intelligence-Tone

This topic has expert replies
User avatar
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 67
Joined: Tue Mar 16, 2010 2:06 pm
Thanked: 3 times

intelligence-Tone

by tnaim » Mon May 03, 2010 1:35 pm
The following is a RC passage from MGMAT Question Bank

Until recently, nearly everyone thought of intelligence as a single entity that could be measured by a simple IQ test. In 1983, however, Dr. Howard Gardner, a professor of education at Harvard University, introduced his theory of multiple intelligences. Today, there are two major schools of thought on intelligence. Despite extensive and ongoing research, scientists have been unable to prove definitively one theory over the other.
The single intelligence model is based on the idea of one general intelligence, known as positive manifold or simply g. Perhaps the most convincing evidence in support of this theory is the fact that individuals who perform well on tests of one cognitive ability also perform well on tests of a second cognitive ability. For example, those who do well on verbal tests also do well on mathematics tests, and vice versa. Another argument in support of the general intelligence theory is the strong positive correlation between intelligent quotient, or IQ, as measured by psychometric tests, and reaction time. Individuals with faster reaction times or neural processing speeds have higher IQs, suggesting that neural processing speed is equivalent to the one general intelligence.
The theory of multiple intelligences asserts that there is more than one type of intelligence. Proponents of this model differ on the number of intelligences. Gardner, for example, originally proposed seven, but has since added an eighth. His categories are linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist. Dr. Robert Sternberg, a professor of psychology and education at Yale University, proposes a triarchic theory of intelligence, which divides intelligence into three categories: analytical, creative, and practical. Gardner's theory is supported primarily by biological evidence. By studying individuals with paralysis, speech impairment, or other disabilities, Gardner has been able to identify specific parts of the brain associated with different physical and cognitive skills. Sternberg's model relies on observations of real-life situations. He notes that in Brazil, for example, street children can do the math they need to know to survive, thereby demonstrating practical intelligence, but cannot pass a school math class, which requires analytical intelligence.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The author of this passage would most likely agree with which of the following?

a)The theory of multiple intelligences is relatively new and untested.
b) Within the next decade, discoveries about the human brain will resolve the debate about intelligence.
c)Dr. Sternberg's theory would be strengthened by the discovery of biological evidence for his conclusions.
d)The theory of multiple intelligences is undermined by disagreements among its proponents as to the number of intelligences.
e)There is stronger biological evidence in favor of the single-intelligence model than of the theory of multiple intelligences.

I will ask my question in the second post so nobody sees the answer on this post

User avatar
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 67
Joined: Tue Mar 16, 2010 2:06 pm
Thanked: 3 times

by tnaim » Mon May 03, 2010 1:41 pm
OA is C.
In explaining why C is the answer, MGMAT wrote
"This statement is attractive because it is very neutral. The author would most likely agree that any additional evidence would strengthen Sternberg's theory, but especially biological evidence as the passage only mentions evidence for the triarchic model from "real-life situations." "

in explaining why B is wrong, MGMAT wrote:
"This passage is descriptive, not predictive. There is no indication that the author believes the intelligence debate will be resolved. "

my question: there's no indication that the author will agree that any additional evidence would strengthen Sternberg's theory. I don't see a single hint in the passage that suggests that Sternberg's is a bit weak or could be further supported with additional evidence. Would you please clarify?

Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Aug 10, 2008 5:36 am
Thanked: 1 times

by susantaiitk » Mon May 03, 2010 7:27 pm
The theory of multiple intelligences asserts that there is more than one type of intelligence. Proponents of this model differ on the number of intelligences. Gardner, for example, originally proposed seven, but has since added an eighth. His categories are linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist. Dr. Robert Sternberg, a professor of psychology and education at Yale University, proposes a triarchic theory of intelligence, which divides intelligence into three categories: analytical, creative, and practical. Gardner’s theory is supported primarily by biological evidence. By studying individuals with paralysis, speech impairment, or other disabilities, Gardner has been able to identify specific parts of the brain associated with different physical and cognitive skills. Sternberg’s model relies on observations of real-life situations. He notes that in Brazil, for example, street children can do the math they need to know to survive, thereby demonstrating practical intelligence, but cannot pass a school math class, which requires analytical intelligence.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The author of this passage would most likely agree with which of the following?

a)The theory of multiple intelligences is relatively new and untested. - not true
b) Within the next decade, discoveries about the human brain will resolve the debate about intelligence. - nothing is indicated as such
c)Dr. Sternberg’s theory would be strengthened by the discovery of biological evidence for his conclusions. - could be drawing parallel with Gardner's theory
d)The theory of multiple intelligences is undermined by disagreements among its proponents as to the number of intelligences. - disagreement is there but theory is tested practically
e)There is stronger biological evidence in favor of the single-intelligence model than of the theory of multiple intelligences. - not true, in fact reverse

So answer comes out as C

Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 26
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 10:17 pm

by bleedthegmat » Tue May 04, 2010 1:16 am
tnaim wrote:The following is a RC passage from MGMAT Question Bank

Until recently, nearly everyone thought of intelligence as a single entity that could be measured by a simple IQ test. In 1983, however, Dr. Howard Gardner, a professor of education at Harvard University, introduced his theory of multiple intelligences. Today, there are two major schools of thought on intelligence. Despite extensive and ongoing research, scientists have been unable to prove definitively one theory over the other.
The single intelligence model is based on the idea of one general intelligence, known as positive manifold or simply g. Perhaps the most convincing evidence in support of this theory is the fact that individuals who perform well on tests of one cognitive ability also perform well on tests of a second cognitive ability. For example, those who do well on verbal tests also do well on mathematics tests, and vice versa. Another argument in support of the general intelligence theory is the strong positive correlation between intelligent quotient, or IQ, as measured by psychometric tests, and reaction time. Individuals with faster reaction times or neural processing speeds have higher IQs, suggesting that neural processing speed is equivalent to the one general intelligence.
The theory of multiple intelligences asserts that there is more than one type of intelligence. Proponents of this model differ on the number of intelligences. Gardner, for example, originally proposed seven, but has since added an eighth. His categories are linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist. Dr. Robert Sternberg, a professor of psychology and education at Yale University, proposes a triarchic theory of intelligence, which divides intelligence into three categories: analytical, creative, and practical. Gardner's theory is supported primarily by biological evidence. By studying individuals with paralysis, speech impairment, or other disabilities, Gardner has been able to identify specific parts of the brain associated with different physical and cognitive skills. Sternberg's model relies on observations of real-life situations. He notes that in Brazil, for example, street children can do the math they need to know to survive, thereby demonstrating practical intelligence, but cannot pass a school math class, which requires analytical intelligence.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The author of this passage would most likely agree with which of the following?

a)The theory of multiple intelligences is relatively new and untested.
b) Within the next decade, discoveries about the human brain will resolve the debate about intelligence.
c)Dr. Sternberg's theory would be strengthened by the discovery of biological evidence for his conclusions.
d)The theory of multiple intelligences is undermined by disagreements among its proponents as to the number of intelligences.
e)There is stronger biological evidence in favor of the single-intelligence model than of the theory of multiple intelligences.

I will ask my question in the second post so nobody sees the answer on this post
IMO..C....POE
A -> Not mentioned
B -> No such claims made...within next decade....
C -> The presence of "would" makes this a desirable answer. The reason being that it is not a claim but a statement with fair degree of uncertainty in it.
D -> No hint of any comparison
E -> same as above