What is Guilford Theory of Intelligence B.Ed Notes
Back to: Learning and Teaching – Unit 3
Guilford Theory
Joy Paul Guilford was an American psychologist born on 7 March 1987, in Marquette, Nebraska, U.S. Guilford came up with his theory of intelligence in 1956. He was interested in learning the unevenness of abilities in different domains of children. For him, Intelligence was based not only on one attribute but on various intellectual abilities.
Guilford’s Structure of Intellect Theory
Guilford’s Structure of Intellect (SOI) Model is a theory of multiple intelligences. According to Guilford, Intelligence is a mixture of multiple abilities rather than one attribute. SI theory comprises up to 150 different components of intelligence arranged along three dimensions, which are operation, content, and products.
Operations dimension
There are six operations:
Cognition
It is the ability to understand, comprehend, discover, and become aware of the information gathered.
Memory recording
It is the ability to memorize information.
Memory retention
It is the ability to recollect information.
Evaluation
It is the ability to know if the information is accurate and valid or not.
Divergent production
It is the ability to come up with several solutions to a problem.
Convergent production
It is the ability to end up with a single solution to a problem.
Products dimension
There are six products:
Units
It is a single item of information.
Class
It is a set of items sharing common attributes.
Relations
It is the items linked as opposites or in associations, sequences, or analogies.
Systems
It is multiple items interrelated to compromise structures or networks.
Transformation
Change’s perspectives, conversions, or mutations to knowledge.
Implication
Predictions, inferences, consequences, or anticipations of knowledge.
Content dimension
There are five contents:
Visual
It is the visual information perceived through the eyes.
Auditory
Information perceived by the ear
Symbolic
Information is perceived as symbols or signs that mean something else.
Semantic
Information is perceived verbally in words or sentences. It may be in written form or orally.
Behavioral
Information is perceived as acts of an individual/individuals.
Therefore, Guilford’s theory of intelligence consists of 5*5*6= 150 intellectual abilities.
