Scott Barry Kaufman Explained

Scott Barry Kaufman
Birth Place:	Penn Wynne, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Nationality:	American
Field:	Humanistic psychology Positive psychology Cognitive science Educational psychology
Website:	http://www.scottbarrykaufman.com

Scott Barry Kaufman is an American cognitive scientist, author, podcaster, coach, and popular science writer. His writing and research focuses on intelligence, creativity, and human potential. Most media attention has focused on Kaufman's attempt to redefine intelligence.^{[1] [2] [3]} Kaufman is founder and director of the Center for Human Potential and has taught courses at Columbia, NYU, the University of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere.

Education

Kaufman received his B.S. from Carnegie Mellon University, where he double majored in psychology and human-computer interaction, and where he was Herbert A. Simon's last research assistant and a student of Randy Pausch.^[4] In 2005, he received his M.Phil. from King's College, Cambridge under a Gates Scholarship, where he worked with Nicholas Mackintosh.^[5] After Cambridge, Kaufman earned his Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Yale University where he was mentored by Robert Sternberg, Jeremy R. Gray, and Jerome L. Singer.^[6] From 2009-2010, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the Center Leo Apostel for Interdisciplinary Studies.^[7]

Research

The dual-process theory of human intelligence

Most theories of human intelligence and tests of intelligence emphasize controlled and deliberate reasoning as the hallmark of human intelligence. While agreeing that such thought processes are an important component of intelligence, Kaufman argues that spontaneous forms of thinking such as insight, imaginative play, daydreaming, implicit learning, and a reduced latent inhibition are also important contributors to a wide range of intelligent behaviors as well as creativity.^{[8] [9]} Integrating modern dual-process theories of cognition with research on human intelligence, Kaufman proposed the dual-process theory of human intelligence.^{[10] [11] [12] [13]}

The theory emphasizes the importance of adaptation to task demands as the essence of intelligent functioning. At the same time, the theory takes into account an individual's personal goals and accommodates a wide range of intelligent behaviors in a wide range of fields, from the arts to the sciences. A key assumption of the theory is that abilities are not static entities but are constantly changing throughout the life span as the person continually engages with controlled and spontaneous modes of thought. In Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined, Kaufman expanded his dual-process theory to make the point that his theory is also fundamentally developmental, because it views intelligence as the dynamic interplay of engagement and ability over time in the pursuit of personal goals. ^[14]

Light triad

Influenced by the dark triad theory of antisocial personalities, Kaufman is researching a proposed "light triad" of personality virtues: humanism, Kantianism, and faith in humanity.^[15]

Narcissism

Kaufman has also been involved in research examining grandiose and vulnerable subtypes of narcissism.^{[16] [17]}

Tragic optimism

The concept of "tragic optimism" in the phrase coined by the existential-humanistic psychologist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl, has been suggested by Kaufman as a healthy antidote to toxic positivity.^[18]

Bibliography

Books

• Choose Growth: A Workbook for Transcending Trauma, Fear, and Self-Doubt (2022) New York, NY: TarcherPerigee. (ISBN 0-593-53863-3)
• Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization (2020) New York, NY: TarcherPerigee.
• Twice Exceptional: Supporting and Educating Bright and Creative Students with Learning Difficulties (2018) New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
• Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind (with Carolyn Gregoire) (2015) New York, NY: TarcherPerigee.
• The Philosophy of Creativity (with Elliot Samuel Paul) (2014). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
• The Complexity of Greatness: Beyond Talent or Practice (2013) New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
• Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined (2013). New York, NY: Basic Books.
• Mating Intelligence Unleashed: The Role of the Mind in Sex, Dating, and Love (with Glenn Geher) (2013). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
• The Cambridge Handbook of Intelligence (with Robert J. Sternberg) (2011). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
• The Psychology of Creative Writing (with James C. Kaufman) (2009). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

External links

• Personal website

Notes and References

1. http://blogs.hbr.org/ideacast/2013/06/why-we-need-to-redefine-intell.html Why We Need to Redefine Intelligence
2. http://www.wnyc.org/shows/lopate/2013/jun/13/redefining-intelligence/ Redefining Intelligence
3. http://www.fastcocreate.com/1683207/beyond-iq-5-ways-to-reframe-success-and-smarts Beyond IQ: 5 Ways to Reframe Success and Smarts
4. Web site: Scott Kaufman BHCI Alumni Class of 2003 .
5. Web site: Scott Kaufman Gates Cambridge Alumni .
6. Web site: Yale Psychology Dept. Ph.D. Graduates Department of Psychology .
7. Web site: People CLEA .
8. http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201402/dreams-glory Dreams of Glory
9. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/beautiful-minds/201102/why-daydreamers-are-more-creative Why Daydreamers Are More Creative
10. Kaufman, S. B. (2009). Beyond general intelligence: The dual-process theory of human intelligence (Unpublished Ph.D. dissertation). Yale University, New Haven, CT.
11. Kaufman, S.B. (2011). Intelligence and the cognitive unconscious. In R.J. Sternberg & S.B. Kaufman (Eds.), The Cambridge Handbook of Intelligence (pp. 442-467). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
12. Kaufman, J.C., Kaufman, S.B., & Plucker, J.A. (2013). Contemporary theories of intelligence. In J. Reisberg (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Cognitive Psychology (pp. 811-822). New York, NY: Oxford University Press
13. http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201104/6-clues-character 6 Clues to Character
14. http://www.creativitypost.com/psychology/book_review_ungifted_intelligence_redefined Book Review - Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined
15. News: Oakes . Kelly . The 'light triad' that can make you a good person . 29 June 2019 . . en.
16. Web site: Ellwood . Beth . 2022-04-12 . Narcissism study sheds new light on the relationship between grandiose and vulnerable subtypes . 2023-04-05 . PsyPost . en-US.
17. Kaufman . Scott Barry . Weiss . Brandon . Miller . Joshua D. . Campbell . W. Keith . February 2020 . Clinical Correlates of Vulnerable and Grandiose Narcissism: A Personality Perspective . Journal of Personality Disorders . en . 34 . 1 . 107–130 . 10.1521/pedi_2018_32_384 . 30179576 . 52154467 . 0885-579X. free .
18. Web site: Kaufman . Scott Barry . 2021-08-18 . The Opposite of Toxic Positivity . 2023-01-06 . The Atlantic . en.