Generic intelligence refers to the overall, broad cognitive ability that an individual possesses. It's a general concept that encompasses a range of cognitive skills, including memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and learning. In an educational context for undergraduates, think of generic intelligence as the foundational mental capacity that enables you to adapt to new situations, solve diverse problems, and acquire knowledge in various domains. It's not limited to academic learning but also includes practical problem-solving and everyday reasoning. This concept suggests that some aspects of intelligence are universal and not specific to a particular skill or area of knowledge.