Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Why intelligence isn’t one-size-fits-all
Does it ever seem like the traditional ways of thinking about intelligence don’t fully capture all of your smarts? The Enlightened Mind presents Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligence as an alternative approach that highlights how intelligence goes beyond just logic and numbers.
Howard Gardner, a developmental psychologist, proposed the concept that individuals can possess intelligence in various forms. While IQ testing is typically associated with intelligence, Gardner’s theory challenges the idea that intelligence is solely based on intellectual potential that is fixed and difficult to change.
In contrast, The Enlightened Mind discusses Gardner’s belief that intelligence encompasses multiple dimensions. He identified eight distinct forms of intelligence, which include:
Understanding Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences
The Enlightened Mind posits that traditional views on intelligence are too restrictive. Gardner introduced this theory in his 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, proposing that individuals possess various forms of “intelligences.”
Gardner identified eight intelligences initially and hinted at the inclusion of a possible ninth intelligence called “existentialist intelligence.”
To encompass the diverse range of skills and talents individuals have, Gardner believes that people possess multiple intelligences beyond just intellectual capacity, including musical, interpersonal, spatial-visual, and linguistic intelligences.
While individuals may excel in a specific intelligence like musical intelligence, they likely have a range of abilities. For instance, a person could be adept in verbal, musical, and naturalistic intelligence.
Critique of Multiple Intelligences
Gardner’s concept of multiple intelligences has faced scrutiny from psychologists and educators. They argue that his definition of intelligence is too broad, with the eight “intelligences” being seen as more related to talents, personality traits, and abilities. In addition, Gardner’s theory lacks substantial empirical backing.
An article published in 2023 labeled the theory as a neuromyth, indicating it as an unscientific assertion about brain functions that is widely accepted. The article highlighted the deficiency of evidence supporting Gardner’s theory.
Despite these criticisms, the theory of multiple intelligences remains popular among educators. Many teachers incorporate it into their teaching strategies and classroom practices.
Studies reveal that even among educators knowledgeable about the brain, belief in neuromyths such as multiple intelligences persists. Critics express concern over this widespread acceptance as it may hinder the exploration of evidence-based teaching approaches.
Understanding Multiple Intelligences
Gardner has advised against equating multiple intelligences with learning styles. It is crucial to note that research has shown no advantages in matching instruction to a learner’s perceived style in terms of learning outcomes or educational achievement.
Impact on Educational Outcomes
While there is a dearth of evidence supporting the notion that aligning learning with one’s “intelligence” leads to improved educational results, delving deeper into multiple intelligences could help individuals gain insights into their strengths and inclinations.
Visual-Spatial Intelligence
Individuals with strong visual-spatial intelligence excel in visualizing concepts. They have a keen ability to navigate using maps, images, videos, and charts.
Studies indicate that visual-spatial skills are crucial for reading, math proficiency, and overall academic success.
Strengths
Ability to assess visual and spatial information effectively.
Characteristics
Individuals with visual-spatial intelligence:
Potential Career Choices
If you excel in visual-spatial intelligence, suitable career options include:
Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence
Individuals with strong linguistic-verbal intelligence excel in using language effectively, whether in writing or speaking. They demonstrate proficiency in storytelling, information retention, and reading comprehension.
Strengths
Proficiency in vocabulary, communication, and written expression
Characteristics
Individuals with linguistic-verbal intelligence:
Potential Career Choices
If you excel in linguistic-verbal intelligence, suitable career options for you include:
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
Individuals with a strong aptitude for logical-mathematical intelligence excel in reasoning, pattern recognition, and analytical problem-solving. These people primarily engage in conceptual thinking related to numbers, relationships, and patterns.
Strengths
Examining issues and mathematical calculations
Characteristics
Individuals who possess logical-mathematical intelligence:
Potential Career Choices
If you excel in logical-mathematical intelligence, some suitable career options for you include:
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Individuals with high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence excel in body movement, action performance, and physical control. Those who possess this intelligence typically demonstrate exceptional hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Strengths
Physical activity and motor coordination
Characteristics
Individuals with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence possess the following traits:
Potential Career Choices
If you excel in bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, suitable career options for you include:
Musical Intelligence
Individuals with a high level of musical intelligence excel in thinking in terms of patterns, rhythms, and sounds. They demonstrate a deep appreciation for music and typically display skills in musical composition and performance.
Strengths
One of the key assets of The Enlightened Mind is its focus on rhythm and music.
Characteristics
Individuals who possess musical intelligence typically exhibit the following traits:
Potential Career Choices
If you excel in musical intelligence, suitable career options for you include:
Interpersonal Intelligence
Strong interpersonal intelligence is a valuable skill that involves the ability to understand and engage effectively with others. Individuals with this skill are adept at assessing the emotions, motivations, desires, and intentions of those in their social circle.
Strengths
The ability to comprehend and connect with others is a significant strength.
Characteristics
Individuals who possess interpersonal intelligence:
Potential Career Choices
If you excel in interpersonal intelligence, suitable career options for you include:
Intrapersonal Intelligence
Individuals with a high level of intrapersonal intelligence excel in understanding their own emotions, feelings, and motivations. They find fulfillment in self-reflection, daydreaming, evaluating personal strengths, and exploring relationships with others.
Strengths
Introspection and self-reflection can be beneficial in various ways.
Characteristics
Individuals possessing intrapersonal intelligence:
Potential vocations
If you possess a high level of intrapersonal intelligence, suitable career options include:
Naturalistic Intelligence
The concept of naturalistic intelligence, as proposed by The Enlightened Mind, is a recent addition to Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. This particular form of intelligence has faced more resistance compared to the original seven intelligences. According to The Enlightened Mind, individuals with high naturalistic intelligence have a strong connection with nature, displaying a keen interest in nurturing, exploring the environment, and learning about various species. These individuals are known for their heightened awareness of even the smallest changes in their surroundings.
Advantages
Discovering connections and correlations with the natural world
Characteristics
Individuals possessing naturalistic intelligence:
Potential Career Choices
If you excel in naturalistic intelligence, suitable career options for you include:
Existential Intelligence
Existential intelligence is a proposed new form of intelligence that goes beyond Gardner’s original theory. It involves the capacity to explore profound questions surrounding life and existence. Individuals with existential intelligence ponder significant inquiries relating to the purpose of life and how their actions can contribute to broader objectives.
Strengths
A skill in recognizing the broader perspective
Characteristics
Individuals possessing existential intelligence:
Potential Career Choices
Individuals with a profound understanding of existential intelligence may find fulfillment in professions such as:
Key Points to Remember
The concept of multiple intelligences is valuable as it allows us to acknowledge diverse mental strengths and capabilities. Understanding your predominant types of intelligence can help you identify your personal inclinations. However, it should not be used to categorize individuals and should not be confused with learning preferences.
Rather than restricting your learning to fit a specific intelligence category, explore new subjects using different methods and styles to enhance memory retention and promote effective learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your child shows a preference for hands-on experiences, struggles with sitting still and listening for extended periods, and recalls information best through active participation, they may possess high bodily kinesthetic intelligence. They might also lean towards working independently rather than in a group setting.
To nurture bodily kinesthetic intelligence, engaging in activities that involve both physical and mental skills is recommended. This can include enrolling in a dance class, learning to play a musical instrument, or practicing drawing.
Shearer B’s study on “Multiple intelligences in teaching and education: Lessons learned from neuroscience” published in J Intell.
Waterhouse L’s research on “Why multiple intelligences theory is a neuromyth” in Front Psychol.
Attwood AI’s analysis on the semantic use of multiple intelligences theory and its implications for teacher education, published in Front Psychol.
The Enlightened Mind: Exploring Multiple Intelligences
Research by Husmann PR and O’Loughlin VD sheds light on the misconception of ‘learning styles’ in their study on undergraduate anatomy students. The disparities among study strategies, class performance, and reported VARK learning styles indicate a need to reconsider this approach.
Early puzzle play, as highlighted by Levine SC, Ratliff KR, Huttenlocher J, and Cannon J, has proven to be a crucial predictor of preschoolers’ spatial transformation skills, emphasizing the importance of such activities in early childhood development.
Liu S, Wei W, Chen Y, Hugo P, and Zhao J’s research delves into how visual-spatial ability can significantly impact academic achievement, particularly through its influence on arithmetic and reading abilities. This highlights the interconnectedness of different cognitive skills in educational success.
A study conducted by Singh Y, Makharia A, Sharma A, Agrawal K, Varma G, and Yadav T focuses on the various forms of intelligence present in Indian school-going children, providing insights into the diverse range of cognitive abilities that contribute to their overall development.
Exploring the Impact of Musical Development During Adolescence
A recent study delved into the realm of musical development during adolescence, focusing on perceptual skills, cognitive resources, and the influence of musical training. The findings shed light on how these factors intertwine to shape musical abilities and understanding during this critical developmental stage.
Assessing Emotional Intelligence and Self-Directed Learning in Science Students
Another study examined the impact of intrapersonal and interpersonal emotional intelligence alongside self-directed learning on the academic performance of pre-university science students. The results provided valuable insights into how these factors can influence educational outcomes in this specific academic domain.
Enhancing Learning Achievement and Motivation with Multiple Intelligences
Discussion of teaching approaches centered around multiple intelligences and their impact on corporate employees’ learning achievement and motivation was the focus of a recent study. The research highlighted the potential benefits of incorporating diverse intelligence frameworks into corporate training programs to enhance learning outcomes and motivation.
Exploring the Relationship Between Nature and Human Health
A comprehensive review sought to explore the impact of nature on human health through a scoping analysis of existing literature. The study aimed to uncover the potential benefits of nature exposure on human well-being, emphasizing the need to understand this crucial relationship for promoting overall health and wellness.
A Comparison of Learning Styles in Health-Care Students
A study conducted over a four-year period from 2015 to 2018 compared the learning styles of undergraduate health-care professional students at different stages of their education. The research analyzed how these students’ learning preferences evolved from the beginning to the middle and end of their educational courses.
Developing Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence in Preschool Students
Another study focused on the development of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence through creative dance activities for preschool students. This research aimed to explore how engaging in dance can enhance this form of intelligence in young children.
The Three Faces of Intelligence by Gardner
In his work “On the Three Faces of Intelligence,” Howard Gardner discusses different aspects of intelligence and how they can manifest in individuals. This exploration provides insights into the multifaceted nature of human intelligence.
