Reading Passage Question
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 intelligence 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.
“Until recently, nearly everyone thought of intelligence as a single entity that could be measured by a simple IQ test.”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.
This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 6 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.
Solution and Explanation
- The author mentions the correlation between IQ and reaction time in order to
(A) provide justification for Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences
(B) explain the triarchic model of intelligence proposed by Robert Sternberg
(C) introduce the idea of positive manifold
(D) point out one argument in support of general intelligence
(E) prove that the single intelligence model is superior to the theory of multiple intelligences
Answer: D
Explanation: The passage mentions a relationship between IQ and reaction time. This was in support of general intelligence in living beings. Hence, the option D is the correct answer.
- It can be inferred from the passage that
(A) the theory of multiple intelligences is more prominent than the single intelligence model
(B) the traditional view of intelligence has been challenged in recent years
(C) there is no biological evidence for Sternberg’s model
(D) street children in Brazil would not do well on standard IQ tests
(E) the theory of multiple intelligences has been adopted by some school teachers
Answer: B
Explanation: As per the first paragraph of the passage, “Until recently, nearly all researchers thought of intelligence as a single entity.” When Howard Gardner introduced a theory of multiple intelligences in 1983, this traditional thought was challenged. Hence, option B which says that traditional views have been challenged is the correct answer..
- According to the passage, the term “positive manifold” can be most closely identified with which of the following?
(A) The correlation between IQ and reaction time
(B) The observation that individuals with speech impairment are able to demonstrate other forms of intelligence
(C) The relationship between IQ and performance on standardized tests
(D) The three intelligences proposed by Dr. Robert Sternberg
(E) Neural processing speed
Answer: E
Explanation: As per the passage, that neural processing speed is equivalent to the one general intelligence. This supports E. The term “positive manifold” can be most closely identified with neural processing speed. Hence, E is the correct answer.
- 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.
Answer: C
Explanation: As per the passage, we see that Gardner’s theory was supported primarily by biological evidence. However, Sternberg’s model relied on observations of real-life situations. We can infer that biological evidence would only strengthen his observation. He would have both biological and real life situations to come to a conclusion.
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