Independent personality and its relationship to practical (contextual) intelligence among academically gifted students

Abstract

Abstract:

 This research aimed to identify independent personality and contextual intelligence of academically gifted students, considering the variables of gender (male-female) and grade level. It also sought to determine the relationship between independent personality and contextual intelligence among these students.The researcher employed a descriptive (correlational) methodology and randomly selected a sample of 150 male and female students from gifted schools in Baghdad's Al-Rusafa II district. Two scales were developed: one for independent personality based on self-determination theory, and another for contextual intelligence based on Robert Sternberg's theory of three intelligences. The final scales consisted of 30 items and five alternatives. After data collection and psychometric analysis of the scales, the results showed the following:

1. Academically high-achieving students possess an average level of autonomy, tending towards higher levels. However, this level does not reach statistical significance, indicating that academic excellence is not necessarily linked to a high level of personal independence.
2. There are no statistically significant differences in autonomy attributable to gender, suggesting that this trait is influenced more by shared educational and environmental factors than by gender differences.
3. The grade level variable does not show a significant effect on autonomy or contextual intelligence, despite an upward trend in the averages. This indicates that the development of autonomy and contextual intelligence depends not only on academic progress but also on the quality of educational experiences.
4. High-achieving students possess an average level of contextual intelligence, which is not statistically significant. This reflects the educational system's focus on theoretical rather than practical aspects.
5. There are statistically significant differences in contextual intelligence favoring males, which may reflect the influence of social and cultural factors in providing opportunities to acquire life experiences.
6. There is a strong positive correlation between independent personality and contextual intelligence, indicating that developing independence contributes to enhancing the ability to deal with real-life situations.

In light of these findings, the researcher presented a number of recommendations and suggestions.