Wisdom, Intelligence, and Creativity Synthesized

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. 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 ones own intellectual shortcomings and learning how to overcome, Sternberg argues, is just as important as developing ones 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, Sternbergs research focuses on intelligence, creativity, and wisdom, and he has studied love and close relationships as well as hate. 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 multibillion dollar "intelligence testing" industry largely determines which children attend the best schools and universities. And local communities, under government pressure to produce results, institute 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, Professor 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 people's 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 wisdom -- people's ability to weigh options carefully and act prudently. Understanding one's own intellectual shortcomings and learning how to overcome them, Professor Sternberg argues, is just as important as developing one's strengths. As he weaves his way through decades of important research -- including recent international studies -- on these questions, Professor 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. 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, Professor 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 into account people's 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 wisdom - people's ability to weigh options carefully and to act prudently. Understanding one's own intellectual shortcomings and learning how to overcome them, Professor Sternberg argues, is just as important as developing one's strengths. As he weaves his way through decades of important research - including recent international studies-on these questions, Professor Sternberg develops a vision of human intelligence that is far more nuanced and accurate than anything offered previously. Wisdom, Intelligence, and Creativity Synthesized will be essential reading for psychologists, cognitive scientists, educators, and organizational researchers.

About the Author:
Robert J. Sternberg is Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Psychology at Tufts University

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, Professor Sternberg Critically Reviews And Summarizes The Best Research Available On Human Intelligence. He Argues That Any Serious Understanding Of Intelligence Must Go Beyond That Standard Paper And Pencil Tests Currently In Use. In Addition To Analytical And Quantitative Abilities, A Theory Of Intelligence Must Take Account Of People's 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 Wisdom - People's Ability To Weigh Options Carefully And Act Prudently. Understanding One's Own Intellectual Shortcomings And Learning How To Overcome Them, Professor Sternberg Argues, Is Just As Important As Developing One's Strengths. As He Weaves His Way Through Decades Of Important Research, Including Recent International Studies On These Questions, Professor 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.--jacket. Intelligence -- Creativity -- Wisdom -- Synthesis. Robert J. Sternberg. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 189-214) And Index. In Wisdom, Intelligence, and Creativity Synthesized, first published in 2003, Sternberg 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, 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. In the year 2000, Al Gore ran against George W. Bush for the presidency of the United States.