Intelligence
Raymond Cattell developed the theory of fluid and crystallized intelligence in the 1940s. Fluid intelligence is related to the ability to think and act quickly, solve complex problems and deal with situations requiring an innovative or hitherto unknown (to the individual) approach. Crystallized intelligence is developed by learning stuff and is more about memorizing existing knowledge.
Research suggests that fluid intelligence for humans has been increasing from one generation to another (Flynn Effect). But what about crystallized intelligence? In an age when knowledge rests not inside the human brain, but on smartphones and computers and cloud, its hard to believe that the current generation can remember (know) more than the older generations. But that’s just me thinking aloud and I have not come across any scientific studies done in the last fifteen years to back the idea of declining/rising crystallized intelligence. Youtube is full of videos highlighting shocking ignorance of the “youth” with respect to very common topics- president’s name, neighboring countries, independence/republic days (India), Hindi alphabets (for North Indian Hindi speakers), national anthem, and so on and so forth.
Today, practical intelligence is in knowing where to find answers rather than in knowing specific answers. With increasing reliance on technology, the motivation to know is more important that actually knowing. Its okay to not know the exact details of an internal combustion engine as long as the individual knows that Wikipedia or some other website has the details. This calls for a change in our examination systems which still largely check the ability to memorize and promote learning by rote. It would also be interesting to know the impact of technology reliance and outsourcing of knowledge on the individuals’ critical thinking ability and specialization over a subject. And artificial intelligence....?










