the perspectives from non-Western cultures.

Date: 2001
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:psydev:v:13:y:2001:i:1:p:25-49

DOI: 10.1177/097133360101300102

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