A particular school is making an effort to encourage cooperative behaviour among students. In this, emphasis is being given on enhancing the ability to process emotional information accurately and efficiently. Identify the kind of intelligence the school is encouraging:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Emotional intelligence
Option (1) Componential intelligence — Incorrect. In Sternberg’s theory, componential or analytical intelligence is the analysis of information to solve problems. It is about thinking critically, not about handling emotions.
Option (2) Technological intelligence — Incorrect. Technological intelligence is the type of behaviour that technologically advanced societies promote through their child rearing: skills of attention, observation, analysis, performance, speed and achievement orientation. These are skills of reasoning and speed, not of handling emotions, which is what the school is trying to build.
Option (3) Emotional intelligence — Correct. In simple terms, emotional intelligence refers to the ability to process emotional information accurately and efficiently. It is the feeling side of intelligence, a set of skills that underlie accurate appraisal, expression and regulation of emotions. Students high on it understand their own and others’ feelings, which helps them to cooperate.
Option (4) Contextual intelligence — Incorrect. Contextual or practical intelligence is the ability to deal with environmental demands encountered on a daily basis, often called ‘street smartness’. It is not about processing emotions.
NCERT (2025-26): “Emotional Intelligence … Emotional intelligence is a set of skills that underlie accurate appraisal, expression, and regulation of emotions. It is the feeling side of intelligence.…” “Emotional Intelligence … In simple terms, emotional intelligence refers to the ability to process emotional information accurately and efficiently.…” “Culture and Intelligence … Technologically advanced societies adopt child rearing practices that foster skills of generalisation and abstraction, speed, minimal moves, and mental manipulation among children. These societies promote a type of behaviour, which can be called technological intelligence. In these societies, persons are well-versed in skills of attention, observation, analysis, performance, speed, and achievement orientation.…” |