Concurrents – Environmental Psychology: Intelligent and Rational
On September 16, David Hambrick and Alexander Burgoyne wrote about rationality and intelligence in The New York Times (“The Difference Between Rationality and Intelligence”). Their article makes it clear why it can be so challenging to be a designer – developing the best options for new spaces and objects requires that someone be both intelligent and rational. Messrs. Hambrick and Burgoyne distinguish between rationality and intelligence like this: “If an I.Q. test measures something like raw intellectual horsepower (abstract reasoning and verbal ability), a test of R.Q. [rationality quotient] would measure the propensity for reflective thought – stepping back from your own thinking and correcting its faulty tendencies. There is also now evidence that rationality, unlike intelligence, can be improved through training.” The training helps people overcome their decision-making biases. As professionals working to understand the needs and aspirations of others, designers need the intelligence to collect needed information, what …
Log in to Continue Reading
