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Beautiful Minds

Insights into intelligence, creativity, personality, and well-being

Intelligence
"Brainy" Is What "Brainy" Does

Scott Barry Kaufman on April 19, 2012

In his recent article "How Brainy Is Your Major", my good friend Jonathan Wai defines "brainy" and "smart" as doing well on a standardized test. I beg to differ.

In his recent article "How Brainy Is Your Major", my good friend Jonathan Wai defines "brainy" and "smart" as doing well on a standardized test. I beg to differ.

Intelligence
Can 'Genius' Be Detected in Infancy?

Scott Barry Kaufman on April 14, 2012

Heidi Hankins is all over the news for scoring a MENSA-level IQ at age four. Can high intelligence really be detected in infancy?

Heidi Hankins is all over the news for scoring a MENSA-level IQ at age four. Can high intelligence really be detected in infancy?

Personality
Personality Influences on Cognitive Training

Scott Barry Kaufman on March 19, 2012

A new study suggests that the outcomes of working memory training depend heavily on personality—particularly neuroticism and conscientiousness.

A new study suggests that the outcomes of working memory training depend heavily on personality—particularly neuroticism and conscientiousness.

Play
The Need for Pretend Play in Child Development

Scott Barry Kaufman on March 6, 2012

Over the last 75 years, a number of theorists and researchers have identified the values of imaginative play as a vital component to the normal development of a child.

Over the last 75 years, a number of theorists and researchers have identified the values of imaginative play as a vital component to the normal development of a child.

Intelligence
Who Is Currently Identified as Gifted in the United States?

Scott Barry Kaufman on January 4, 2012

A recent national survey of state policies and practices reveals how the United States defines giftedness, identifies giftedness, and accommodates gifted minority students.

A recent national survey of state policies and practices reveals how the United States defines giftedness, identifies giftedness, and accommodates gifted minority students.