What is meant by "intelligence" in a psychological context?

In psychology, "intelligence" is often defined as the mental quality that enables individuals to learn from experience, adapt to new situations, understand complex concepts, and use knowledge to manipulate their environment effectively. This definition encompasses a range of cognitive abilities, including reasoning, problem-solving, and abstract thinking, all of which are crucial for making adjustments to one’s environment based on past experiences and new information.

The concept of intelligence is broad and goes beyond simple cognitive tasks; it relates to a person’s capacity to learn and apply knowledge practically. This ability is not just about retaining facts or following instructions but involves critical thinking and adaptability. Thus, defining intelligence as the mental quality for learning and adapting captures a holistic view of cognitive ability, which includes both the acquisition of knowledge and the application of that knowledge in varied contexts.

In contrast, the other options focus on narrower aspects of cognitive ability. Following instructions pertains more to compliance and task execution rather than overall intelligence. Conversational skills are a component of social intelligence but don’t encompass the broader cognitive abilities associated with intelligence as a whole. Memory retention, while important, is just one facet of intelligence and does not capture the dynamic aspects of learning and adaptation.