Ability

Ability, commonly known as intelligence, represents one of the most important sources of individual differences. Ability is the innate capacity to act and helps in the solution of a problem. Environment can develop abilities but cannot produce them within the person.

Abilities help to accumulate knowledge but those should not be confused with knowledge itself. These abilities increase efficiency in the person.

Intelligence is an important ability. A great deal of research has been done in constructing tests and techniques to assess intelligence. There are various approaches to conceptualize intelligence. Initially it was limited to cognitive or intellective domain only.

The contemporary view, such as given by Gardner, is that there are multiple intelligences and people can have intelligence in cognitive, musical, kinesthetic (bodily) interpersonal and other areas.