The measure of the human intelligence

(copied it from my course notes about intelligence under psychological assessment & psychopathology)

 There is a common belief that human intelligence is something that can be
defined, measured, and neatly described with a number.
 To find this holy number, the educational gods (testing services, publishers,
schools, and the like), have declared that humans shall take a standardized test,
after which, the number of test errors shall be subtracted from the total number
possible and a score given unto them. Thus sayith the gods.
 This score is then compared to the scores of a large group of humans who are of
the same age. These humans are ranked according to where their scores fall
within this same-age group.
 They are then given a percentile ranking that shows how many same-age
humans scored above and below them. Finally, numbers are assigned to each
percentile rank and this number is said to indicate intelligence (Walters &
Gardner, 1985).

Those humans who have bigger numbers are thought to have more of it. They are
the chosen ones, the sheep. Those humans who have smaller numbers are thought
to have less of it. These are the unsaved, the goats. This sacred number, this very
holy entity is called intelligence quotient or IQ.
 From this perspective high atop a mountain, intelligence is a twodimensional
entity, existing on a paper plane with only height and width. In this
numerated, two-dimensional world, small-numbered students are put in slower
lines, but then we wonder why they don't progress as fast. High-numbered students
are put in a faster line and allowed entrance into special programs and fine highnumbered
schools.
 These high-numbered students come out of these high-numbered schools and
become high-numbered people, except now their numbers have to do with bank
accounts, investment portfolios, and other such things. These high-numbered
people mate and have high-numbered children, and the circle of life continues.

Andrew P. Johnson, Ph.D.
Professor, Holistic Education
Department of Educational Studies: Special Populations
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001

http://blogs.psychcentral.com/positive-psychology/2011/04/7-factors-that-predict-positive-aging/

7 Factors that Predict Positive Aging

By Joe Wilner

The increasing number of older adults will be staggering over the next two decades. In order to have positive well-being, it is paramount that “baby-boomers,” as well as future generations, consider the consequences of their lifestyle on mental and physical health.

This means having a healthy dose of positive emotions, the absence of physical disability, and general life-satisfaction as the people reach the second half of their life.

What can people do then to support their positive aging?

There are large individual differences in physical and cognitive functioning of older adults. Negative stereotypes about aging may lead older adults to negatively interpret the natural changes that accompany aging and develop limiting expectations.

Though, older adults who engage in regular physical and mental activity, as well as having a positive attitude, improve the odds of successful aging. They tend to be healthier and live longer than adults who are sedentary and don’t stimulate themselves intellectually.

Research has also revealed seven factors that predict positive aging.

Not being a smoker or stopping smoking young

If research and conventional knowledge has revealed anything, it’s that smoking ultimately has negative long term consequences. In a research review by George E. Valliant, the single most predictive factor for healthy physical aging is heavy smoking before age 50. By stopping smoking by age 45 there is no significantly apparent effects seen by age 70 or 80.

Adaptive coping style

The ability to deal with challenges when they arise and find value in the hardships of life is a major factor in healthy aging. To have positive mental health it is essential to respond to stress in a proactive and nourishing manner, as opposed to a damaging and toxic manner, such as addictive behaviors.

Absence of alcohol abuse

When it comes to physical and mental illness there is a strong relationships with alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is a major cause of relationship, work, and general health problems. By removing alcohol and other substance abuse healthy aging is much more likely.

Healthy weight

Having a normal body mass index (BMI), which is the approximation of normal body fat based on someone’s height and weight, is another factor in healthy aging. Not being significantly overweight provides the means to have greater independence and mobility in aging, as well as preventing the major health issues that come with obesity, such as stroke, coronary artery disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Stable marriage

Relationships are a vital part of emotional health. Relationships offer us support, joy, and recreation. When people have stable relationships without divorce, separation, and serious conflict it offers a greater chance of enduring happiness and satisfaction.

Exercise

With all the other notions previously discussed about physical and mental health, incorporating physical exercise is an important factor to bring everything together. Having at least 30 minutes of exercise 3-4 days a week can really improve mental and physical health.

Years of education

Overall years of education have been shown to relate to knowledge of self-care, perseverance, and future orientation. Having a focus on future health and well-being is important in taking a proactive approach to positive aging. More education relates to healthy habits and behavior that improve physical health, and a general knowledge that can translate into increased awareness of how we relate to others.

There are many other factors involved with positive aging, though working to keep an active and engaging lifestyle is the major routine to continue or reach. The assumption that getting older is dismal and humdrum doesn’t apply as long as we take our lives into our own hands and take effort to better ourselves and make personal growth a life-long mission.

Reference

Linley, P. A., & Joseph, S. (2004). Positive Psychology in Practice. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

I see you- Avatar

Walking through a dream, I see you
My light and darkness breathing hope of new life
Now I live through you and you through me, enchanted
I pray in my heart that this dream never ends

I see me through your eyes
Breathing new life, flying high
Your love shines the way into paradise
So I offer my life as a sacrifice
I live through your love

You teach me how to see all thats beautiful
My senses touch your world
I never pictured
Now I give my hope to you, I surrender
I pray in my heart that this world never ends

I see me through your eyes
Breathing new life, flying high
Your love shines the way into paradise
So I offer my life
I offer my love for you

And my heart was never open
And my spirit never free
To the world that you have shown me
But my eyes could not envision
All the colours of love and of life evermore,
Evermore

I see me through your eyes
Breathing new life, flying high
Your love shines the way into paradise
So I offer my life as a sacrifice
I live through your love
I live through your life

I see you