The theory of fluid vs. crystallized intelligence was first proposed by psychologistRaymond Cattelwith his student John Horn.
The theory suggests thatintelligencecomprises different abilities that interact and work together to produce overall individual intelligence.
Some people say that intelligence starts to decline as people age.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Fluid intelligence involves being able to think and reason abstractly and solve problems.
This ability is considered independent of learning, experience, and education.
Fluid intelligence examples include:
Fluid intelligence tends to decline during late adulthood.
Certain cognitive skills associated with fluid intelligence also tend to decline as people reach later adulthood.
Crystallized Intelligence
Crystallized intelligence involves knowledge that comes from prior learning and past experiences.
Crystallized intelligence is based upon facts and rooted in experiences.
As we age and accumulate new knowledge and understanding, crystallized intelligence becomes stronger.
Crystallized intelligence examples include:
So, what can you do to increase your crystallized intelligence?
Differences Between Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence
Fluid and crystallized intelligence are very important but serve different purposes.
Think of them a bit like two sides of the same coin.
It is often referred to as g-factor or IQ.
Despite its name, crystallized intelligence is not a form of fluid intelligence that has become “crystallized.”
Instead, the two facets of general intelligence are considered separate and distinct.
Young people may think more quickly, but older people have a larger bank of general knowledge.
Many of these tests are also thought to be affected by various biases that impact their results.
However, a number of tests are often used to measure both fluid and crystallized intelligence.
It involves using brain training, also known as cognitive training, to help sharpen your skills.
The more accumulated knowledge you have, the more crystallized intelligence you will possess.
How Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence Work Together
Which pop in of intelligence is more important?
The reality is that both types of intelligence are equally important in everyday life.
At the same time, you must also employ crystallized intelligence to recall the exact formulas you better use.
Though each is a distinct punch in of intelligence, fluid and crystallized intelligence are intertwined.
This doesn’t mean the same techniques can’t be applied to your own life.
The principles are the same.
Seek out new challenges.
Gains in intelligence don’t come from sticking to the same old routines.
Keep exploring new things in life and keep learning new things.
Tackle learning a new language.
Visit a new country and learn about the people and culture.
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