Bhatias
Bhatias
Janhavi Bajoria
Kriti Baid
Ramya G
Intelligence
Intelligence is general mental adaptability to new problems and situations or in other words, it is
the capacity to reorganize one's behaviour patterns to act more effectively and more
appropriately in novel situations. Thus, the more intelligent person can more easily and more
extensively vary his behaviour as changing conditions demand; he has numerous possible
responses and is capable of greater creative reorganization of behaviour.
The second type of definition states that intelligence is the ability to learn. According to this
definition, a person's intelligence is a matter of the extent to which he is educable, in the broadest
sense. The more intelligent the individual is, the more readily and extensively is he able to learn,
hence, also, the greater is his possible range of experience and activity. Still, others have defined
intelligence as the ability to carry on abstract thinking. This means the effective use of concepts
and symbols in dealing with situations, especially those presenting a problem to be solved
through the use of verbal and numerical symbols. These definitions are not mutually exclusive.
Contemporary views, influenced by the work of researchers like Carol Dweck, highlight the role
of mindset in intelligence. Psychometric approaches, including the Wechsler Intelligence Scales,
quantify intelligence through standardized tests. While debates persist on the nature versus
nurture aspect, intelligence is recognized as a multifaceted construct shaped by genetic and
environmental factors. This dynamic understanding reflects the interdisciplinary nature of
intelligence research within psychology.
1. Definition:
● Intelligence: Intelligence refers to the overall cognitive abilities of an individual,
encompassing reasoning, problem-solving, learning, and adapting to new situations. It
reflects a person's general mental capacity.
● Aptitude: Aptitude, on the other hand, refers to a specific, inherent capacity or potential
for acquiring skills or proficiency in a particular area. It is a more focused measure of a
person's suitability for a specific task or domain.
2. Scope:
● Intelligence: General and broad, applicable across various domains and situations. It
represents an individual's overall cognitive competence.
● Aptitude: Domain-specific, indicating a person's potential to excel in a particular skill or
area.
3. Measurement:
● Intelligence: Often assessed through general intelligence tests, such as the Wechsler
Intelligence Scales, which provide a comprehensive evaluation of various cognitive
abilities (Wechsler, 1955).
● Aptitude: Measured through aptitude tests tailored to specific skills or fields, like the SAT
Subject Tests assessing aptitude in specific academic subjects.
5. Lifespan Stability:
● Intelligence: Generally considered relatively stable throughout a person's life, reflecting
enduring cognitive capacities.
● Aptitude: Can evolve and change over time, particularly with training and exposure to
relevant experiences.
History of Intelligence
The history of intelligence in psychology is marked by significant developments in theories,
assessments, and conceptualizations.
Early Roots:
The roots of intelligence testing can be traced to Francis Galton, who in the late 19th century,
explored the hereditary nature of intelligence. However, it was Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon
who made groundbreaking contributions in the early 20th century. Binet developed the
Binet-Simon Intelligence Scale in 1905, aiming to measure a child's mental age relative to their
chronological age, laying the foundation for intelligence testing (Binet & Simon, 1905).
IQ Testing:
The adaptation of Binet's work by Lewis Terman in the United States led to the Stanford-Binet
Intelligence Scales in 1916, introducing the concept of the Intelligence Quotient (IQ). This
marked the beginning of standardized intelligence testing in the U.S. (Terman, 1916).
Wechsler's Contribution:
David Wechsler's innovations in the 1930s resulted in the Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scales,
challenging the single-score concept of IQ and introducing separate scores for verbal and
performance intelligence (Wechsler, 1939). Wechsler's influence persists through modern
variations like the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale.
Broadening Perspectives:
The mid-20th century saw the rise of broader perspectives on intelligence. Howard Gardner's
theory of multiple intelligences (1983) challenged the idea of a unitary intelligence, proposing
diverse cognitive abilities. Robert Sternberg's triarchic theory (1985) expanded the definition to
include analytical, creative, and practical intelligences.
Emotional Intelligence:
In the 1990s, Daniel Goleman popularized the concept of emotional intelligence (1995),
emphasizing the role of emotional awareness and regulation in cognitive functioning.
Contemporary Views:
Current research acknowledges the complexity of intelligence, influenced by genetic and
environmental factors. It explores neuroscientific aspects, emphasizing the dynamic interplay of
various cognitive processes.
The history of intelligence reflects a dynamic evolution from early attempts to quantify mental
abilities to contemporary, multifaceted perspectives that recognize the diverse nature of cognitive
capacities.
Types of Intelligence
Intelligence is a multifaceted construct, and various theories propose different types of
intelligence, each highlighting distinct cognitive abilities. Here, I'll explore several prominent
theories and their respective types of intelligence.
Types:
● Linguistic: Strong language skills.
● Logical-Mathematical: Aptitude in logic, reasoning, and mathematical problem-solving.
● Spatial: Ability to perceive and manipulate spatial relationships.
● Musical: Sensitivity to rhythm, melody, and pitch.
● Bodily-Kinesthetic: Skill in using one's body effectively.
● Interpersonal: Capacity to understand and interact effectively with others.
● Intrapersonal: Self-awareness and understanding of one's emotions.
● Naturalistic: Sensitivity to and understanding of the natural world.
Types:
● Analytical Intelligence: Problem-solving, analytical abilities.
● Creative Intelligence: Novelty and creativity in thinking.
● Practical Intelligence: Adaptation to real-life situations.
Components:
● Self-awareness: Recognizing and understanding one's own emotions.
● Self-regulation: Managing and controlling one's emotions.
● Motivation: Channeling emotions towards goal-oriented activities.
● Empathy: Understanding and resonating with others' emotions.
● Social Skills: Effectively navigating social situations.
Components:
● CQ Drive: Motivation and interest in engaging with different cultures.
● CQ Knowledge: Understanding cultural similarities and differences.
● CQ Strategy: Flexibility and adaptability in cross-cultural interactions.
● CQ Action: Ability to adapt behavior appropriately in diverse cultural contexts.
6. Existential Intelligence:
Proposed by Howard Gardner, existential intelligence relates to the contemplation of deep
questions about existence and the meaning of life.
7. Creativity Intelligence:
Creativity is often considered a distinct form of intelligence involving the generation of novel
and valuable ideas.
8. Tactical Intelligence:
Sternberg introduced this concept, emphasizing the ability to adapt to environmental challenges.
9. Practical Intelligence:
Coined by Sternberg, practical intelligence involves applying knowledge to real-world situations.
Performance Test
A performance test is an assessment method designed to evaluate an individual's ability to
perform specific tasks or demonstrate particular skills in a real-world or simulated context.
Unlike traditional paper-and-pencil tests, performance tests require individuals to actively engage
in activities representative of the targeted skills. These tests provide a practical and authentic
measure of an individual's competence, allowing for a more accurate assessment of their abilities
in a specific domain. Examples of performance tests include hands-on tasks, simulations, or
exercises that mimic job-related activities, physical tasks, or cognitive challenges.
7. Flight Simulators:
Mimics real-flight experiences to assess pilot performance and training effectiveness.
Example: A pilot navigating through a simulated storm to demonstrate decision-making and
flying skills.
These performance tests cover a spectrum of abilities, from cognitive and physical skills to
job-specific knowledge and interpersonal competencies. The selection of a specific type of
performance test depends on the nature of the skills or competencies being evaluated and the
context in which they will be applied.
About C.M.Bhatia:
Born in 1914 in Uttar Pradesh, Chandra Mohan Bhatia embarked on a remarkable journey in the
field of psychology. After completing his PhD in Psychology from the University of Edinburgh,
he returned to India following its independence and was appointed as the founder-director of the
Bureau of Psychology. Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of post-independence India, Bhatia
envisioned the potential of intelligence testing as a tool for national development. However, his
ambitious plan to identify individuals with superior IQ for societal advancement faced numerous
challenges and ultimately remained unrealized. Despite releasing his study on performance tests
in 1955, conducted on 1154 boys from UP, it was marred by drawbacks such as biased norms and
an incomplete dataset. Bhatia's endeavors reflect the intersection of academic pursuit and the
pressing needs of a newly independent nation striving for progress.
● Practical Assessment Method: Bhatia's performance test relies on practical tasks rather
than written or verbal responses. This approach allows individuals with specific learning
disabilities (SLD) to demonstrate their abilities more effectively. For example, a student
with dyslexia may struggle with traditional written tests but might excel in tasks
involving hands-on activities or visual stimuli.
● Fair Evaluation Across Educational Backgrounds: By incorporating separate rules and
norms for literate and illiterate groups, Bhatia's test ensures fairness in assessment
regardless of an individual's educational background. This approach acknowledges that
individuals may have acquired different skills and knowledge levels due to varying
access to education, thus preventing bias in evaluation.
● Ease of Administration and Scor ing: The simplicity of administering and scoring the
test makes it practical for educators, psychologists, and other professionals. This
efficiency saves time and resources, enabling broader implementation and accessibility,
particularly in resource-constrained settings or when assessing large populations.
● Broad Applicability: Bhatia's test accommodates individuals who may face language
barriers or lack formal education. This inclusivity extends assessment opportunities to
diverse populations, including those from marginalized or non-English-speaking
communities, thereby promoting equity in testing practices.
● Inclusivity for Individuals with Disabilities: By considering individuals with auditory
or hearing impairments, Bhatia's test ensures that assessment opportunities are accessible
to all. This aspect aligns with principles of universal design, where assessments are
designed to accommodate diverse needs and abilities, fostering an inclusive testing
environment.
●
Demerits of the test
● Formation in 1955: The fact that the test was formulated in 1955 raises concerns about
its relevance to contemporary educational and psychological practices. Over time, our
understanding of intelligence and learning has evolved, and newer assessment methods
and theories have emerged. Therefore, a test developed more than half a century ago may
not fully capture the complexities and nuances of modern cognitive assessment.
● Limited Norms: One significant drawback of Bhatia's test is its narrow range of norms,
covering only IQ scores between 69 and 131. This limited range may not adequately
accommodate individuals with intellectual disabilities or exceptionally high intelligence,
potentially leading to inaccurate or incomplete assessments for these populations.
● Restriction to Narrow Age Range: Another limitation is that the test is restricted to a
narrow range of ages. Cognitive abilities can vary significantly across different stages of
development, from childhood to adulthood. By focusing on a specific age range, Bhatia's
test may not provide a comprehensive assessment of cognitive functioning across the
lifespan, limiting its utility for developmental or longitudinal studies.
● Time-Consuming: Bhatia's performance test has been criticized for being
time-consuming to administer. The need for thorough administration and scoring
procedures may make it impractical for use in large-scale assessments or settings where
time is limited, such as schools or clinical settings. This time-consuming nature may also
contribute to fatigue or disengagement among test takers, potentially affecting the
reliability and validity of the results.
Application
Research evidence
1. Comparison of two Short Forms of the Bhatia's test of Intelligence - Department of
Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences,
Bangalore 560 029, India Shivaji Rao, - Department of Biostatistics, National
Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences, Bangalore 560 029, India
The study aims to compare the relative efficacy of two short-form approaches of Bhatia's
Performance Test of Intelligence in predicting the Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) in
psychiatric patients.
The study included 251 psychiatric patients (192 males, 59 females), a mean age of 27.84 years,
referred for psychological evaluation. Their intelligence was assessed using Bhatia's Full Scale,
retrospectively rescored based on Murthy's and Verma et al.'s methods. Modified scoring
procedures were applied, including summing scores on specific tests and adjusting time intervals,
to obtain IQ scores categorized by Wechsler's criteria.
The study found that Murthy's Short Scale (MSS) was the best predictor of intelligence, with the
highest correlation with the Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) and the most accurate
classification of patients, correctly identifying 89% of subjects. In comparison, Verma's Short
Scale (VSS) showed a lower correlation with FSIQ and less accuracy in classifying patients,
correctly identifying only 76% of subjects.
Objectives:
To assess arousal and maintenance of attention, verbal intelligence, and performance intelligence
among alcoholics.
To examine the correlation between level of education and cognitive functioning in alcoholics.
To determine the utility of inter-test discrepancy on performance intelligence for evaluating
cognitive impairment.
Results:
Level of education was positively correlated with attention span and verbal intelligence, but not
with performance intelligence.
Inter-test discrepancy on the performance intelligence test could serve as an indicator of
cognitive impairment.
Alcoholics with poorer performance intelligence scores sought medical consultation before their
mid-thirties and had earlier onset of alcoholism.
Elderly alcoholics (above 35 years) exhibited more deficiencies in abstraction.
A positive correlation was found between higher performance intelligence scores and better
adjustment to work, though not to family.
Methodology
Aim
To assess the participant’s intelligence by administering the Bhatia’s Battery of Performance Test
of Intelligence.
Plan
To administer and assess Bhatia's Battery of Performance Test of Intelligence of each sub-test
according to the instruction, to score the performance, and to convert the raw score into IQ.
Materials Required
Procedure
The participant is seated comfortably and rapport is established. This test consists of 10 cards
with 10 different designs. the first card and four cubes are placed before the participant. They are
allowed to examine the cubes, to understand that all cubes are alike with four sides having single
colours- blue, yellow, red, and white. the fifth side is painted half blue and half yellow; the sixth
side is painted with half red and half white. Demonstrate how the first design is made with the
four blocks provided. The blocks are jumbled and the test begins with the instructions. they are
given the start signal and simultaneously the experimenter will start the stop clock. The time
taken by the subject to complete the design (within the allotted 2 minutes) is noted down. the
proceeds in this manner with successive designs. the number of cubes required for each design
and the time allowed are given in the table. The test conduction should be stopped after two
consecutive failures.
Passalong Test:
The participant is seated comfortably and rapport is established. This test consists of 8 cards with
different arrangements of red and blue blocks. They are given the first design and the smallest
box. They get it clear that the red blocks are at the red end and the blue blocks are at the blue
end. The blue blocks are kept at the red end and the red ones at the blue end of the box. The
demonstration is given to show them how to bring the blocks to the correct ends. After giving the
instructions ‘start’ signal is given and the stopclock is started immediately. The time taken is
noted down. test conduction should be stopped after two consecutive failures.
The participant is seated comfortably and rapport is established. This test consists of geometrical
patterns with increasing difficulty. The first card is placed before them. they are required to
reproduce the design on the paper without lifting up the pencil or over-drawing. The ‘start’ signal
is given after instructions. The time taken is noted down and it has no limits to the number of
trials but the test conduction should be stopped after two consecutive failures.
Direct Order: The participant is seated comfortably and rapport is established and is instructed
that the experimenter reads units of 3 digits and they are required to reproduce the digits orally in
the same way. The span of digits ranges from 3-9. Each span consists of 3 units. If they fail in
any one unit, proceed to the next step. The test stops when failure is noted for two consecutive
units.
Reverse Order: The same procedure as in direct memory is followed. The difference is that the
subject will recall the read-out digits in reverse order.
The participant is seated comfortably and rapport is established. The test consists of 5 graded
subtests, each subtest is a picture with a varying number of cards which the participant has to
arrange to complete a picture. After the instructions a start signal is given, and the time taken is
noted down with the help of a stop clock.
Instructions
“All blocks are identical. Form the same design as given in the card with blocks provided. Work
as quickly as you can. Start when I give you the signal.”
Passalong test:
“Note that the blue blocks are near the red end and the red blocks are near the blue end. At the
’start’ signal bring the red blocks to the red end and blue blocks to the blue end, to form the
pattern as in the demonstrated card. You can only slide the blocks. do not lift them. work fast.
start when I ask you to start.”
“Here is a pattern. at the start signal start drawing this without lifting the pencil from the paper or
retracing. work faster. You can try any number of times.”
Direct- “I will read out a unit of 3 digits. you have to orally reproduce it in the same order,
immediately. If I say 4-3-9, you will repeat 4-3-9.”
Reverse- “I will read out a unit of 3 digits. reproduce the digits orally in reverse order. If I say
7-9-2, you will repeat it as 2-9-7.”
“At the signal of ‘start’, begin arranging these parts to arrive at a meaningful picture.”
Precautions
References
Earley, P. C., & Ang, S. (2003). "Cultural Intelligence: Individual Interactions Across Cultures."
Gardner, H. (1999). "Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century."
Das, J. P., Naglieri, J. A., & Kirby, J. R. (1994). "Assessment of Cognitive Processes: The PASS
Theory of Intelligence."
Trivedi, S., & Raghavan, R. (1989). Cognitive functioning of alcoholics and its relationship with
https://doi.org/10.1016/0376-8716(89)90031-8