intelligence

Best of “Higher Ed:” What Does “Smart” Really Mean?

What do you think of when someone is described as “smart?” They know a lot of things. Maybe they got good grades in school. Or maybe they always use correct grammar. But what does it actually mean to be smart? In this “Best of” episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss the deeper meaning of the word “smart.” Being “smart” and being “intelligent” – are those the same thing? Are there different ways of being smart (think “street smarts” vs. “book smarts”)? Listen on to hear Ed and Jen unpack the definition of “smart” and examine what it does and does not mean.

This episode was recorded on August 10, 2016 and originally posted on October 9, 2016.

Higher Ed: What Does “Smart” Really Mean?

What do you think of when someone is described as “smart?” They know a lot of things. Maybe they got high grades in school. Or maybe they always use correct grammar. But what does it actually mean to be “smart?” In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger discuss the deeper meaning of the word “smart.” Being “smart” and being “intelligent” – are those the same thing? Are there different ways of being “smart” (think “street smarts” vs. “book smarts”)? Listen to Ed and Jen unpack the definition of “smart” and examine what it does and does not mean. Did the latest puzzler about pieces of a cube leave you feeling less than smart? Listen on to find out the solution.

This episode was recorded on August 10, 2016.

I.Q. Tests (Rebroadcast)

We value brains. We hold test scores in high esteem. We spend money and hours on brain training games and ginseng. But what does intelligence really mean? How do we define and gauge actual smarts? Does a high IQ predict success?

In this episode of Two Guys on Your Head, Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke talk about the history and development of intelligence tests; as well as what these tests can actually tell us about one’s ability to achieve.

It turns out that intelligence can be a dangerous label when thinking about the ongoing, dynamic, interconnected process that is our brain. Once we label something as intelligent we ignore that a lot goes into how we create, solve problems and overcome obstacles.

So next time you’re tempted (or forced) to take an intelligence test, don’t stress, they don’t tell the whole story of what you’re capable of.

Defining Intelligence

How intelligence tests were developed and why, and what they do and don’t tell us about our ability to achieve success, in this edition of Two Guys on Your Head, with Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke.